Healing the Liver Naturally: A Functional Medicine Approach to Fatty Liver

The liver is one of the most remarkable organs in the human body. It serves as your body’s detoxification powerhouse, metabolizing fats, producing bile, and supporting hormonal balance. However, modern lifestyles often overwhelm this vital organ, leading to conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). More and more people are getting diagnosed and feel so lost and not given any tools to be able to take steps towards improving it. At our clinic, we use a functional medicine approach to address fatty liver holistically, aiming to reverse the condition and restore optimal liver health.

Understanding Fatty Liver

Fatty liver occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver cells. While small amounts of fat in the liver are normal, too much can lead to inflammation, scarring, and even liver damage. NAFLD is often linked to metabolic dysfunction, poor diet, obesity, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation. Importantly, this condition can often be reversed with the right interventions.

The Functional Medicine Approach

Rather than simply managing symptoms, functional medicine focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of health concerns. Here’s how we approach fatty liver treatment:

1. Comprehensive Assessment

We begin with an in-depth evaluation of your health history, lifestyle, and laboratory tests. Key markers include liver enzymes (ALT, AST), inflammatory markers, insulin levels, fasting glucose, and lipid profiles.

2. Targeted phytomedicine for liver function and its detoxification pathways: 

Here are some examples of phytomedicine we use to help support liver function:

Milk Thistle is a powerful antioxidant and promotes liver cell regeneration.

Calcium-D-glucarate supports the liver’s ability to eliminate toxins as well as reduce the reabsorption of them.

Choline is excellent for the movement of fat out of the liver.

L -Methionine supports the breakdown of fats which prevents them from accumulating in the liver.

Broccoli Extract is an antioxidant that also helps reduce inflammation.

3. Addressing Gut Health

The gut and liver are intricately connected through the gut-liver axis. Dysbiosis (an imbalance in gut bacteria) can exacerbate liver inflammation. We may recommend fibre, probiotics, prebiotics, or other interventions to restore gut health.

Here are some examples of functional options for enhancing the gut-liver axis:

	GUT BENEFITS	LIVER BENEFITS
Psyllium Seed	– A natural prebiotic that promotes a balanced microbiome – Hydrates stool for improved bowel regularity	– Binds bile, reducing toxin recirculation and supporting detoxification – Lowers inflammation markers (TNF-α, ALT, AST) and protects liver cells during toxic stress
Pumpkin Seeds	– Zinc-rich content strengthens intestinal lining integrity – Contains fibers that enhance microbiome health	– Supplies vitamin E for anti-inflammatory effects – Zinc supports optimal liver enzymatic function.
Phosphatidylcholine (PPC)	– Strengthens the mucus layer, protecting against bacterial damage – Shields gut lining from harmful toxins	– Protects against fatty liver changes – Reduces liver inflammation by modulating immune responses.

Note: Quality matters for PPC supplements – consult your healthcare provider for guidance, as formulations vary widely.

4. Targeted Supplementation

A combination of the ingredients mentioned above can be a very helpful key component of a treatment protocol for fatty liver disease. We have created formulas that combine those ingredients at Longev clinic, specifically because of the studied therapeutic benefits mentioned above. 

If you’d like to read more about those formulas we recommend visiting our blog page about Fibre Complex RX and Liver RX formulas. 

5. Targeted Nutrition

Diet is a cornerstone of fatty liver treatment. We recommend a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory eating plan focused on:

• Whole foods: Emphasizing vegetables, fruits, lean protein, healthy fats, and whole grains.
• Low glycemic impact: Avoiding refined carbohydrates and sugars to stabilize blood sugar levels.
• Healthy fats: Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids from sources like wild-caught fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts to reduce liver fat and inflammation.
• Detoxifying foods: Adding cruciferous vegetables, garlic, and beets to support liver detox pathways.

6.  Weight Management

For patients with excess weight, gradual weight loss of 5-10% can significantly improve liver health. Personalized weight management plans that include dietary adjustments, exercise routines, and stress management are important.

7. Lifestyle Modifications

• Exercise: Regular physical activity enhances insulin sensitivity and promotes fat metabolism.
• Stress management: Chronic stress can contribute to inflammation and hormonal imbalances, so we incorporate mindfulness, yoga, or other stress-relief techniques.
• Sleep optimization: Poor sleep can worsen metabolic dysfunction, so improving sleep hygiene is part of our plan.

Tracking Progress

Healing the liver is a journey that requires patience and consistency. We monitor progress through regular check-ins and repeat testing to ensure that interventions are effective and adjusted as needed.

Empowering Long-Term Health

Reversing fatty liver is not just about short-term fixes—it’s about empowering you to make sustainable lifestyle changes. With the right tools, support, and mindset, your liver has the incredible capacity to heal and regenerate.

If you’ve been diagnosed with fatty liver or are concerned about your liver health, we’re here to help. Book a consultation with us today to take the first step toward a healthier, revitalized you.

Your liver will thank you!