Last updated on 9 January 2026 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic Editorial Team
Fatty Liver is the most common chronic liver disease in the Western world, and it is most commonly detected in people aged between 30 to 50. (1)
There are 2 types – Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). In both types, the cells of the liver become ‘Fatty’. Fatty Liver disease is potentially a reversible condition(2); however, if left unmanaged, it can lead to more severe liver disease.
NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis) develops when alongside fat, inflammation of the Liver is more apparent and can progress to much more severe complications, including scarring of the Liver. In its most severe forms of progression, cirrhosis and some instances, liver failure can occur, meaning that this condition may lead to end-stage liver disease. (2) Fatty Liver also carries an increased risk of developing diabetes or becoming more prone to a heart attack or stroke (3)
Symptoms sometimes include fatigue and pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen (namely, around the liver). There may be no associated symptoms in many cases, and specific testing is needed to diagnose.
Investigations leading to confirmed Fatty Liver diagnosis include:
- Standard testing via a GP
- Electrolyte/ Liver Function Test (E/LFT) This looks at liver enzymes, which may be raised in the presence of fatty liver but not in every case
- CRP (C-reactive protein) when elevated indicates inflammation present but is not specific to fatty liver
- Liver Ultrasound will detect the presence of fatty liver
- Liver Biopsy may be required in some cases to assess the extent of damage to the liver and rule out other pathologies
Fatty Liver Risk Factors: (1) (3) (4)
- Being overweight or obese
- Poor diet high in fructose
- Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, Insulin Resistance and/or Metabolic Syndrome
- Cardiovascular diseases including high cholesterol
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Underactive thyroid
- Toxin exposure
- Alcohol intake
Recipe for Healthy Liver – Vegan Golden Latte
This Golden latte is a superfood for your liver. It’s tasty, healthy, easily digestible, and super quick to make.
The hero of the recipe is turmeric powder. Turmeric contains a significant amount of curcumin. It is a robust anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant substance. Turmeric helps to prevent toxins from turning into harmful compounds which can damage our liver and kidney. Regular consumption of turmeric acts as a liver cleanser and detoxifies our liver naturally.
Soy milk is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin B, potassium, calcium, folate, retinol, and choline. Soy milk helps to prevent anemia, fatigue, and weakness.
Ginger is also a key element of the recipe. The anti-bacterial properties of ginger fight different germs in our bodies. It boosts our metabolism, thus helping in weight loss.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of soy milk
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 3 cloves
- 1 cardamom
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add soy milk into a saucepan. Then add turmeric powder, cinnamon powder, cloves, cardamom, grated ginger, pepper, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix perfectly.
- Heat over a medium flame for 4 minutes. Then simmer for another 4 minutes.
- Strain and serve immediately.
How Naturopathy can help
The Liver has over 500 known functions. (5) Naturally, Naturopaths are aware of their vital role in good health and vitality. Fatty Liver Disease is potentially a reversible condition (2), and much can be done using a naturopathic approach to improve overall health as well as Liver health specifically
A Naturopath can help to:
- open the dialogue to assist with consulting with your GP if FLD is suspected, including referral requesting your GP to authorise specific tests or referral directly for tests (E/LFT and CRP) if required
- once the diagnosis is confirmed assist with questions and concerns
- give Nutrition advice with the prescribed diet
- prescribe nutrients to treat deficiencies associated with poor liver function and where there may be increased demands for specific nutrients
- prescribe herbal medicines with clinical evidence to support their use specifically in the treatment of fatty liver
- support digestive health and improve liver function
- weight management
- prevention strategies to help to ensure that the condition does not worsen
- further investigations and/or co-management to ensure diabetes, insulin resistance, cardiovascular health, thyroid conditions and PCOS are also identified and if so, managed with a tailored treatment
- support with alcohol cessation where required
- arrange for further functional testing if desired, these tests are only available privately via a naturopath to provide additional relevant information, e.g. Liver Detoxification Profile
If you have Fatty Liver or suspect that you might, we encourage you to pursue better health and feel reassured, knowing that much can be done to achieve better health outcomes.
