The busiest organ in our body is the liver, liver is usually very important for your body to function properly. It helps in removing toxins from our digestive system in the form of urine and also breaks down the food. When fat starts to increase in the liver these processes we just mentioned can stop resulting in the digestive system to perform poorly. The liver can get diagnosed with one of the most harmful diseases known as fatty liver. It’s not so bad when looked from outside, especially since a lot of people infected by the virus never get sick.
But it can get out of control as it can progress into more serious conditions like liver inflammation or fibrosis, or, eventually, cirrhosis.
Already 15-30% of people suffer from a fatty liver, modern life of bad diet and no exercise is obviously catching up on them. Knowing what causes fatty liver and the symptoms, and knowing how to prevent them may help keep the liver in good health and the body as a whole in good health.
What is a Fatty Liver?
Fatty liver refers to fat deposits in liver cells. A normal liver has just a little bit of fat. And if the fat makes up more than 5–10% of the organ’s weight, well, then you have fatty liver disease.
There are two main types:-
1. Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD):Fatty liver caused by Non-Alcoholic factors like obesity, diabetes etc in individuals are known as Non-Alcoholic fatty liver disease.
2. Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD): Fatty liver caused by Alcoholic factors in individuals are known as Alcoholic fatty liver disease.
NAFLD is also increasing in prevalence with millions having NAFLD around the world and in even young adults and children.
Common Causes:
Liver fat does not develop in one night. It is the result of a combination of many lifestyle and medical factors:
Junk Food: Eating items like fast food, fat fried snacks and sugary aerated drinks leads to storage of fat.
Diabetes And Insulin Resistance: Body deposits and stored fat in the liver are affected when the level of insulin and blood sugar is high in the body.
High Cholesterol & Triglycerides: Liver too stressed due to high lipids.
Lack of exercise: If you don’t move, the fat you currently have will never burn down, but instead will store up as a reserve of calories.
Rapid weight loss or protein-energy malnutrition: Ironically, rapid weight loss also can result in fatty liver in the long run.
Symptoms:
Fatty liver has very few symptoms in the initial stage making it a very dangerous disease as until people find out that they have a fatty liver things can get out of hand. That’s why it is also called ‘silent disease’. There are still some things you could notice which might help you to find whether or not you have a fatty liver.
For example:- you may get tired easily or you concentration might decrease or you might lose a hefty amount of weight in a short span of time and as the case gets worse you might notice your legs getting swollen. These are some of the symptoms you could see in yourself if you have fatty liver.
Possible Complications:
If it is not addressed, fatty liver can progress to a more severe disease:
Non Alcoholic SteatoHepatitis (NASH): Fat in the liver, accumulating over time and damaging it through inflammation.
Fibrosis: Replacement of a part or whole organ with scarring.
Cirrhosis: Scarring throughout the liver that is caused by long-term damage.
Liver cancer: Chronic fatty liver that is more advanced may multiply cells and cause cancers.
This again highlights the role of lifestyle modification and early drug therapy.
How to Treat and Reverse a Fatty Liver Naturally?
The good news is that fatty liver, at least the early stage fatty liver is reversible. Some of the ways you can treat it are:-
1. Maintaining weight
Slow but sure weight loss might result in less fat stored. Losing as little as 5–10% of body weight can work wonders.
2. Eat a Balanced Diet
Adding balance to your diet is also another important factor which helps in treating fatty liver, you can add balance by adding fruits and veggies etc in your daily diet. Also try to stay away from those canned foods or premade foods like chips, fried foods etc.
3. Stay Active
A moving body is more likely to be a lighter one, therefore preventing fatty liver.
4. Limit Alcohol
High consumption of alcohol can increase the fat in your liver, so try to decrease the intake of alcohol in your body
5. Managing Diabetes
Take all needed medicines and receive tests for blood sugar and liquids.
Medical Treatments:
When you are in the early stages of fatty liver lifestyle adjustment becomes more crucial than doctors. To lower diabetes, drugs are available and so for increased cholesterol and increased blood pressure but still lifestyle adjustments remain the most important part of your treatment. But as soon as the fatty liver reaches an advanced level, liver transplantation becomes important.
FAQ’s:
Q1. Can I reverse a fatty liver?
ANS.Yes. a fatty liver can be reversed by following a good diet, even the earliest version of it.
Q2. Is fatty liver dangerous?
ANS. Yes it is as it can result in serious damage like fibrosis, cirrhosis etc and if left untreated for far too long can result in liver cancer. But generally complications can be avoided through early treatment.
Q3. Does fatty liver cause pain?
ANS. Not always.Most are asymptomatic but may cause a sensation of fullness or dull ache in the right upper abdomen for some patients.
Q4. What are the foods that are not good for me?
ANS. Any processed food or pre-made food is harmful for your fatty liver, these include:- Deep fried foods, chips, canned tuna etc. Also sweet food should also be eaten only on special occasions.
Q5. Can children have fatty liver?
ANS. Yes, and with the rise in childhood obesity, so too is pediatric fatty liver. It’s the latter that is more important to promote healthy eating and exercise.