Simple Japanese Diet Prevents Atherosclerosis

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a buildup of fat in the liver. It is common in people who are overweight or obese and is linked to diet. If the condition develops into cirrhosis, it can lead to liver failure and other life-threatening complications.

A new study notes that eating foods common in Japan, such as rice, miso soup and soy products, may slow the progression of the disease.

Soy products provide a healthy source of protein. Photo: Islandhealth

According toExpress, the authors followed the diet and disease progression of 136 people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease treated at Osaka Metropolitan University Hospital in Japan.

Each individual's diet was scored based on adherence to the 12-component Japanese Dietary Index (mJDI12). A high mJDII12 score was associated with slower liver fibrosis.

The 12 food groups in the Japanese diet are rice, miso soup, pickles, soy products, green and yellow vegetables, fruits, seafood, mushrooms, seaweed, green tea, coffee, beef/pork.

The three foods shown to have the most significant inhibitory effects on liver fibrosis are soybeans, seafood, and seaweed.

Scientists also looked at the effect of the diet on muscle mass. They found that people who ate more soy products had greater muscle mass along with a lower rate of progression of liver fibrosis. The study was published in MDPI.

Symptoms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

The disease often has no specific symptoms in the early stages. Some symptoms of the patient are enlarged liver, fatigue, and pain in the upper right abdomen.

The most effective way to diagnose is a blood test to assess liver function. From there, the doctor can determine if there is any liver abnormality. "But blood tests do not always detect the disease. Your doctor may order an abdominal ultrasound," the UK National Health Service said.

In more severe stages such as cirrhosis, there will be obvious symptoms such as jaundice and eyes, dilated blood vessels under the skin, ascites, nausea, enlarged spleen, and red palms.

Healthy lifestyle choices can help people with fatty liver. This includes a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, proteins and carbohydrates, and is low in fat, sugar and salt.

You should also exercise regularly, at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, such as walking, each week. Stopping smoking, cutting down or stopping drinking alcohol, and losing weight if you are overweight can also help.