People with fatty liver have the wrong gut bugs

By naturopath Margaret Jasinska

Did you know that certain strains of harmful gut bugs can promote inflammation of the intestines and the liver? These bad gut bugs irritate the immune cells living in the intestines and liver. If the inflammation is allowed to progress for long enough, liver damage and fat accumulation within the liver can occur. Having the wrong gut bugs is usually the first step in developing a fatty liver.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rapidly escalating worldwide and currently affects approximately one third of the world’s population. The disturbance of normal gut microbes is referred to as gut dysbiosis.

Dysbiosis contributes to the development of NAFLD through various ways:

  • Gut bugs are constantly interacting with the intestinal lining and affect its integrity. An overgrowth of the wrong gut bugs can create a leaky gut.
  • High numbers of bad gut bugs influence liver immune function. The body can treat it as an infection, mounting an immune response resulting in chronic inflammation.
  • The release of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from gram negative bacteria in the gut travel via the portal vein to the liver. Here they can trigger liver inflammation, fat accumulation and even fibrosis (liver scarring).

Research published in the journal Hepatology found that patients with an advanced form of fatty liver are more likely to have increased intestinal permeability and bacterial overgrowth in their small intestine. The severity of these intestinal conditions correlates with the severity of fatty liver.

Apart from gut bug problems, the following factors raise the risk of fatty liver:

  • Being overweight
  •  High carbohydrate and high glycaemic load foods in excess
  •  Diabetes and insulin resistance
  •  High alcohol intake
  •  Side effect of some medication
  •  Autoimmune liver disease
  •  Digestive conditions such as coeliac disease, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease

In the early stages of fatty liver, excess fat accumulation is the only change that occurs. However, if left to progress, the liver may develop a type of hepatitis, which causes inflammation inside the liver. This inflammation greatly increases the risk of permanent liver damage. Research has shown that people with leaky gut syndrome and high levels of harmful bacteria in their small intestine are far more prone to developing a dangerous form of fatty liver disease.

Leaky gut syndrome occurs when the mucous lining of the intestines becomes irritated and inflamed, making it more porous than it should be. This allows undigested food molecules, bacteria (and their toxins), fungi and other wastes to gain entry into your bloodstream. All blood from the intestines travels to the liver first. If the bowel is toxic, this means a great deal of toxic waste is delivered to the liver each day.

There is a great deal of information about leaky gut and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in the book Healing Autoimmune Disease: A plan to help your immune system and reduce inflammation.

Strategies to fix gut bug problems

Be selective about the plant foods you eat.

Starch and fibre act as food for our microbiome; the problem is, they can encourage growth of whatever bugs you have in your gut, both good and bad. Many people experience significant improvements in gut and immune health when they adopt a low FODMAP diet for a period of time. This can starve bad gut bugs of their fuel supply. BactoClear capsules can also be helpful because the oregano, clove and thyme in them promote healthy digestive function and reduce bloating.

You may not be producing sufficient stomach acid, bile or digestive enzymes.

Incomplete digestion can encourage the absorption of partially digested food molecules, fostering the development of food allergy or intolerance. Sipping a little apple cider vinegar in warm water before meals supports stomach acid production.

Glutamine is the number one remedy for strengthening the gut lining because the cells that line your intestines use glutamine as a fuel source.

Glutamine is very beneficial when taken long term but it is also an excellent first aid remedy for gastroenteritis, medically diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome or any condition that results in an upset tummy. Glutamine can be found in Ultimate Gut Health powder.

Try to keep your intake of sugar and alcohol low.

If you turn to those substances when stressed or exhausted, try taking a good dose of magnesium regularly. Magnesium is required by the enzymes in your body that generate energy. It also helps to relax your nervous system at night while you’re asleep, or trying to get to sleep. I recommend a teaspoon of magnesium powder with dinner.

The biggest determinant of your gut bugs is your daily diet.

Vegetables, nuts, seeds, spices, herbs and animal protein all promote growth of beneficial gut bugs. Sugar, alcohol, refined carbohydrates and food additives encourage all the wrong bugs. If you need help getting your diet on track, Dr Cabot’s 15 Day Cleanse will help improve your energy and mood. You should find that very motivating, making it easier to follow a healthier diet long term.