Whilst the role and benefits of exercise on weight loss are well known, the effects exercise has on liver health is often overlooked. The liver performs a myriad of functions within the body and both diet and physical activity play a crucial role in ensuring that the liver remains healthy. Here is a closer look at how exercise impacts liver health and why incorporating it into your daily routine is essential.

What role does the liver play?
Our liver is responsible for over 500 functions within the body and even has the ability to be able to repair itself.  Some of the key functions of the liver include:

• Production of bile and bile salts which help in the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E and K.
• Removing waste products and filtering toxins from the blood stream.
• Processing nutrients from food.
• Regulating metabolism and blood sugar levels.
• Storage of key nutrients including glycogen, vitamins A, D and B12, iron, lipids and cholesterol

Fatty Liver Disease

1 in 3 Australia adults are affected by fatty liver disease. There are two main types of fatty liver disease. The first is metabolic associated liver disease. This is the most common type referred to as non-alcoholic fatty acid disease (NAFLD). It is a condition that affects people who drink little to no alcohol and occurs when there is a fat build up on the liver. Sedentary lifestyle choices and poor dietary habits are contributing factors to NAFLD which can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) characterised by inflammation, liver damage and fat in the liver.

The second type of fatty liver disease is referred to as alcohol-related fatty liver disease caused by drinking too much alcohol over long periods.

For most people, liver damaged can be reversed, improved or prevented with healthy diet and lifestyle choices including regular exercise as well as reducing alcohol intake especially in those with alcohol related fatty liver disease.

Exercise and the liver

Regular exercise and physical activity have been shown to play a crucial role in reducing liver fat accumulation. Exercise helps increase insulin sensitivity, which, in turn, reduces the risk of insulin resistance—a key factor in NAFLD development.

Several clinical trials have shown that both aerobic and resistance exercise reduce fat in the liver. Exercise increases fatty acid oxidation and decreases fatty acid synthesis in the liver.

There is no definitive evidence to indicate whether aerobic or resistance exercise is a better option over the other. Whilst aerobic exercise has been shown in some studies to have an effect on fat in the liver, resistance training provides an alternative exercise option for those that may be unable to participate in aerobic exercise for other reasons.

Please always check with your doctor or healthcare professional first before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.

Sources & more information:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5954622/

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/fatty-liver

https://www.qld.gov.au/health/services/specialists/queensland-liver-transplant-service/liver-transplant-evaluation-and-assessment-guide/the-liver-its-function-and-anatomy

This information does not take into account your personal situation and is general in nature. You should consider whether the information is appropriate for your needs and seek professional medical advice.

Always consult your healthcare professional before taking any supplements or if any concerns arise.