Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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I have Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Deposits (verified through ultrasound and blood tests) and I was hoping that the paleo diet would help reverse the issue.

First some background: I have IBS, Low T, Gluten Sensitivity, NAFLD, gall bladder polyps, and renal cysts. My weight before starting paleo peaked around 265 lbs.

I've always had trouble losing fat even though I exercise vigorously 4-6 days a week. I've been on Testim for two years, which, although making me feel better, hasn't helped my ability to burn fat.

On January 3rd, I started researching and eating a paleo diet. I use Fitday.com to help stay on track. I think it's my tenth week and I've lost about 15 lbs. My first concern was weight loss, but I understand now the importance and healthful benefit of avoiding grains and sugars.

My cholesterol is 207, Triglycerides are 98 and HDL is 46. LDL is 141. My ALT is 60. My endocrinologist is not overly concerned, but I'm wondering if there is some way to decrease those levels.

Any advice?

flag	asked Mar 14 2012 at 23:24 Mr. Pickles 31●1

What's your current diet like? Are you taking any supplements or drugs? – DePaw May 11 2012 at 11:34

Valai · Answer 1 · 2012-03-30 03:47:00Z UTC

Choline - make sure you are getting plenty of it for clearing fatty liver. (egg yolks, beef liver)

http://blog.cholesterol-and-health.com/2010/11/does-choline-deficiency-contribute-to.html

Probably best to just read everything he has to offer :-)

Johnny · Answer 2 · 2012-03-29 23:06:40Z UTC

My ast was 63 and alt 164 and ultrasound showed enlarged liver. After 2 months of paleo (whole30) my ast is 22 and alt is 49. I went from 217 lbs to 197 lbs. Paleo definitely helps, I assume partly (largely?) because it helps reduce excess body fat. I've also read things about things like high fructose corn syrup directly contributing to fatty liver so removing a lot of unnatural substances surely helps.

Research Chris Kressers podcasts on cholesterol because he talks a lot about fatty liver in a series from February. He mentions that your blood levels may continue to appear abnormal while you are curing your liver. As it releases fats, those fats can elevate your cholesterol levels. He says to test regularly while you're changing diet and reducing weight until you stabilize and only then will you get a truest read on your levels.

LisaAPB · Answer 3 · 2012-03-15 14:07:01Z UTC

I too had fatty liver disease. AST/SGOT was 82 and ALT/SGPT was 84, triglycerides were 383, LDL was 101, cholesterol was 218, glucose was 130.... notice the use of past tense? It took me 18 months, no grains, no dairy except heavy cream in my coffee, no processed foods. This is not popular on this site, but I followed the Kruse Leptin Rx for diet, sleep, and limiting carbs in the winter months.

Last week's test results: AST/SGOT 24, ALT/SGPT 21, triglycerides 189, LDL 84, cholesterol 145, and glucose 80.

That is impressive! It took over a year, but I am cured... so long as I don't go back to SAD eating, which I never will because I feel awesome! I've lost 40 lbs, still have 20 to go.... good luck to you, but know that this will take time.

foreveryoung · Answer 4 · 2012-05-11 14:25:57Z UTC

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Rapid weight loss can increase both liver enzymes and LDL- that could be the culprit. If it is and you're not underweight, then don't worry about it and they'll start to level off once you're maintaining a healthy bodyweight.

answered May 11 2012 at 14:25

foreveryoung
15.5k●2●10●53

Jeff · Answer 5 · 2012-03-15 02:00:08Z UTC

This relates more to alcohol related liver damage, but saturated fat seems to be helpful. I'm assuming you get plenty on a paleo diet but maybe it's something to consider.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11602676

http://www.ajcn.org/content/48/1/148.full.pdf

Mr. Pickles · Answer 6 · 2012-03-15 12:58:54Z UTC

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Thanks, will read that study.

answered Mar 15 2012 at 12:58

Mr. Pickles
31●1

AG · Answer 7 · 2012-03-30 00:29:22Z UTC

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Perhaps give it another ten weeks and have your blood tested again. It may show an improvement.

answered Mar 30 2012 at 0:29

AG
167●2

Ingenol · Answer 8 · 2012-05-11 13:19:18Z UTC

High caffeine intake, perchance?

http://suppversity.blogspot.com/2012/05/high-dose-caffeine-non-alcoholic-fatty.html

This study does suggest that the issue is likely to arise only with "unnatural" caffeine sources like energy drinks or sodas. I'm assuming you're not into any of these, but just in case.

fartypants · Answer 9 · 2012-05-11 14:39:23Z UTC

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there's always stuff like:

http://rcschemicals.com/others-1/gw-501516

answered May 11 2012 at 14:39

fartypants
39●1

Why are my liver enzymes and LDL still high on Paleo?

9 Answers