Fatty liver disease happens when the liver has too much fat. Drinking heavily increases the likelihood of contracting it. Over time, excessive alcohol consumption causes fat to accumulate in the liver cells. This makes the job of your liver more difficult. Another name for fatty liver is hepatic steatosis. It is the accumulation of fat in the liver. Small amounts of fat in the liver are normal, but excessive amounts can be detrimental to health. The liver is the second largest organ in the human body. It assists in the digestion of nutrients and the elimination of blood-borne poisons.
An excessive amount of fat in the liver can cause inflammation, which can damage and scar the liver. Scarring can induce liver failure in severe conditions.
Types of Fatty Liver Disease
Regarding the several types of fatty liver disease, the two kinds of fatty liver disease are nonalcoholic and alcoholic.
Despite being uncommon, fatty liver can arise during pregnancy.
1. NAFLD
NAFLD refers to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is caused by the accumulation of fat in the livers of individuals who do not consume excessive amounts of alcohol. If you have excess fat in your liver and no history of heavy alcohol intake, you may have NAFLD. Simple NAFLD is a condition without inflammation or other complications.
2. NASH
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease encompasses nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It happens when inflammation accompanies the formation of extra fat in the liver. If your liver has excess fat, your doctor may diagnose NASH.
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Your liver is enlarged.
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You have no previous binge drinking history.
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If left untreated, NASH can result in liver fibrosis. Cirrhosis and liver failure may develop in extreme circumstances.
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3. Alcohol-Affected Fatty Liver Disease(AFLD)
A large amount of alcohol is harmful to the liver. Alcoholic fatty liver disease is the initial stage of alcohol-related liver disease (AFLD). Alcoholic fatty liver is simple when there is no inflammation or other complications.
Alcoholic steatohepatitis is a type of AFLD. It is usually known as alcoholic hepatitis and arises when excess fat accumulates in the liver, followed by inflammation. Your doctor may diagnose ASH if you have excess fat in your liver, if your liver is inflamed, or if you use a lot of alcohol.
Untreated ASH can result in liver fibrosis. Cirrhosis (severe liver scarring) can lead to liver failure.
4. Acute Fatty Liver Disease in Pregnancy(AFLP)
Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a disorder characterized by the accumulation of excess fat in the liver during pregnancy. It is a rare yet serious pregnancy complication. The exact reason is unknown; however, genetics may play a role.
AFLP often manifests in the third trimester of pregnancy. If left untreated, it poses serious health risks to both mother and child.
If your physician diagnoses AFLP, you will give birth as soon as feasible. After giving birth, you may require follow-up care for many days. In a matter of weeks after giving birth, your liver health will likely return to normal.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Fatty Liver Disease?
Put simply, fatty liver. The liver has collected a lot of fat. If it does not progress, mild fatty liver is usually harmless. The development of a fatty liver can occur in four stages:
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Steatohepatitis
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In addition to excess fat, the liver is inflamed.
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Fibrosis
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The scarring has formed due to chronic liver inflammation. Nevertheless, the liver might continue to function normally.
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Cirrhosis
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Scarring of the liver has become widespread, diminishing its ability to function. This is the worst and most irreversible stage.
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Both AFLD and NAFLD Manifest Identically
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However, the fatty liver does not necessarily manifest with outward signs. However, you may have fatigue, discomfort, or pain in your upper right abdomen.
Some patients with fatty liver disease develop complications, such as liver scarring. Liver fibrosis refers to liver scarring. Cirrhosis is a potentially fatal condition that can lead to liver failure if significant liver fibrosis develops.
Cirrhosis results in permanent liver damage. It is, therefore, essential to prevent its growth in the first place.
Cirrhosis can result in the following symptoms:
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- Stomach discomfort
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- Lack of appetite, weight loss
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- Weakness or weariness, nausea, itchy skin, yellowing of the skin and eyes
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- Simple bruising or bleeding
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- The urine of a dark hue
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- Pale stools
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- Fluid accumulation in the belly (ascites);
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- Swelling of the legs (edema);
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- Web-like clusters of blood vessels under the skin.
It is essential to adhere to the treatment plan prescribed by your physician to prevent the fatty liver from forming and causing complications.
Causes of Fatty Liver Disease
In fatty liver disease, excess fat is formed in liver cells and accumulates. This fat accumulation may result from a variety of factors.
Heavy Alcohol Intake
Alcohol use in excess can result in AFLD. Heavy alcohol intake can alter many liver metabolic processes. Some of these metabolic products can combine with fatty acids to generate liver-accumulating fat types. Less clear is the pathogenesis of fatty liver disease in persons who do not use excessive amounts of alcohol. It is conceivable that these individuals’ bodies produce excessive fat or do not digest fat adequately.
One or more of the following variables may have a role in the development of fatty liver disease in individuals who do not use large quantities of alcohol:
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- Obesity
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- Type 2 diabetes insulin sensitivity
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- High amounts of blood fat, especially triglycerides, metabolic syndrome
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- Other probable causes of fatty liver include medicines with adverse effects during pregnancy.
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- Certain diseases, including hepatitis C
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- Several rare genetic abnormalities
How Can Fatty Liver Be Diagnosed?
Your physician will evaluate your medical history, do a physical examination, and prescribe one or more tests to diagnose fatty liver.
If your physician suspects you have a fatty liver, they will likely ask you about the following:
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- Your family’s medical history, including any history of liver illness, your drinking habits, and another way of living with any medical conditions. You may be taking medication or have had recent health changes.
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- Notify your doctor if you have been experiencing fatigue, loss of appetite, or other unexplainable symptoms.
