The build-up of fat inside the liver is called fatty liver, in other terms, hepatic steatosis. Usually, it occurs in alcohol consumers, but it can occur in non-alcoholic people too and is characterized under Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases (NAFLD).
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease affects around 80-100 million of the American population
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Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver has further two types:
The simple fatty liver: it only has some fat build-up but no cell damage or inflammation; it is most common in non-alcoholics.
Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH); this indicates inflammation in your liver accompanied by cell damage. It is a severe complication that may lead to liver cirrhosi.
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease occurs in alcohol users. Liver breaks down the alcohol in the body, which may lead to the generation of toxic metabolites. It heals itself if you stop drinking alcohol, but if you keep taking it in large amounts, it may lead to increased liver size, alcoholic hepatitis, and alcoholic cirrhosis
The symptoms include pain and discomfort in the upper right abdominal region. Severe inflammation, as in alcoholic hepatitis, may be accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice.
Liver cirrhosis is the late complication of both NAFLD and AFLD, in which scarring also called fibrosis of liver tissue starts. The scarring of liver tissues makes it difficult for the liver to function correctly, and it may progress to life-threatening liver damage. The symptoms are weight loss, reduced appetite, fatigue, nasal bleeding, and swelling of the abdomen.
The exact cause of NAFLD is still not known, but studies reveal the list of people who are at risk. It includes people with diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic disorders, etc.
It affects around 20-25% of the worlds’ population.
Fatty liver is reversible if diagnosed early, but if it progressed to cirrhosis, it has no reversal.
It can be diagnosed through various tests analyzing your liver function. An imaging test is performed to rule out scarring and inflammation. Physical examination is also essential to assess swelling and pain severity. In complicated, liver biopsy is advised.
Treatment strategies vary according to the type of liver disease and the extent of the damage. For simple and milder cases, your doctor may advise you to apply non-medical ways, e.g., weight loss, reduce refined carbs intake, and foods that will help you get rid of liver fat like green tea, fibers, etc. Dietary changes will help you to get rid of fatty liver and lower the risk of serious complications.
Vegetable rich diet, legumes, and fruits are recommended. Limit intake of starch, saturated fats, and carbohydrates, and avoid alcohol.
No specific medications are available for the treatment of NAFLD and AFLD, weight loss, and alcohol withdrawal is the most preferred strategy to get rid of fatty liver.
Some studies support the use of Vitamin E for the treatment of fatty liver, but they’re still not enough as increased risk of death and prostate cancer have been associated with the use of vitamin E.
To prevent fatty liver, you need to focus on your lifestyle. Maintain a healthy weight, avoid alcohol, exercise regularly, and eat healthily.
Don’t worry if you have been diagnosed with a fatty liver; all you need to do is a mild alteration in your lifestyle to get back to your healthy liver.
Until Next Time,
Team Doctor ASKY!