Unexpected Link Between Cardiac Health, Liver Function, and Caloric Intake: What You Need to Understand
Need the scoop on calorie-restricted diets and liver health? Look no further.
It's no secret that maintaining a balanced diet is essential for overall wellness. But, have you ever wondered about the connection between your calorie consumption and liver health? If so, let's dive in.
A study at the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil uncovered some fascinating insights. Researchers found that a calorie-restricted (CR) diet offered protection to the liver, preventing damage during a heart attack. The team set up two groups of mice, one group free to eat as they pleased, while the other was kept on a CR diet with a caloric intake reduced by 40%.
To imitate a heart attack, the scientists temporarily interrupted approximately 70% of the blood flow to the mice's livers in both groups for 40 minutes. This process increased tissue calcium and led to dysfunction in mitochondria (organelles that produce energy), causing some liver cell death. When the scientists compared the mice that ate ad libitum to the mice on the CR diet, they discovered a significant difference. Approximately 25% of the livers were damaged in the former group, while only 1% were damaged in the latter.
The scientists explained the protective effect of the CR diet as the CR mice's mitochondria being able to absorb 70% more calcium than the control mice without experiencing functional impairment. This calcium absorption prevented the chain of events leading to liver cell death.
Making a Calorie-Restricted Diet Work for You
So, how can you incorporate a CR diet to protect your liver? Start by calculating your daily caloric intake. If you're consuming a high-calorie diet, reduce it by 30-40%. However, if your diet is already reasonable, consider lowering it by 20-30%.
Remember, it's crucial to choose nutrient-dense food over calorie-dense food. Opt for nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, especially green vegetables, high-quality proteins, and good fats like avocado, coconut oil, and extra virgin olive oil.
Lastly, take supplements that promote liver health, like the amino acid N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) and milk thistle. If you're ready to embrace the calorie restriction challenge, you'll likely enjoy numerous health benefits, in addition to heart and liver health.
Remember, the health of your heart and your liver are intricately linked. Don't let a heart attack leave you with a damaged liver or liver problems affecting your heart. Protect yourself by adopting a calorie-restricted diet and supplements that support optimal liver detoxification.
Stay tuned for more insights into long-lived hearts!
References:
- Less fat, more hair and younger skin: Study in mice shows benefits from calorie-restricted diet - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo.
- A calorie-restricted diet, shown to protect the liver from damage during a heart attack, could be incorporated into your lifestyle to bolster your heart and liver health.
- Incorporating nutrient-dense foods like green vegetables, high-quality proteins, and good fats, while lowering caloric intake, is crucial for a successful calorie-restricted diet.
- Supplements like N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) and milk thistle, known to promote liver health, could be beneficial additions to your calorie-restricted diet plan.
- Chronic diseases and medical-conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, could potentially be mitigated by adopting a calorie-restricted diet, thanks to its benefits on liver detoxification and overall health-and-wellness.
- Inflammation, a common factor in chronic diseases, can be reduced through a combination of proper nutrition, fitness-and-exercise, and science-backed supplements, ultimately boosting your overall health and wellness.
