FREE SHIPPING! On online orders of $74+. Use code: SHIP74 
Access Denied
IMPORTANT! If you’re a store owner, please make sure you have Customer accounts enabled in your Store Admin, as you have customer based locks set up with EasyLockdown app. Enable Customer Accounts
What is a Fatty Liver? Causes, Prevention and Natural Support
Paula Gallagher on
The liver is one of the most vital organs in the human body—processing nutrients, detoxifying chemicals, and regulating metabolism. However, when excess fat accumulates in the liver, it can lead to a condition known as fatty liver disease, which now affects nearly 1 in 4 adults globally.
The good news? Fatty liver is often reversible—especially when addressed early with proper lifestyle changes and targeted nutritional support.
What Is Fatty Liver Disease?
Fatty liver disease occurs when 5–10% or more of the liver’s weight is fat. There are two primary types:
1. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
The most common type, NAFLD is associated with poor diet, obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. It is not caused by alcohol use.
2. Alcohol-Related Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD)
AFLD is directly linked to chronic alcohol consumption and can progress more quickly if drinking continues.
If left untreated, both forms can lead to more serious liver conditions like:
-
Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
-
Fibrosis (liver scarring)
-
Cirrhosis (advanced liver damage)
What Causes Fatty Liver Disease?
Multiple factors may contribute to fat buildup in liver cells:
-
Poor diet: High in processed foods, refined carbs, and especially fructose
-
Obesity and insulin resistance: Core drivers of NAFLD
-
High triglycerides and LDL cholesterol
-
Excess alcohol consumption
-
Sedentary lifestyle
-
Certain medications: Including corticosteroids, tamoxifen, and antivirals
How to Prevent or Reverse Fatty Liver Naturally
1. Lose Excess Weight
Even a 5–10% reduction in body weight can significantly reduce liver fat and inflammation.
2. Exercise Regularly
Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity, like brisk walking or swimming.
3. Eat a Liver-Friendly Diet
Focus on:
-
Whole foods: vegetables, legumes, fruits, and whole grains
-
Lean proteins and healthy fats (e.g., avocado, olive oil)
-
Avoid: sugary drinks, refined carbs, processed snacks
4. Balance Blood Sugar Levels
Stable blood sugar helps reduce insulin resistance—a key driver of fatty liver.
5. Limit Alcohol
Alcohol can exacerbate liver inflammation and should be minimized, even for those with NAFLD.
6. Support Gut Health
The gut-liver axis plays a crucial role. A healthy microbiome can reduce inflammation and liver fat accumulation.
Natural Supplements That Support Liver Health
In addition to lifestyle changes, several evidence-based natural supplements may offer support:
-
Milk Thistle (Silymarin) – Promotes liver cell regeneration and protects against oxidative damage
-
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) – Boosts glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant
-
Omega-3 Fatty Acids – May reduce liver fat and lower inflammation
-
Berberine – Improves insulin sensitivity and metabolic function
-
Probiotics & Prebiotics – Enhance gut health, indirectly benefiting liver function
Fatty liver disease is common but not inevitable. By making smart dietary choices, staying active, and using the right supplements, you can often reverse early-stage fatty liver naturally.
Ready to Give Your Liver the Care It Deserves?
At Village Green Apothecary, we offer personalized consultations and a curated selection of liver-supporting supplements to help you restore your liver health naturally.
→ Book a free consultation with our nutrition experts today!
FAQ: Fatty Liver Disease
What are the early symptoms of fatty liver?
Most people experience no symptoms in the early stages. Some may notice fatigue, abdominal discomfort, or mild pain in the upper right abdomen.
Can fatty liver be reversed?
Yes, especially if caught early, fatty liver can often be completely reversed through lifestyle changes and nutritional support.
Is NAFLD the same as liver cirrhosis?
No. NAFLD is an early-stage liver condition involving fat accumulation. Cirrhosis is a more advanced and often irreversible stage involving significant liver scarring.
Are there supplements that help reduce liver fat?
