Most Effective Fatty liver Treatment

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Fatty Liver Treatment

The liver usually contains some amount of fat, but if it accumulates it causes fatty liver disease. As a result, the liver won’t be able to work normally. The presence of more than 5% fat in the liver can cause fatty liver disease. 

Symptoms of Fatty Liver

Doctors refer to fatty liver disease as a silent disease, because on most occasions, the person might not feel any symptoms. However, this disease can enlarge the liver, resulting in pain in the upper right abdomen, an area between the chest and hips. 

Early Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease Include

  1. Feeling sick
  2. Loss of appetite
  3. Vomit
  4. Tiredness
  5. Weight loss

Types of Fatty Liver Disease

  1. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
  2. Alcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

This is the main form of the disease, which is further divided into two separate conditions:

  • Simple Fatty Liver or Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver (NAFL)

This condition arises when there is fat accumulated in the liver, but very little or no damage to the liver cells. This condition doesn’t transpire into a severe medical condition. 

  • NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis)

In this condition, the person won’t just have fat stored in the liver but damaged and inflamed liver cells as well. NASH can develop into a more serious condition.  If not treated on time. 

Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

People consuming alcohol excessively may develop this condition. The excess alcohol that is consumed by people is broken down by the liver and in the process, harmful substances are generated. This can also result in inflammation and damaged liver cells, also called grade 2 fatty liver. 

However, there is nothing to worry about, as grade 2 fatty liver treatment is available and involves simple steps of abstaining from alcohol and indulging in a healthy routine of exercise regularly. 

Cirrhosis

It is considered the most serious stage of liver disease and it occurs with the replacement of healthy liver tissue with scar tissue. If not treated on time, then it can lead to liver failure. Here are the symptoms a person with cirrhosis would most likely experience:

  1. Itchy skin
  2. Swelling in lower legs and/or feet
  3. Bleeding/bruising
  4. Confusion/memory problems
  5. Bloating
  6. Jaundice

What Causes Fatty Liver Disease?

It is not entirely clear as to what causes fatty liver disease, but genetics play some role in the development of this disease, as there are specific genes in the body that lead to the development of NAFLD. However, some develop this disease due to other health conditions like

  • Overweight/Obesity
  • High blood pressure
  • Type II diabetes
  • Insulin resistance
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • High cholesterol, and high levels of triglycerides (more than 150-199 mg/dL)

There are other less common causes of developing fatty liver disease as well that include rapid weight loss, hepatitis C, and consumption of certain medications like glucocorticoids and diltiazem. 

Diagnosis of Fatty Liver Disease

It can be tricky for someone to know when to see a doctor because fatty liver disease often has no symptoms. Here is how most doctors pursue the diagnosis:

  • Doctors check the medical history of the person, his/her diet, and lifestyle habits.
  • They also carry out a physical examination and other tests to diagnose the disease. The physical examination will include checking the Body Mass Index (BMI) of the person. 
  • Doctors also look for signs of insulin resistance and jaundice along with checking for an enlarged liver. 
  • Some doctors ask for blood tests to check if the person has higher levels of specific liver enzymes. 

Natural Treatment of Fatty Liver 

One of the natural ways to reduce the disease is gradually reducing body weight by at least 7-10 percent. However, people suffering from NAFLD should keep in mind that their condition can worsen if they try to lose weight too quickly. The right approach is to gradually lose weight with a balanced diet. Healthy Meal Plans can help in maintaining the ideal weight.

Therefore, it is best to consult a medical expert for the best approach.

Changes in Lifestyle After Fatty Liver Treatment

It is imperative to make the necessary changes in the lifestyle to make the treatment process more effective. The changes include – 

  1. No alcohol consumption
  2. Eating a balanced diet (less oily food with small portion sizes)
  3. Indulging in regular workout
  4. Reducing weight gradually

There are many foods that help prevent the development of NAFLD, people should also eat plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy and keep the liver strong. 

It is advised to stay away from foods rich in saturated fats, sugar, and refined carbohydrates. Various research indicates that the consumption of sugars, processed food, red meat, and low-fibre foods may worsen the condition. 

Having a routine of regular exercise is also important. People suffering from fatty liver should aim for 2-3 hours of physical exercise every week. The exercise should focus on raising the heart rate such as riding a bike or jogging, etc. 

It is possible to prevent fatty liver disease by keeping a moderate weight, staying active, and drinking moderately.