Fatty Liver: Symptoms, Complications, and Treatment

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Fatty Liver: Symptoms, Complications, and Treatment

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What is Fatty Liver?

Liver is the second largest organ in the body and it is responsible for several bodily functions. Build-up of fat in the liver leads to a fatty liver. Having small amounts of fat in your liver is normal. A fatty liver is categorized by an abnormal accumulation of fat in the liver. Too much fat in the liver can lead to the development of a series of diseases including liver cancer, cirrhosis, liver scarring and end-stage liver disease.

How does Fatty Liver occur?

Fatty liver develops when the body cannot metabolize fat efficiently or creates too much fat. Excess fat accumulates in the liver as it is stored in liver cells. Heavy drinking and alcohol use disorder are the primary causes of fatty liver. Here are a few other causes of fatty liver:

  • Side Effects of Certain Medications
  • Weight Loss
  • Genetic Inheritance
  • Hyperlipidaemia
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes

Who is prone to Fatty Liver? 

There are some people who are at a higher risk of contracting the disease than others. Having type 2 diabetes might increase your risk for fatty liver. Here are some of the risk factors of fatty liver:

  • Alcohol Abuse - Drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week increases the risk of developing fatty liver. The lesser you drink, the lower is the risk factor.
  • Age - Fatty liver is most common in people aged 40-60.
  • Malnutrition
  • High Triglyceride Levels
  • High Cholesterol
  • Pregnancy

What are the symptoms of Fatty Liver? How is Fatty Liver diagnosed? 

Fatty liver has no symptoms. However, if your liver becomes inflamed, you may display several symptoms. 20% of people suffering from fatty liver inflammation progress to worse conditions. Fatty liver inflammation may lead to:

  • Confusion
  • Fatigue
  • A Poor Appetite
  • Excessive Weight Loss
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Physical Weakness

If fatty liver progresses to cirrhosis and liver failure, you may experience:

  • Abnormal Bleeding
  • Confusion
  • Jaundice
  • An Enlarged Fluid-Filled Abdomen

Diagnosis 

Early stage fatty liver is diagnosed when more than 5% liver cells contain fat. Small samples are taken from the liver and examined under a microscope. There are several other tests and procedures to diagnose fatty liver. They include:

  • Physical Examination
  • Blood Tests
  • Imaging Studies
  • Liver Biopsy

What are the complications of a Fatty Liver? 

The main complication of fatty liver is cirrhosis. Cirrhosis occurs in response to liver injury. The inflammation of the liver leads it to trying to halt the swelling process. This produces scarring and leads to cirrhosis. Cirrhosis can lead to:

  • Liver Cancer 
  • End-Stage Liver Failure 
  • Ascites 
  • The Swelling, 
  • Rupture and Bleeding of Veins in your Oesophagus 
  • Slurred Speech, Confusion and Drowsiness

What is the treatment for Fatty Liver? 

There is no treatment method currently available for fatty liver, but research is ongoing. You can reduce the risk of contracting the disease or further progression by controlling your blood sugar, losing weight, managing your cholesterol, reducing sugar intake and saturated fat intake, and limiting or avoiding consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Your doctor may recommend that you incorporate certain types of food to your diet if you have fatty liver because of unhealthy eating habits or obesity. Reducing your calorie intake can help you lose weight and heal your liver. Increased physical activity is recommended as well. Eliminate food items high in cholesterol from your diet and avoid fatty foods. Here are a few food items you should add to your diet: 

  • Soy 
  • Chicken
  • Fish 
  • Turkey 
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables 
  • Avocados 
  • Nuts
  • Whole Grains
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Questions answered by trusted doctors

Verified User
Grade 2 fatty liver
I have been diagnosed with grade 2 fatty liver NASH. What should be my diet in this. And what type of rice( since i eat a lot) will suit me best?
Dr. Harisha N L
General Physician, Bangalore
Better to avoid rice...you can have it but in limited amounts..hope bellow information will help you to cope up with your problem
Lose weight. If you're overweight or obese, reduce the number of calories you eat each day and increase your physical activity in order to lose weight. If you've tried to lose weight in the past and have been unsuccessful, ask your doctor for help.
Choose a healthy diet. Eat a healthy diet that's rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Exercise and be more active. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. If you're trying to lose weight, you might find that more exercise is helpful. But if you don't already exercise regularly, get your doctor's OK first and start slowly.
Control your diabetes. Follow your doctor's instructions to stay in control of your diabetes. Take your medications as directed and closely monitor your blood sugar.
Lower your cholesterol. A healthy plant-based diet, exercise and medications can help keep your cholesterol and your triglycerides at healthy levels.
Protect your liver. Avoid things that will put extra stress on your liver. For instance, don't drink alcohol. Follow the instructions on all medications and over-the-counter drugs...consult dietitian for diet chart
Dr. Bipin Ninan Abraham
General Physician, Bangalore
You should change your lifestyle. These following lifestyle changes will be of help: - Exercise regularly(Preferably High Intensity Interval Training which would be an effective cardio work out for 30-45 mins per day) - Reduce weight and maintain a healthy weight as per your BMI - Avoid sugar treats, fatty food, oily/ deep fried food items. - Have food items such as fish(rich in omega 3 fatty acids such as salmon), flax seeds, garlic, foods rich in soluble fiber. - Eliminate trans fats from your diet - Limit your consumption of foods high in saturated fats. For example, substitute olive oil for butter If you require a detailed breakdown of the diet, I would advise you to visit the dietician who would help you make a diet as per calories required.
Dr. Jagadeesh
Dietitian/Nutritionist, Bangalore
Liver being central organ play important role in health. Please try AC95 and nanotechnology Curcumin and hepatoprotective options from cancer Herbalist before the disease advances.
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Did you know?

Inflamed Liver

20 percent of people with an inflamed liver progress to worse conditions.

Heavy Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol use disorder and heavy alcohol consumption are the leading causes of fatty liver.

Liver Disease

Liver biopsy is the best way to determine the severity of liver disease.

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Home Remedies

Healthy Diet

Maintain a healthy balanced diet

Control Diabetes

If you have diabetes, try to control it and avoid eating food items that aggravate the condition.

Limit Alcohol Intake

Limit your use of alcohol or eliminate it as a whole

Regular Exercise

Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes on a daily basis.