Fatty Liver
Fatty liver, or steatosis, is a broad term that describes the buildup of fats in the liver. Having some fat in your liver is normal, but if more than five to 10 percent is fat, then it is called fatty liver disease. Fatty liver is usually a reversible condition and can go away if the inciting cause is corrected. Fatty liver often has no symptoms and may not cause any permanent damage unless the cause continues unabated.
The liver is the second largest organ in the body. The liver’s function is to process everything we eat or drink and filter any harmful substances from the blood. If too much fat has accumulated in the liver then this process is interfered with. The liver commonly repairs itself by rebuilding new liver cells when the old ones are damaged. When there is repeated damage to the liver, permanent scarring takes place. This is called cirrhosis.
Symptoms
There are typically no symptoms of fatty liver. Some people experience fatigue or vague abdominal discomfort. The liver may become slightly enlarged—which may be detected by your doctor on a thorough physical exam, or by an ultrasound scan.
If the liver has become inflamed, there may be other symptoms, such as poor appetite, weight loss, and feeling extremely weak, tired, or sick.
The most common cause is alcoholism. Almost all heavy drinkers have fatty liver disease. Other causes are high blood cholesterol, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. It may also be caused by toxins, certain drugs (asprin, steroids), pregnancy, and inherited metabolic disorders. In many cases, the cause is not clear.
Fatty liver develops when the body ingests and/or creates too much fat and cannot metabolize it fast enough. As a result, the leftover is stored in liver cells where it accumulates to become fatty liver disease.
Types
Fatty liver may be seen in four common forms:
1. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) develops when the liver has difficulty breaking down fats, which causes a buildup in the liver tissue. The cause is not related to alcohol. NAFLD is diagnosed when more than 10 percent of the liver is fat.
2. Alcoholic Fatty Liver
Alcoholic fatty liver is the earliest stage of alcohol-related liver disease. The liver is damaged by heavy drinking and inability to break down fats. If the patient abstains from alcohol, the fat in the liver will go away within six weeks of being alcohol-free. If excessive alcohol use continues, alcoholic hepatitis and later cirrhosis may develop.
3. Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
With excessive build up of fat, the liver swells and gets inflamed. If the original cause is not alcohol, it is called NASH. This disease can impair liver function. Symptoms can be seen with this disease, such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and yellowing of the skin. If left untreated, NASH can progress to permanent scarring of the liver, cirrhosis and eventual liver failure.
4. Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy
This is a rare complication of pregnancy that can be life threatening. Symptoms begin in the third trimester and include persistent nausea and vomiting, pain in the upper-right abdomen, jaundice, and general malaise. Women who are pregnant and become jaundiced should be screened for this condition. Most women improve after delivery and have no lasting effects.
Who is at Risk?
Since fatty liver is the buildup of extra fats in the liver, it is more likely to develop if you are overweight or obese. As described above, alcoholism, diabetes, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels and pregnancy can increase your risk of fatty liver.
Other factors that may increase the risk:
- excessive use of over-the-counter medication (taking more than the recommended doses of certain medications, such as acetaminophen)
- malnutrition
- metabolic syndrome
Diagnosis
Fatty liver can be diagnosed by:
- History of the risk factors as above
- A physical exam of the abdomen by your physician
- Blood Tests: Higher than normal liver enzymes may be found on a routine blood test
- Scans: Ultrasound will show the fat on your liver as a white area on the image. Other imaging studies may be done as well such as a CT (computed tomography) scan or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
- Liver Biopsy: A needle is inserted into the liver to remove a piece of tissue for examination (after giving a local anesthetic to lessen the pain). This is sometimes needed to help your doctor learn the exact cause of liver damage.
How is Fatty Liver treated and prevented?
Treatment focuses on the factors that may cause the disease. Common interventions center around:
- treatment of alcoholism
- cholesterol management
- weight loss
- blood sugar control
To reduce your risk of fatty liver, make healthy lifestyle choices, such as:
- Limit or avoid alcohol consumption.
- Choose a healthy, balanced diet.
- Maintain your ideal weight.
Is Fatty Liver Curable?
Fatty Liver Disease is a health condition characterized by the accumulation of excessive fat in the liver, leading to inflammation and damage. However, with early care and intervention, fatty liver disease can be efficiently cured. To get the best medical care for fatty liver disease, consult Dr. A.S Soin, a leading pioneer in liver transplant. Having an incredible experience of 21 years in this field and having solved more than 1500 complicated cases, you can undoubtedly rely on him for optimal treatment and care.
