Dietitian for Fatty Liver Disease

Our team of registered dietitians and nutritionists will guide you in developing healthy eating habits to improve your liver health and quality of life.

Fatty Liver - Foie gras

Fatty liver disease, also known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD, gets its name from the main symptom of this condition, too much fat accumulation in liver cells. The disease is becoming more common, particularly in Canada and North America, and can create a variety of health complaints. Working with a registered dietitian is one way to adopt a healthy lifestyle and regain control of your liver health. 

What Is Fatty Liver Disease? 

In the early stages, there may be no symptoms of fatty liver disease. Symptoms that may develop are generalized fatigue and discomfort in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. 

As the condition develops, swelling in the abdomen and yellowing of the skin and eyes can occur. The palms may appear red. It is important to seek treatment, as these symptoms may indicate fatty liver disease advancing to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, which can then progress to cirrhosis and eventually liver failure. 

Who is at Risk of Developing NAFLD?

Researchers aren’t sure exactly why some people develop fatty liver disease, but working with a registered dietitian or nutritionist can help you manage some conditions that appear to be risk factors. 

Individuals with NAFLD are often overweight or obese, have high blood sugar and triglycerides, and are insulin resistant. This combination appears to encourage fatty deposits in the liver. 

Health Conditions Associated With NAFLD

Anyone with the following health conditions should be alert for signs of NAFLD: 

Having these conditions does not mean you will develop fatty liver disease. Nutritional counselling can help you better manage many of these health conditions. Working with a registered dietitian and getting nutritional support can make a tremendous difference in your health. 

What to Expect When Working With a Registered Dietitian

Weight Management

Weight loss alone is not enough to prevent NAFLD. For those who struggle with weight loss or anyone concerned about their future health, working with a registered dietitian or nutritionist can be a great choice. 

When you work with a nutrition expert, you will learn how to make sustainable changes that allow you to lose weight without the struggle of yo-yo dieting. You will learn simple lifestyle changes you can add and habits you can make that will increase energy, making the addition of a gentle exercise program easier to manage. 

Healthy and Balanced Diet

The keys to reducing your risk of developing a fatty liver are maintaining a healthy diet, exercising most days of the week, and choosing healthy recipes with high-fibre foods and healthy fats including omega-3 fatty acids. Plant-based foods and certain seeds like hemp seeds and chia seeds contain these key nutrients.

Working with a dietitian or nutritionist ensures that you have access to the latest research on NAFLD. You can work together with your professional to develop a plan that is sustainable and allows you to reach your weight loss and fitness goals without burnout or injury. 

A Health Professional Who Listens to Your Needs and Concerns

It is normal to feel unsure about consulting with a registered dietitian or nutritionist, especially if someone has ever told you that you should lose weight in a hurtful way or if you have an altered relationship with food. Our professionals are good listeners and show great empathy. They are not there to judge you, but to help you achieve your health goals.

Nutrition counselling increases your odds of successfully losing and maintaining a healthy weight, which reduces your risk of fatty liver disease. Contact us today to make an appointment with a registered dietitian or nutritionist. Our nutrition counselling services are covered by most private health insurance companies.