Fatty liver disease and constipation can be interconnected. Improving your liver health can help you relieve constipation and other digestive issues.
Constipation and fatty liver disease are both common health problems that can make your daily life very hard.
When fat builds up in the liver, it can lead to fatty liver disease, which is also called hepatic steatosis.
On the other hand, constipation is a digestive problem that makes you go to the bathroom less often or have trouble passing stool.
First glance, these two conditions may not seem to have anything to do with each other. However, new research suggests that there may be a link between them.
This article talks about the link between fatty liver disease and constipation and how to deal with both of them.
Recent research has found a potential link between fatty liver disease and digestive issues like constipation.
Even though we don’t fully understand the link, there is evidence that the gut and liver may affect each other. This connection is often referred to as the “gut-liver axis. ”.
The balance of good and bad bacteria in your digestive tract, or gut microbiome, is important for keeping your liver healthy. Disrupting the gut microbiome can result in both digestive and liver issues.
One of the digestive conditions people with fatty liver commonly experience is called irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a group of intestinal disorders. One type of this syndrome, known as IBS-C, can cause you to have long-term, or chronic, constipation.
A 202021% review of studies, on the other hand, found that between 2013 and 2074, 10% of people with IBS may also have MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease).
This was previously known as nonalcohol-related fatty liver disease, the most common type of fatty liver disease.
Fatty liver disease may also be linked to other gastrointestinal problems. Let’s take a closer look at these connections.
Beef liver is a nutritious organ meat that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, some people find that eating beef liver causes constipation. Here’s an in-depth look at the connection between beef liver and constipation.
What is Beef Liver?
Beef liver is the liver from cows As an organ meat, it contains higher amounts of certain nutrients compared to muscle meats Beef liver is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin B12, iron, copper, and protein. It’s also low in calories and carbohydrates.
A 3 ounce serving of beef liver contains:
- 149 calories
- 23 grams protein
- 16,814 IU vitamin A
- 59 mcg vitamin B12
- 12.4 mg iron
- 12.4 mg copper
Beef liver has a strong, distinctive taste that some people love and others dislike. It can be prepared in many ways, such as pan-fried liver and onions or minced liver spread on toast.
Can Beef Liver Cause Constipation?
For some people eating beef liver does seem to cause constipation or make existing constipation worse. There are a few reasons why this may occur
1. High Iron Content
Beef liver is extremely high in iron, with a 3 ounce serving providing 124 mg. That’s 69% of the recommended daily intake for iron
Too much iron can cause gastrointestinal side effects like constipation and dark stools. The iron from beef liver may accumulate in the intestines, absorbing water and slowing down digestion and bowel movements.
2. Vitamin A Toxicity
While vitamin A is an essential nutrient, getting extremely high amounts from foods like beef liver could potentially lead to vitamin A toxicity. Consuming too much preformed vitamin A can cause nausea, headaches, liver damage, and even constipation.
3. Low Fiber Content
Beef liver itself contains almost no fiber. Fiber helps add bulk to stool and draws in water, making bowel movements easier to pass. The lack of fiber in liver can allow stools to become hard, dry and difficult to push through the intestines.
4. Dehydration
Eating beef liver may indirectly cause dehydration due to its high protein and low carbohydrate content. A diet too high in protein and too low in carbs can lead to water loss through urine. Dehydration and concentrated urine also contribute to constipation.
Tips to Prevent Constipation from Beef Liver
If you experience constipation from eating beef liver, here are some ways you can help prevent it:
-
Drink plenty of water and fluids like herbal tea. Staying hydrated can help soften stools.
-
Eat high fiber foods such as vegetables, fruits, beans, lentils, and whole grains. Fiber helps move bowels along.
-
Include carbs in your diet from healthy sources like starchy vegetables, fruit, and whole grains. This helps maintain water balance.
-
Consume liver in moderation, no more than 2-4 oz per week. Limit portion sizes to avoid toxicity.
-
Choose calves liver instead of beef liver occasionally since it’s lower in vitamin A.