Yes. Milk thistle, NAC, omega-3 fatty acids, and berberine are some well-researched supplements that support liver health.
sale
PATHWAY
Milk Thistle Extract 175 MG
No reviews
$30.79
$43.99
The liver is the body’s main organ of detoxification. In a two-phase process, the liver is able to detoxify toxic substances, making them more water-soluble and therefore easier to excrete. Milk thistle helps protect the liver from potential damage caused by toxic substances. By acting at the cell membrane of hepatocytes (liver cells), milk thistle helps prevent toxins from entering the cell and causing damage to healthy liver cells. The active ingredient silymarin is effective at protecting the liver from acute and chronic exposure to toxins. It also helps support the liver’s antioxidant defenses, as this organ is consistently exposed to a variety of damaging free radicals.
Features:
European standardized Milk Thistle extract.
Standardized to 80% Silymarin providing 140mg per capsule.
Added standardized turmeric and artichoke for synergistic liver support.
Benefits:
Helps support normal, healthy liver detoxification. The liver being the major organ of detoxification requires support to help detoxify harmful substances preparing them for excretion.
Milk Thistle helps protect overall liver function. The liver is involved in so many important functions i.e. glucose metabolism, vitamin storage, cholesterol and bile production, vitamin D synthesis, that any damage to the liver caused by toxic substances can impair many important biochemical and physiological functions.
Standardized turmeric extract is included for its synergistic effects. Studies show that the active curcuminoids in turmeric help protect the liver from free radical damage and support liver detoxification processes. Turmeric encourages a healthy inflammatory response, which helps protect healthy liver cells from damage.
Standardized artichoke extract has been shown to help provide support to the liver and gall bladder. By supporting healthy bile production in the liver and the normal flow of bile from the liver to the gall bladder, artichoke helps encourage the removal of toxins processed by the liver.
sale
INTEGRATIVE THERAPEUTICS
NAC
No reviews
$17.99
$17.99
N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) helps to replenish intracellular glutathione, which is vital in cellular antioxidant pathways.
sale
PATHWAY
Super Omega-3 EC
1 review
$32.89
$46.99
Enteric Coating Reduces Fish Burps
Super Omega-3 is molecularly distilled for purity and contains high concentrations of the essential fatty acids Omega-3 EPA & DHA (300 mg & 200 mg respectively). Omega-3 fatty acids are very important, supportive nutrient of cardio health as well as brain and ocular health. Each softgel is enteric coated to eliminate the odor and fishy aftertaste typically associated with taking a fish oil capsule. Enteric coating also protects the softgel capsules from being digested in the stomach and allows the fish oil to reach to the lower GI tract for absorption.
Suggested Use: 1 softgel 2 times daily
sale
PATHWAY
Berberine
1 review
$31.49
$44.99
Berberine – Supports Blood Sugar & Cardiometabolic Health Berberine is a natural compound that is found in a variety of plants, such as goldenseal and barberry. It has a long history of use in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Studies show that berberine has many health benefits, including supporting cholesterol levels, blood sugar balance, GI microbial health, weight management, respiratory mucus membrane health, as well as providing support for immune system function. Pathway Berberine features 500 mg per capsule.
sale
PATHWAY
Suprema Dophilus
1 review
$37.09
$52.99
5 Billion Viable Cells Per Capsule
Suprema Dophilus is an advanced combination of eight strains of beneficial bacteria to give you a complete probiotic formula. The bacteria in Suprema Dophilus are bioenhanced, acid-resistant strains that are formulated to survive stomach acid without the need for an enteric coating. Suprema Dophilus is also shelf stable, so there is no need for refrigeration.
Suggested Use: 1 capsule daily with a meal
Categories
Categories
Humanized Health - NEW!
Learn about personalized health from top experts! Check out our fascinating new shows every week, available as videos, podcasts and transcripts.:
Our Bloggers
-
Paula Gallagher
Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
read more.. -
Margo Gladding
Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
read more.. -
Dr. Neal Barnard
Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
read more.. -
Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
read more.. -
Debi Silber
Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
read more..
SEE ALL OF OUR BLOGGERS
Invalid password
Enter
Stay Connected
Village Green Apothecary
5415 W Cedar Ln
Bethesda, Maryland, 20814
(301) 530-0800
Toll Free: (800) 869-9159
The information provided on this site is not intended to be a substitute for advice or treatment from a qualified physician, nor is it intended to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Consult your physician prior to starting any new health program or if you any questions regarding a medical condition.
© 2025 Village Green Apothecary - All Rights Reserved.
