“Green Banana” Solution FIGHTS Fatty Liver

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted October 2, 2023

Don’t look now, but your liver is likely under assault.

In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, the livers of 30 percent of us are being overloaded with fat as you read this.

The condition is called fatty liver disease (also known as NAFLD or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease).

And if you have problems with blood sugar control or are overweight, that 30 shoots up to 75 percent.

But around 90 percent of folks who are obese have the damaging liver disease.

It’s a silent epidemic that can have DIRE consequences. (More on those in a moment.)

But an unexpected natural fix could soon turn the tables on this growing threat. And incredibly underripe bananas could be the key…

Fatty liver disease is a common condition caused by too much fat building up in your liver.

It might not sound like much of a threat. And in its earliest stages, it might not be. But as those fat deposits grow, so does your risk for OTHER health threats, including diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes.

Eventually, the fat buildup triggers inflammation, cell death, and scaring (steatohepatitis), harming your liver function. Unchecked, this can lead to fibrosis.

At that point, blood flow throughout the liver is reduced, and liver cells are rapidly replaced by scar tissue. The organ can no longer effectively cleanse your body of toxic chemicals.

Ultimately, this can trigger liver damage (cirrhosis) and even cancer.

Research shows that your chance of developing fatty liver disease rises in response to the amount of sugar you eat. Plus, previous studies have linked the condition to imbalances in the gut microbiome (the bacteria living in your digestive tract).

Now, a new study published in the journal Cell Metabolism may have just uncovered an unexpected natural solution. Researchers say the key to fighting fatty liver could be resistant starches.

Resistant starches are a type of fiber that you don’t digest. Some of these starches have a positive effect on gut microbiota. And this, in turn, lowers the liver triglycerides and enzymes that cause inflammation and contribute to fat accumulation.

For the study, volunteers were assigned a balanced diet to follow and divided into two groups. The first group was given 20 grams of resistant starch powder to dissolve in water and drink before meals for four months. And the second group got an equal amount of non-resistant starch powder to do the same.

The resistant starch sent triglyceride levels PLUMMETING by nearly 40 percent. Plus, Bacteroides stercoris, a type of bacteria that affects fat metabolism in the liver, levels dropped.

You can add more resistant starches to your diet by eating green (unripe) bananas, green plantains, lentils, beans, oats, and certain nuts, such as almonds and cashews.

But don’t stop there. Following are some MORE ways to reduce your risk of fatty liver disease…

• Control blood sugar. Cut way back on added sugars, ultra-processed high-carb foods, and starchy vegetables. Foods like pasta, crackers, and white bread quickly convert to glucose in your blood, eventually leading to fat buildup around your liver. Exercise regularly. A brisk daily walk should do the trick. And consider taking supplements that support healthy blood sugar levels, such as berberine, curcumin, and chromium.
• Ditch the sugary drinks. Sugary drinks are so bad for your liver that they deserve special attention. Ban sodas, fruit juices, flavored coffee drinks, sports drinks, and sweet teas from your diet. These send your blood sugar soaring, causing insulin levels to spike. And this can lead to fat building up in your liver.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Keeping your weight in check is often easier said than done. But there are steps you can take to help you reach a healthy weight, including boosting your metabolism and maintaining your muscle mass. And when you do, your body becomes better at regulating blood sugar, keeping your liver from accumulating more fat.
• Use liver-supporting herbs. I like milk thistle, dandelion, and turmeric for liver support.
• Reduce inflammation. Try fish oil, turmeric, and olive leaf extract.

P.S. For more on how these SAME resistant starches can help you SLOW aging to a crawl, CLICK HERE.

Source:

“Resistant starch decreases intrahepatic triglycerides in patients with NAFLD via gut microbiome alterations,” Cell Metabolism, Clinical and Translational Report, September 05, 2023, Volume 35, ISSUE 9, P1530-1547.e8, DOI: doi. org/10.1016/j.cmet.2023.08.002

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More By Dr. Scott Olson, ND