MASH develops when excess fat builds up in the liver, causing inflammation and damage to liver cells.
Without treatment or lifestyle changes, MASH can progress tofibrosis,cirrhosis, and evenliver failure.
At this point, the condition is no longer reversible due to permanent liver damage and scarring.
Photo Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health; Getty Images
As a dietitian, Im a big fan of using theMediterranean dietfor this purpose.
How Does the Mediterranean Diet Help Manage MASH?
Eating a well-balanced diet is essential for treating MASH.
One treatment goal is weight loss, which can lower the amount of fat in the liver.
The Mediterranean diet is a style of eating that focuses on plant-based foods and healthy fats.
It isnt a strict diet.
Instead, it is an overall eating pattern that offers serious potential for health benefits.
It also includes a high intake of healthy fats, such as olive oil.
Think of it as adding healthy foods rather than eliminating specific foods.
Otherwise, starting with small, sustainable changes can make the transition easier.
The goal is to add more nutrient-dense options, while limiting (not totally eliminating) less beneficial foods.
Managing MASH through lifestyle changes is all about making sustainable changes that support your overall health.
2021;160(3):912-918. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.11.051
Yannakoulia M, Scarmeas N.Diets.New England Journal of Medicine.
2024;390(22):2098-2106. doi:10.1056/nejmra2211889
