Finding Balance With Healthy Living for NASH

Hey there! If you suffer from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) symptoms and have read my previous articles, then you probably already know that one of the fastest and most efficient ways I helped to reverse my liver damage was by making sure I ate healthily and exercised daily. This helped me maintain a healthy liver and embrace healthy living with NASH.

Navigating the guilt that comes with NASH

The most prevalent cause of NASH is obesity, which is why we can sometimes struggle with guilt and shame when we overindulge, or when we join in on the festivities and have a cheeky mince pie or 2. I am writing this article to you from the heart; you do not have to feel guilty for enjoying yourself, okay? One of the hardest but most effective things I have done for my mental and physical health is letting go of others’ judgment.

My 3 pillars of health living with NASH

Here are 3 things that helped me in my journey of reversing my liver disease and healing my mental health.

Boundaries

Setting boundaries for myself is one of the best things I could have done when it came to my lifestyle change and reversing my liver disease. Boundaries are essential when finding the strength and determination not to let the actions of others persuade us, because what is good for them may not always be good for you.

Remember, it is okay to say “no, thank you” to a friend who offers you a slice of cake. It is okay to order a non-alcoholic cocktail, even though not all of your friends are doing so. When you start applying these boundaries and rules to yourself and your lifestyle, others around you will begin to respect your needs and the importance of healthy living with NASH.

Compromise

One way I navigated weight loss was by showing myself kindness and making compromises. For example, I am someone who likes to snack throughout the day, so instead of cutting out snacking altogether, I compromised by changing the foods I snack on. For a healthier option, instead of a bag of crisps, I would have an apple.

Another example is when I go out to eat: I will only have water instead of a soft drink if I know I will be getting a dessert. If I know I will not be eating dessert, I will get a soft drink instead. That way, it’s more of a treat to myself instead of an overindulgence that will make me feel guilty or ashamed. These small shifts are the foundation of healthy living with NASH.

Have fun

One of the most important lessons I have learned from being diagnosed with a chronic illness is that life is precious and sometimes shorter than we realize. It’s hard to find moments for reflection while living in the chaos of life. Also, if you are doing your best to make the right decisions for you and your health, that’s all that matters.

Joyful, healthy living with NASH is possible

Remember, healthy living with NASH doesn't mean the end of joy. Well, that's all. Have fun while doing it!