Dr. Mehmet Portakal
Specialist in Holistic Medicine and Physical Therapy

Processed foods and the unconscious use of supplements and medications can strain the liver’s natural detoxification capacity, leading to fatty liver disease.

In today’s fast-paced world, seemingly “practical” eating habits and the random use of supplements and medications are pushing the liver our body’s largest laboratory to the brink of silent failure. Fatty liver disease, whose prevalence in society is rapidly increasing, is no longer merely a “weight issue”; it has become a serious public health crisis that paves the way for chronic diseases. Current scientific data reveal that one in every two people in Türkiye is facing the problem of fatty liver.

THE LIVER SUFFERS IN SILENCE

Sharing his views on the issue, Specialist in Holistic Medicine and Physical Therapy Dr. Mehmet Portakal emphasized that liver health is directly connected not only to digestion but to the entire functioning of the body. Describing the liver as “the body’s power plant and cleaning worker,” Dr. Portakal made the following assessment:

“The liver is the organ with the highest capacity for regeneration, but this capacity is not unlimited. Poor nutrition (especially high-fructose corn syrup and trans fats), uncontrolled consumption of herbal mixtures assumed to be ‘natural,’ and the unconscious use of medications or supplements lead to fat accumulation in liver cells (steatosis). From a holistic medicine perspective, this burden on the liver can disrupt the entire system from chronic fatigue and joint pain to skin problems and weakened immunity.”

FOUR CRITICAL STAGES OF THE DISEASE

Dr. Mehmet Portakal categorizes the progression of the disease and the damage it causes in the body into four stages.

Grade 1 (Simple Steatosis):

Mild fat accumulation begins in liver cells. It usually produces no symptoms and can be completely reversed with lifestyle changes.

Grade 2 (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis – NASH):

Inflammation accompanies fat accumulation. Liver tissue begins to suffer damage.

Grade 3 (Fibrosis):

Due to ongoing inflammation, hardening of the liver and the formation of scar tissue begin. Loss of liver function becomes more evident.

Grade 4 (Cirrhosis):

A large portion of the liver tissue has turned into scar tissue. This stage is difficult to reverse and carries serious life-threatening risks.

DO NOT IGNORE THE SIGNALS YOUR BODY SENDS

Stating that fatty liver disease usually progresses “silently,” Dr. Portakal listed the warning signs that should not be ignored as follows:

• Persistent Fatigue and Weakness: Difficulty getting out of bed in the morning and chronic low energy.
• Fullness in the Upper Right Abdomen: A dull pain or feeling of pressure under the right rib cage due to enlargement of the liver.
• Skin Changes: Itching, acne, slight yellowing of the whites of the eyes, or redness in the palms.
• Metabolic Problems: Rapid weight gain, fat accumulation around the abdominal area, and insulin resistance.

PROTECTING YOUR LIVER IS IN YOUR HANDS

Emphasizing that fatty liver disease is preventable, Dr. Mehmet Portakal reminds that liver health can be protected through personalized nutrition protocols, properly planned physical activity, and holistic detox methods applied under medical supervision:

“Every medication taken unconsciously and every incorrect bite adds another burden to your liver. When your liver regains its health, both your energy and your quality of life will improve.”

A NATURAL REMEDY THAT WILL “DELIGHT” THE LIVER

Dr. Mehmet Portakal also notes that protecting liver health is not only about avoiding harmful substances but also about actively supporting the liver. To help support the liver’s Phase I and Phase II detoxification pathways, he recommends herbal supports such as artichoke, milk thistle, and turmeric, and also shares a special recipe that can easily be prepared at home.

INGREDIENTS:

•  1 medium red beet (chopped)
•  1 carrot (chopped)
•  A handful of fresh parsley
•  Juice of 1 lemon
•  1 teaspoon powdered ginger
•  1 glass of drinking water
•  1 teaspoon honey (optional)

PREPARATION:

•  Place all the ingredients (beet, carrot, parsley, lemon juice, ginger, and honey) in a blender.
•  Add one glass of drinking water.
•  Blend until the mixture becomes smooth.
•  If desired, add a teaspoon of raw honey.

Suggested Use:

Consume this mixture fresh in the morning on an empty stomach or at a time during the day when you need an energy boost. With regular use for 3–4 days, you may notice your liver feeling lighter and your skin looking brighter.