The Link Between Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Fatty Liver Disease
Improve Liver Health with Tips from a Long Island RDN
There is a growing epidemic of fatty liver disease that is paralleling the increase in obesity and diabetes mellitus in countries that consume a Western diet.
Since fatty liver disease can lead to life-threatening conditions, an understanding of the factors that trigger its development and progression is needed. In addition to obesity and a Western diet, exposure to environmental agents have a role in the development and progression of fatty liver disease (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver disease/NAFLD now known as Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD.
What are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)?
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances that interfere with the body’s natural hormone system by mimicking or blocking the actions of hormones, which are part of the endocrine system.
How do endocrine-disrupting chemicals affect development and progression of fatty liver disease (NAFLD/MASLD)?
Studies suggest that exposure to EDCs can contribute to the development of fatty liver disease and lead to liver damage by altering fat metabolism, promoting inflammation, or disrupting hormonal signaling within the liver cells.
EDCs can bind to hormone receptors in the liver, altering gene expression related to lipid metabolism, causing an imbalance in fat accumulation within the liver cells. They can also:
- disrupt the balance of lipid synthesis and breakdown within the liver, causing excessive fat accumulation;
- impair mitochondrial function, disrupting energy production and contributing to liver damage; and
- promote liver inflammation, further exacerbating liver injury.
Exposure to EDCs can lead to increased fat deposition in the liver (steatosis), which can progress to a more severe condition called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) if left untreated.
Should everyone avoid Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)?
YES. These chemicals have the potential to influence the initiation and progression of fatty liver disease. Studies have reported that exposure of the population to environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) play an important role in the occurrence and development of NAFLD.
How Can You Reduce Your Exposure to EDCs?
Dietary recommendations to Reduce Risk of, Manage, or Reverse Fatty Liver Disease from a Long Island RDN
- Purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish and preferably seasonal products.
- Buy tomato sauce stored in glass jars and not plastic bottles.
- Avoid using popcorn bags in the microwave, instead cook the popcorn in the pot.
- Choose products that are not stored in plastic containers or cans, as ready-to-eat and fast-food products.
- Prefer sandwiches or bakery products unwrapped, just freshly exposed at the countertop.
- Avoid burned, smoked or pre-fried foods and, when possible, remove the burned parts (such as meat, meat by-products and canned fish)
- Avoid frozen fish, pizza, and other foods.
- Avoid packed meals such as instant soups and noodles.
- Avoid the use of plastic coffee or tea bags, when not certified as EDC free and use loose tea/coffee.
Cooking, kitchen articles & food storage
- Avoid using non-stick cooking utensils if the coating is worn.
- Avoid grilling, barbecuing, deep frying and overheating of food.
- Consult the manufacturer’s instructions when packaging food and use grease-proof paper or film.
- Use plastic food containers only in perfect condition.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use only plastic bottles or cans in perfect condition, when heating food and/or milk for babies.
- When using plastic containers, not labelled as appropriate for high temperatures, only pour cold food or beverages.
- Avoid using polycarbonate baby bottles for milk/water
- Don’t put plastic containers to be heated in the microwave/oven.
The good news is that fatty liver disease can be prevented, is treatable, and can be reversed. Though currently there is no medication that can treat NAFLD or MASLD, all you need is a healthy diet and lifestyle. By working with a dietitian nutritionist, you can transition to a real food, plant-forward, Mediterranean-style plan and reduce your exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The liver can heal itself and actually reverse the damage that has occurred over the years.
As a dietitian nutritionist in Long Island, I provide online medical nutrition therapy, an evidence-based, individualized nutrition program to treat fatty liver disease.
Learn more about the association between endocrine-disrupting chemicals and fatty liver disease:
