Liver Health

Your liver performs hundreds of essential functions, including processing nutrients, storing vitamins and minerals, producing proteins, and removing waste products from the body. When the liver becomes damaged or doesn't function optimally, nutrition plays an important role in supporting liver health, managing symptoms, and slowing disease progression.

You may have been told you have fatty liver, inflammation, or liver damage and now you're wondering what you should eat. With so much conflicting information online, it's easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure where to begin. The good news is that nutrition can have a significant impact on liver health, and small, sustainable changes can make a meaningful difference.

Many liver conditions are closely linked with insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and changes in gut health. Supporting metabolic health through nutrition can help improve how the body uses insulin, reduce liver fat, and promote a healthier gut microbiome—all of which contribute to better liver function and overall health.

Whether you're looking to reverse fatty liver disease, manage chronic liver disease, or support your overall liver function, nutrition counselling provides personalized guidance based on your health needs and lifestyle.

I can help with the following concerns:

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)Formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), MASLD occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver. It is commonly associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, excess weight, and metabolic syndrome. Nutrition and lifestyle changes are the cornerstone of treatment and can help reduce liver fat, improve liver function, and slow or even reverse disease progression.

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH)MASH is a more advanced form of fatty liver disease where fat accumulation is accompanied by liver inflammation and damage. Nutrition therapy focuses on reducing liver inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, and helping prevent further liver injury.

CirrhosisCirrhosis is advanced scarring of the liver that can affect the body's ability to process nutrients and maintain muscle mass. Nutrition counselling can help prevent malnutrition, preserve muscle mass, manage complications, and ensure adequate protein and calorie intake while addressing any necessary dietary modifications.

Elevated Liver EnzymesAbnormal liver blood tests may be an early sign of liver inflammation or damage. Nutrition counselling can help address underlying risk factors such as insulin resistance, excess weight, high cholesterol, or poor dietary habits that may be contributing to changes in liver function.

Insulin Resistance and Metabolic SyndromeInsulin resistance is one of the strongest drivers of fatty liver disease. Improving blood sugar regulation through nutrition can help reduce fat accumulation in the liver while supporting weight management and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Gut Health and the Gut-Liver ConnectionThe gut and liver communicate closely through what is known as the gut-liver axis. An imbalance in the gut microbiome may contribute to inflammation and liver disease progression. Nutrition strategies that support gut health—including adequate fibre, plant foods, and other evidence-based dietary approaches—may also help support liver health.

When To Seek Support

If you've been diagnosed with fatty liver disease (MASLD or MASH), cirrhosis, elevated liver enzymes, or another liver condition, nutrition counselling can help you understand the dietary changes that are most appropriate for you. You may also benefit from support if you have diabetes, insulin resistance, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, or digestive concerns that may be affecting your liver health or increasing your risk of disease progression.

How Nutrition Counselling Can Help

As a Registered Dietitian, I provide personalized, evidence-based nutrition counselling to support your liver health. Together, we'll develop a practical, sustainable eating plan that supports liver function while fitting your lifestyle, food preferences, and medical needs.

Together, we can work on:

  • Reducing liver fat and supporting healthy liver function

  • Improving insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation

  • Supporting a healthy gut microbiome through nutrition

  • Improving cholesterol and other metabolic risk factors

  • Supporting healthy weight management when appropriate

  • Preventing nutrient deficiencies and preserving muscle mass

  • Creating balanced, sustainable eating habits that support your long-term liver health

If you would like to find out more click here.

Sharona offers Virtual therapy throughout Ontario.