Here's Another Reason to Love Probiotics: They're Great for Fighting Fatty Liver

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For many of us, probiotics are a staple in our efforts to achieve good gut health and a balanced microbiome. We’ve woken up to the potential benefits of consuming probiotics regularly, both for our guts and overall health. But here’s something you probably didn’t realize: Probiotics may help you fight the effects of fatty liver disease.

New research is showing that probiotics might be a potential-packed nutritional tool beyond the gut. Getting your gut in good shape can have a health-boosting effect that reaches the liver, keeping you in better health overall. Taking probiotics can change the way your liver handles fat, stress, inflammation and even potentially damaging enzymes that can lead to fatty liver disease.

And there's an even bigger surprise hiding in your gut. It turns out that researchers have linked a certain strain of gut bacteria to fatty liver disease. This sneaky bacteria can actually cause fat buildup in the liver, even if you're doing everything else right.

That means that a healthy microbiome and plenty of beneficial bacteria are more important than ever before. Find out how probiotics can make a difference »

Does Diet Really Make a Difference in Liver Health?

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Of course your diet shapes your health – that's a no-brainer! But some health conditions, like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, can appear even when you've followed a clean diet. Sure, fatty liver is typically tied to unhealthy habits; however, other factors like gut bacteria and genetics can also play a role. And that can leave you wondering if changing what you eat can actually have a big impact when it comes to fatty liver disease.

It turns out diet might be even more important than we realize. Altering what you eat is actually one of the only treatment options available for fighting fatty liver. And it's so effective that some foods just might help reverse fat buildup and the other health woes that come with fatty liver disease. If you're hoping to keep your liver in its best possible shape, understanding just how what you eat shapes its health is key.

Discover how your diet can improve your liver health »

Simple Cooking Tips That Make a Huge Difference:

Are You Using Your Oven Racks Wrong? Here's the Fix.

Think you can bake anything on any oven rack? It turns out each rack has a different purpose, and where you place your food affects how it cooks (and tastes). Find out where you should put your cookies, casseroles and more.

Stop Storing All of Your Cooking Oils in Your Pantry

If you're keeping all different types of cooking oils in your pantry – or, even worse, on the counter – it's time to stop. While some oils are fine at room temperature, others aren't. We've got your guide to storing different oils.

Master Your Instant Pot with These Insider Tips and Tricks

The Instant Pot is hugely helpful when it comes to time-saving shortcuts and quick meals. But it's an appliance that takes time to learn. We've got little-known tips you won't find in the manual that'll make it even easier to use.

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What we've been reading this week:

Could hormones help you lose weight? Better Nutrition explains how balancing certain hormones could help you reach your goals.

We love medicinal mushrooms, and Vegetarian Times created a great guide to the health benefits of 5 essential fungi.

Ticks, mosquitos, no-see-ums – there are plenty of frustrating pests outdoors. Outside explains how to prevent bites and ward off bugs.

Have some pent-up emotions? Instead of silent meditation, Yoga Journal explains how great dynamic meditation might be if you need a release.

You've tried superfoods, but what about superfood juices? Better Nutrition explains the benefits of sipping a glass of superfood juice.

Vitamin deficiencies can cause health woes – and affect your workouts. Oxygen explains what can happen if you don't get enough vitamin B.

Make every workout more effective with these micro exercises from Women's Running. You'll make big changes with small, subtle moves.

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