Can A Fatty Liver Repair Itself?
The liver, having a significant regeneration ability, can repair from damage to some extent. Hence, fatty liver can repair itself partially if it is in the early stages. Here’s a brief mechanism of how the liver can repair itself to the fatty liver disease up to some extent:
- Cellular Regeneration : Cellular regeneration refers to the mechanism of regenerating and replacing damaging liver cells of the body.
- Fat Reduction : This mechanism involves the automated reduction of fat accumulated in the liver.
- Inflammation Reduction : The liver can mitigate oxidative stress. Therefore, it can moderately reduce inflammation. However, the automatic repair and regeneration of fatty liver depends on multiple factors like the severity of FLD, lifestyle changes, underlying health conditions, and medication. Consult Dr. A.S. Soin, one of the leading healthcare professionals for tailored guidance on fatty liver treatment and cure.
How To Remove Fat From The Liver?
Removing fat from the liver requires a combined approach of dietary modifications, alternative therapies, lifestyle changes, and medications. However, in severe cases, you might need to opt for surgical procedures. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the most effective solutions for removing fat from the liver:
- Surgical Procedures : A severe case of FLD may require you to undergo surgical treatments like bariatric surgery and liver transplantation. Consult Dr. A.S. Soin, an affiliated Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplant Surgeon, for the most reliable treatment plans.
- Medications : Your doctor might prescribe you productive medications like Metformin, Statins, Obeticholic acid, and Piogliztazone to eliminate accumulated liver fat. However, these medications should not be consumed without professional medical supervision.
- Dietary Changes : To reduce accumulated liver fat considerably you will need to incorporate certain dietary changes like consuming sufficient quantities of fiber, reducing sugar consumption, consuming healthy fats, and avoiding alcohol intake.
- Lifestyle Modifications : In mild to moderate cases of FLD, you can incorporate lifestyle modifications like exercising regularly, reducing stress through mindfulness techniques, and getting enough sleep for at least 7 to 8 hours a day.
- Alternative Therapies : Alternative therapies like acupuncture, meditation, and yoga can be beneficial in coping with fatty liver as well.
Can I Live a Normal Life with Fatty liver?
While it is possible to live a normal life with fatty liver, certain factors like the severity of your FLD, lifestyle choices, presence of underlying health problems, and treatment approaches can have an impact on your overall life quality. Stay under the supervision of Dr. A.S. Soin to prevent potential complications like liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, etc., after FLD. Book an appointment with him for customized treatments and an aftercare plan.
Is Fatty Liver 100% Reversible?
Fatty liver, particularly in its early stages, can often be reversed. Lifestyle changes, such as improved diet, regular exercise, and weight management, play a significant role in restoring liver health. However, complete reversal depends on the stage and underlying causes of the condition. Dr. A.S. Soin, a leading expert in liver transplants, emphasizes that timely intervention is crucial for optimal outcomes.
What is a Stage 1 Fatty Liver?
Stage 1 fatty liver, known as simple steatosis, occurs when fat begins to accumulate in liver cells. This buildup usually doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms but can progress without lifestyle changes. Schedule a consultation with Dr. A.S. Soin for early intervention of fatty liver and stop further damage.
What are the 5 liver super foods?
The liver is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters toxins, and supports metabolism. Maintaining liver health is essential for overall well-being, and certain foods can support its function. By incorporating liver-friendly foods into your diet, you can promote detoxification, reduce inflammation, and boost overall liver health. Consult Dr A.S. Soin for his expert advice.
- Leafy Greens : Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and arugula are rich in chlorophyll, which absorbs environmental toxins and reduces liver workload. They help neutralise chemicals and support healthy liver function.
- Garlic : Garlic contains sulfur compounds that activate liver enzymes, promoting efficient toxin elimination. Its natural antioxidants also protect the liver from oxidative damage.
- Turmeric : Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has potent anti-inflammatory effects. It assists the liver in flushing out toxins and reducing fat accumulation, which helps prevent liver damage.
- Beets : Beets are packed with betalains and fibre, which support detoxification and repair. They stimulate bile flow, helping the liver process toxins more effectively.
- Walnuts : Walnuts contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and glutathione, which help detoxify the liver. They support liver function and reduce inflammation, aiding in liver cell repair.
