Understanding Fatty Liver Disease
The two primary forms of fatty liver disease are alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Obesity, insulin resistance, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, and excessive alcohol consumption cause AFLD, whereas NAFLD is linked to these conditions. NASH is a more severe form of NAFLD that is linked to inflammation and liver damage; it is further subdivided into non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease symptoms: At first, there might not be any signs of fatty liver disease. But as the disease advances, people may feel weak, lethargic, have stomach pain or discomfort, notice an enlarged liver, and develop jaundice, which is characterized by a yellowing of the skin and eyes. Fatty liver disease, when left untreated, can progress to cirrhosis, fibrosis, and eventually liver failure.
Diagnosis of Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease diagnosis typically involves a battery of tests, including a review of medical history, a physical examination, blood work, imaging studies (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, etc.), and occasionally a liver biopsy. Signs of inflammation or liver damage, as well as elevated liver enzymes or levels of liver fat, can be found in blood tests. To evaluate the liver's size, shape, and adiposity, imaging studies can produce high-resolution pictures of the organ.
Preventing and Treating Fatty Liver Disease
- Decrease Your Body Mass Index (BMI): Being overweight or obese greatly increases your chance of developing fatty liver disease. Reduce liver fat and improve liver function by losing weight through a combination of diet and exercise. Adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes frequent physical exercise and a diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains to lose weight slowly but steadily.
- Eat Well: If you want to reverse fatty liver disease, you need to eat well. Cut back on sugar, refined carbs, saturated and trans fats, and alcoholic beverages. In its place, prioritize whole foods like fresh produce, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats from sources like nuts, seeds, and fish.
- Exercise on a Regular Basis: Losing weight and improving liver health are both facilitated by regular physical activity. Strive to engage in moderate-intensity exercise, such as jogging, swimming, cycling, or strength training, for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. Fatty liver disease risk factors include insulin resistance and inflammation; exercise helps burn calories while reducing both.
- Drink Moderately or Not at All: People with alcoholic fatty liver disease must drink moderately or not at all to avoid aggravating their condition. To avoid worsening liver fat accumulation and inflammation, it is best to abstain from alcohol completely, even moderate consumption can do so.
- Medications and Supplements: To aid with the management of fatty liver disease, healthcare providers may recommend certain medications or supplements. Some people with NASH have found that taking vitamin E supplements helps decrease inflammation and liver fat, and other people take medications to control their blood sugar, cholesterol, or triglyceride levels.
- Patients with fatty liver disease must have their liver function and overall health monitored on a regular basis. In order to monitor liver function, fat content, inflammation, and damage, it may be necessary to conduct imaging studies, blood tests, or other diagnostic procedures on a periodic basis. By keeping tabs on patients, doctors can see how their treatments are going and alter them as necessary.
