Have you been experiencing unexplained fatigue or malaise?
Do you have a mildly elevated blood glucose, insulin resistance, high cholesterol, or abdominal weight gain?
You may be experiencing early signs of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); now called MASLD (metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease). This common condition affects approximately 25% of adults in Canada and often develops quietly, without obvious symptoms.
It’s important to note that some individuals with fatty liver disease may still have liver enzyme levels within the laboratory “normal” range, which is why symptoms, metabolic markers, imaging (including ultrasounds), and overall risk factors are also considered in assessment.
What Is Fatty Liver Disease?
Fatty liver disease is more than excess fat in the liver. It reflects a broader metabolic imbalance, involving:
- Insulin resistance and blood sugar dysregulation
- Altered fat metabolism
- Gut–liver axis dysfunction
- Micronutrient insufficiencies (such as choline, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids)
- Lifestyle and environmental toxin exposure
Because the liver plays a central role in detoxification, digestion, hormone regulation, and metabolism, fatty liver disease is often an early signal that the body needs support.
Can Fatty Liver Be Reversed?
In most cases, yes, especially when identified early.
At present, there is no medication specifically approved to treat NAFLD, which is why care focuses on addressing root causes through nutrition, lifestyle, and naturopathic strategies that support liver healing and help prevent long-term complications before permanent damage develops.
From an integrative and naturopathic medicine perspective, care may include:
- Nutrition plans to support blood sugar balance and liver fat reduction
- Physical activity to improve insulin sensitivity
- Evidence-based micronutrients and liver-protective herbs
- Gut health and metabolic support
- Sustainable lifestyle changes tailored to the individual
Assessment may include monitoring blood work, imaging (such an abdominal ultrasound), metabolic markers, and a personalized lifestyle review.
Who Should Be Worried About Fatty Liver?
You may benefit from a preventive liver health assessment if you:
- Do not have an optimal liver enzymes (please check with your naturopath)
- Have insulin resistance, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes
- Carry excess weight around the abdomen
- Have high triglycerides or cholesterol
- Consume a high-carbohydrate or diet high in processed foods
- Take multiple medications, or have increased toxin exposure
The good news is, fatty liver disease does not have to progress and it is reversible.
With early awareness and a personalized naturopathic care plan, many people see meaningful improvements in liver function, metabolic health, and overall wellbeing.
Book a discovery call or initial consultation with Dr. Shirin today to get a personalized plan!
References
- Chan WK, Chuah KH, Rajaram RB, Lim LL, Ratnasingam J, Vethakkan SR. Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): A State-of-the-Art Review. J Obes Metab Syndr. 2023 Sep 30;32(3):197-213. doi: 10.7570/jomes23052. Epub 2023 Sep 13. PMID: 37700494; PMCID: PMC10583766.
- Wells MM, Li Z, Addeman B, McKenzie CA, Mujoomdar A, Beaton M, Bird J. Computed Tomography Measurement of Hepatic Steatosis: Prevalence of Hepatic Steatosis in a Canadian Population. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2016;2016:4930987. doi: 10.1155/2016/4930987. Epub 2016 Apr 19. PMID: 27446844; PMCID: PMC4904663.
- Moyana TN. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: The question of long-term high-normal alanine aminotransferase as a screening test. World J Gastroenterol. 2024 Nov 14;30(42):4576-4582. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i42.4576. PMID: 39563746; PMCID: PMC11572615.
- Tilg H, Petta S, Stefan N, Targher G. Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease in Adults: A Review. JAMA. 2026 Jan 13;335(2):163-174. doi: 10.1001/jama.2025.19615. PMID: 41212550.
- Canadian Liver Foundation: Fatty Liver Disease Statistics
- Canadian Digestive Health Foundation: What is MASLD? Causes and Symptoms
Dr. Shirin Karimi, ND
Sage Naturopathic Clinic