Choline Is the Vitamin for a Fatty Liver

Dr. Eric Berg 08/02/2024

So, you’ve started the keto diet, you're feeling good, but then you notice an itchy rash popping up. What’s the deal? This is a common experience. One less common side effect of the ketogenic diet can be a red, itchy rash, often mistaken for an allergic reaction.

This is often referred to as "keto rash", and, while uncomfortable, understanding the possible causes can help you address it effectively.

What are keto rash causes?

Let's take a look at some of the more common keto rash causes. From nutrient deficiencies to the body’s natural detoxification processes, pinpointing the root cause is the first step to finding relief.

Choline Deficiency

This is a big one. Choline is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in liver function, fat metabolism, and nerve health. When you switch to a keto diet, your body’s demand for choline increases because it’s needed to metabolize all the fat you’re now consuming.

If you aren’t getting enough choline through your diet, it can lead to a fatty liver. One way a fatty liver might show up? You guessed it, keto rash.

Good sources of choline on keto include:

Eggs (especially the yolks.)
Beef liver
Salmon
Chicken

Autophagy

Fasting is often a big part of the keto journey and for good reason - it can have amazing benefits for your health. However, fasting can sometimes trigger a process called autophagy.

Basically, autophagy is your body's way of cleaning house, getting rid of old damaged cells. While this is a good thing, sometimes the detoxification process can lead to temporary side effects, including skin rashes.

B Vitamin Deficiency

The keto diet often means a big change in what you’re eating, and this can sometimes lead to nutrient gaps if you aren’t careful. B vitamins play an essential role in skin health. If your body is lacking in one or more B vitamins, a keto rash could develop.

Gut Health Imbalances

A healthy gut plays a critical role in nutrient absorption. If the balance of bacteria in your gut is out of whack, it can affect your body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients.

If you aren't absorbing those nutrients efficiently, you can start to see how that could contribute to a pesky keto rash. This can lead to issues such as prurigo pigmentosa, which is important to address.

Allergies

Though not directly a cause of keto rash, it's important to consider the possibility of food allergies. New foods in your diet could be triggering a reaction.

Be mindful of any changes in your diet and whether those coincide with the rash. Keep a detailed food journal and see if you can pinpoint a possible culprit.

Keto rash on torso

What Exactly is Keto Rash?

Keto rash, sometimes referred to as prurigo pigmentosa, is a skin condition that can develop in people following a ketogenic diet, a low-carb, high-fat diet.

It typically presents as itchy, red bumps that can appear anywhere on the body but are commonly found on the upper body, such as the chest, back, and shoulders. These bumps may then transform into darker patches of skin, often in a net-like or web-like pattern.

How to Get Rid of Keto Rash?

Getting rid of keto rash involves identifying and addressing the underlying triggers, primarily focusing on dietary adjustments and lifestyle modifications. Here's how you can approach this:

1. Increase Your Carbohydrate Intake

Gradually increasing your carbohydrate intake suddenly can sometimes alleviate the symptoms of keto rash. This may involve reintroducing small amounts of healthy carbs into your diet and monitoring your body's response.

2. Correct Nutrient Deficiencies

Ensuring adequate intake of essential nutrients is crucial for skin health. This includes incorporating foods rich in B vitamins, such as leafy greens, eggs, and meat, and choline-rich foods like liver, eggs, and fish.

Consider supplements after consulting a healthcare professional to address any deficiencies.

3. Address Gut Health Imbalances

Improving gut health can have a positive impact on nutrient absorption and reduce inflammation. Consuming probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and sauerkraut or considering a probiotic supplement may help restore a healthy gut microbiome.

4. Eliminate Food Allergens

Identify and eliminate potential food allergens from your diet. Common food allergens include dairy, gluten, soy, and nuts. Keep a food diary to track your intake and any reactions.

5. Incorporate Anti-Inflammatory Supplements

Certain supplements may help manage inflammation and support skin health. Examples include omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish or fish oil supplements, and evening primrose oil. Consult a healthcare professional before adding new supplements to your routine.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While keto rash can often be managed with dietary and lifestyle adjustments, seeking medical advice from a dermatologist or healthcare professional is recommended in the following situations:

The rash is severe or covers a large area of your body.
The rash doesn't improve within a few weeks of implementing self-care measures.
You experience additional symptoms like fever, pain, or oozing from the rash.

Choline-rich foods

Choline Power

Highlights the crucial role of choline in combating fatty liver disease and delves into the common question of brown eggs vs white eggs.

Choline, an essential nutrient found abundantly in eggs, supports liver function by aiding in fat metabolism and preventing fat accumulation in the liver. This makes it particularly beneficial for those at risk of or dealing with fatty liver disease.

While incorporating eggs into your diet, you might wonder if there's a nutritional difference between brown eggs and white eggs. The truth is, the color of the eggshell is purely dependent on the hen's breed and does not affect the nutritional value of the egg.

Both brown and white eggs provide an excellent source of choline, along with other vital nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals.

By understanding the benefits of choline and making informed choices about your egg consumption, you can take proactive steps toward better liver health and overall well-being.

Conclusion

While keto rash causes discomfort, don’t worry, it is usually a sign from your body telling you it needs some extra support. Pay attention to how your body responds.

By addressing the potential causes and making adjustments to your diet, lifestyle, or supplement routine as needed, you can effectively manage and even prevent these pesky rashes and enjoy the full benefits of a ketogenic lifestyle.