(NaturalHealth365)  Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects over 30 percent of the U.S. population – roughly 100 million Americans, according to the American Liver Foundation.  Considering the liver is your body’s powerhouse for detoxification and other key metabolic functions, that’s no small concern.  But there’s good news: research from the University of Liverpool in the UK shows that regular physical exercise can slash the risk of liver cancer and other related health problems.

Adding to the evidence, a recent study published in Scientific Reports found that functional resistance training does more than just tone muscles.  It can improve the structure and function of the heart and liver in people with NAFLD while helping with body composition and inflammation.

Regular physical exercise reduces fatty liver disease and liver cancer risk

The researchers of the University of Liverpool study found that there was a direct correlation between regular physical exercise and liver health in those with weight problems and/or metabolic issues.  The less active the person was, the more likely they were to have fatty liver disease.

In fact, for every hour of moderate to vigorous exercise, liver fat levels dropped by an average of 0.87 percent.  The findings were presented at the European Congress on Obesity.

In addition, a Tel Aviv University study held at the University of Haifa found that resistance training is particularly effective in lowering liver fat levels.  Resistance training refers to using weight machines in a gym or bodyweight training.  For the study, each individual did an appropriate program for their fitness level – three times a week for 40 minutes per session.

Resistance training and physical exercise can also lower cholesterol and regulate insulin

The researchers looked at 82 adults diagnosed with fatty liver disease.  They were divided into two groups: one group did resistance training regularly over six months, and the other did only stretching exercises.  The participants were routinely tested in areas such as weight, blood pressure, liver enzymes, blood sugar, insulin, and lipids.

At the end of the study period, both liver fat and cholesterol levels were significantly lower.  Physical exercise also improved insulin levels, leading to a reduction in overall cholesterol.  Ferritin levels were also found to be lower; this is a marker indicating inflammation and liver damage.

Keep in mind that liver disease has few symptoms and is best diagnosed using a blood test.  Some people who suffer from liver problems report fatigue and a general lack of vitality.  High triglyceride levels are one of the biggest factors in developing fatty liver disease; they trigger inflammation and can cause cirrhosis.

Avoid liver disease naturally with positive lifestyle choices

In addition to regular exercise, healthy eating (and drinking) is essential to liver health.  Some of the best foods for your liver include organic blueberries, cranberries, beetroot juice, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts), nuts, seeds, and wild-caught fish like salmon.

Naturally, it’s important to drink plenty of fresh, clean water and minimize alcohol consumption.  Taking a milk thistle supplement has also been found to enhance liver health.

The bottom line: do everything you can to keep your liver health and strong.  The reward will be a life filled with good health and vitality.

Editor’s note: Discover the best ways to avoid the threat of fatty liver disease, own the Fatty Liver Docu-Class created by NaturalHealth365 Programs.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
Liverfoundation.org
ScienceDaily.com
NIH.gov
Healio.com