-
Take a fiber supplement like psyllium husk to add bulk to stools if needed.
-
Get more exercise and physical activity, which can stimulate the bowels.
-
Consider probiotic supplements to support healthy gut bacteria.
Who Should Avoid Beef Liver?
Certain individuals should not consume beef liver or eat it only in very small amounts:
-
Those with iron overload disorders like hemochromatosis. The iron content is too high.
-
People taking iron supplements or multivitamins high in iron. Liver provides excess iron.
-
Pregnant women. The vitamin A may harm fetal development.
-
Anyone experiencing constipation or gastrointestinal issues. Liver may exacerbate symptoms.
-
People with gout. Beef liver is high in purines which raise uric acid.
-
Those taking certain medications that interact with vitamin A.
Beef liver is nutritious but also very high in vitamin A, iron, and copper. Consuming more than a few ounces per week may cause side effects like constipation for some people. Following a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of fiber can help prevent constipation from eating liver. Those with medical conditions or taking certain medications may want to avoid liver completely. In moderation, beef liver can be part of a healthy diet for most individuals.
Frequency of Entities
Beef liver: 23
Vitamin A: 7
Iron: 5
Constipation: 13
Fiber: 4
Fatty liver and diarrhea
The gut-liver axis can also be messed up, which is another reason why people with fatty liver may also have diarrhea. A 2019 study of 127 people with MASLD found that 25% of them had chronic diarrhea.
Fatty liver and other bowel issues
Fatty liver disease that has progressed to MASLD may cause you to have gray-colored stools. In the later stages of this condition, known as cirrhosis, your stools can become black or tarry.
Be sure to get medical advice if you’re experiencing persistent constipation or other gastrointestinal issues. Also, you should see a doctor if you have any signs of a liver problem, like yellow skin or dark urine.
Early diagnosis and management of fatty liver disease can help prevent complications and improve your quality of life.
Taking care of both your liver and gut can help ease the symptoms of fatty liver disease and constipation. Treatment may include:
- Changes to your diet: Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to get more fiber can help relieve constipation. For regular bowel movements, it’s also important to drink a lot of water.
- Regular exercise can help keep you from getting constipated by stimulating your digestive system.
- Medications: You can use over-the-counter laxatives for short-term constipation relief. Still, you should talk to a doctor before taking them, especially if you have fatty liver disease.
- Probiotics: These good bacteria can help rebalance the bacteria in your gut and make your digestive health better.
- Taking care of a fatty liver: Treating the fatty liver disease itself may also help with constipation. Your doctor may tell you to make changes to your lifestyle, like: losing weight (if necessary) quitting drinking (if not) taking care of other health problems
Some forms of fatty liver disease may be reversed if it doesn’t progress to cirrhosis.
Let’s discuss a few questions people with fatty liver frequently ask their doctors.
Eating LIVER (7 Myths BUSTED) 2024
FAQ
Can taking beef liver cause constipation?
Why does liver make me constipated?
Is beef liver hard to digest?
What happens if you eat too much beef liver?
Can processed meat cause constipation?
Processed meats can be hard on the digestive system. They almost always contain high amounts of fat, which can slow digestion. They also are low in healthy dietary fiber. Many processed meats contain nitrates to extend their shelf life. These nitrates also may contribute to constipation.
Can onions cause constipation?
Onions can cause constipation and should be eliminated in diets low in fodmaps since their carbohydrates can cause fermentation and discomfort.
What are the risks associated with eating beef liver?
The risks associated with eating beef liver include consuming too much vitamin A, ingesting copper, and absorbing antibiotics present in the liver. Beef liver is a good source of vitamin A. Although vitamin A is essential for good health, a person can consume too much of it and risk vitamin A toxicity, or hypervitaminosis A.
Does eating red meat cause constipation?
In the same way that saturated fat in fried foods contributes to constipation, eating large quantities of red meat may do the same. A 2015 study in Neurogastroenterology and Motility reported that a high level of saturated fat in the diet, defined as over 30 grams per day, is linked to a higher risk of constipation.