· Examining the Body
Your physician may palpate or touch your abdomen to detect liver inflammation. They may determine if your liver is enlarged.
However, it is possible for your liver to be inflamed without being enlarged. Touch may not be able to notify your physician if your liver is inflamed.
· Blood Tests Are Performed
Frequently, fatty liver disease is detected when blood tests indicate elevated liver enzymes. Your physician may order the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) tests to evaluate your liver enzymes.
These tests may be advised by your physician if you have developed signs or symptoms of liver disease, or they may be performed as part of routine blood work.
· Liver Inflammation
Elevated liver enzymes indicate liver inflammation. Fatty liver disease is simply one of several potential causes of liver inflammation. If your liver enzyme levels are elevated, your physician will likely order more tests to identify the cause of the inflammation.
· Imaging Studies
To check for excess fat or other liver abnormalities, your doctor may do one or more of the following imaging procedures:
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- Sonography examination
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- A CT scan
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- MRI investigation
Additionally, they may ask for vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE, FibroScan). In this test, liver rigidity is assessed using low-frequency sound waves. It can assist in detecting scarring.
A liver biopsy is believed to be the most accurate method for determining the severity of liver disease. During a liver biopsy, a physician will insert a needle into your liver and remove a small sample of tissue for evaluation. They will provide a local anesthetic to relieve your pain.
This test can determine whether you have fatty liver disease or liver scarring.
Can Fatty Liver Be Treated And Reversed?
There are presently no approved medications for the treatment of fatty liver disease. To identify and assess therapies for this disease, further study is necessary.
The majority of phases of fatty liver disease are frequently reversible by changes in lifestyle. For instance, your physician may advise you to limit or eliminate alcohol use.
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- Undertake weight reduction measures
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- Make dietary modifications
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- Avoid liver-damaging medications and supplements.
Your physician will urge you to abstain from alcohol completely if you have AFLD. Additionally, if you have an alcohol use disorder, they may recommend a detoxification program and rehabilitation.
Multiple viral infections have the potential to affect the liver. To safeguard your liver’s health, your physician may recommend that you receive hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations. They may also recommend regular hepatitis C tests, depending on your health.
Cirrhosis can also result in a number of complications, including portal hypertension (high blood pressure in the liver’s portal vein) and an increased risk of infection.
If you have cirrhosis, your physician may recommend further treatments, such as medicines or surgery. Cirrhosis has the potential to cause liver failure. If you have liver failure, you may require a transplant.
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- Changes In The Way Of Life
Lifestyle adjustments are the initial treatment for fatty liver disease. Depending on your current circumstances and lifestyle, it may be advantageous to: lose weight.
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- Reduce Or Eliminate Alcohol Consumption
Most days of the week, have a nutrient-dense meal low in excess calories, saturated fat, and trans fats, and acquire at least 30 minutes of activity.
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- Supplements
According to a reliable source, vitamin E supplements may help improve ALT and AST levels, inflammation, and excess fat in NAFLD.
However, further study is necessary. There are several health risks associated with excessive vitamin E use. Always with your physician before trying a new supplement or natural remedy. Some supplements and natural treatments may induce liver stress or interact negatively with medications.
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- Fatty Liver Disease Diet
If you have fatty liver disease, your doctor may recommend dietary modifications to aid in the treatment of the condition and lower your risk of complications.
They may recommend that you do the following, for instance:
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- Maintain a nutritious diet.
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- Select products from each food category. Examples include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats and oils.
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- Reduce your caloric consumption. Reduce your consumption of foods rich in calories.
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- Focus On The Fiber
Fiber helps improve liver function. Examples of fiber-rich foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, lentils, and whole grains. Avoiding certain meals is advised. Limit your consumption of foods that are high in sodium (salt).
Examples of refined carbohydrates include sweets, white rice, white bread, and other refined grains. Dietary sources of saturated fats include red meat, full-fat dairy products, and fried foods. Trans fats are included in fried foods and many processed snacks.
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- Uncooked Or Undercooked Shellfish Should Be Avoided
Raw or undercooked shellfish may contain pathogens that cause severe sickness. Consult your physician on your ability to consume alcohol. Depending on the health of your liver, you may be able to drink alcohol in moderation. If you have AFLD, you must fully abstain from alcohol.
Consume a lot of water. In addition to keeping you hydrated, drinking enough water will improve your liver’s health. Discover some of the dietary modifications that may benefit the treatment of fatty liver disease.
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- Prevention
A healthy lifestyle is required to prevent fatty liver disease and its accompanying complications. Restricting or avoiding alcohol intake; eating a nutrient-dense diet low in saturated fats, trans fats, and processed carbohydrates to manage weight; and exercising regularly.
If you have diabetes, you should maintain your blood sugar, triglyceride levels, and cholesterol levels by following your doctor’s recommended treatment plan and engaging in at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days.
These measures can also help improve your overall health.
Bottom Line
Currently, the most effective treatments for fatty liver disease are dietary and lifestyle adjustments. Losing weight, increasing physical activity, cutting back on sweets, consuming a nutrient-dense diet, and drinking coffee are a few of the techniques that may help minimize NAFLD symptoms (if you can stomach it). If you have this ailment, talk with your doctor to develop a personalized treatment strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How is the fatty liver disease treated?
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The first line of treatment for most conditions is weight loss, which may be accomplished by following a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity. The fundamental causes of NAFLD can be addressed by achieving a healthy weight.
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What is the fatty liver treatment?
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There is no particular treatment for fatty liver disease. Instead, doctors focus on helping you manage the factors that cause the condition. They also recommend implementing lifestyle changes that can significantly improve health.