Fatty Liver: Causes & Symptoms

Fatty liver, also known as hepatic steatosis, is a condition characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver cells. This prevalent health problem is often linked to lifestyle factors and can lead to more serious liver problems if left untreated. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and potential lifestyle changes to manage and prevent the disease.

Causes:

• Bad diet: Eating a diet high in processed foods, saturated fats and sugars contributes significantly to the development of hepatic steatosis. Excessive intake of fructose, which is often found in sugary drinks and processed foods, can also play a role.
• Obesity: Obesity, especially abdominal obesity, is a major risk factor for the disease. Excess body weight, especially in the abdominal area, increases the likelihood of fat accumulation in the liver.
• Insulin resistance: Insulin resistance, commonly associated with type 2 diabetes, is a condition in which the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin. This can lead to increased fat storage in the liver.
• Alcohol consumption: While non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is more common, excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Symptoms:

Fatty liver is often asymptomatic in its early stages, but as the condition progresses, individuals may experience:

• Fatigue
• Abdominal discomfort or pain, especially in the upper right part
• Elevated liver enzymes in blood tests
• Unexplained weight loss
• Jaundice
• Pale Stool
• Dark Urine

Lifestyle Changes required:

• A healthy diet: Eating a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet is essential to managing fatty liver disease. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins while reducing your intake of saturated fats, sugars and processed foods.
• Regular exercise: Regular physical activity can help fight obesity and improve insulin sensitivity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
• Weight management: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is critical to reducing the risk and progression of fatty liver disease. Even modest weight loss can have significant benefits.
• Limit alcohol consumption: If alcohol is a factor, it is important to reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption altogether. Consult a healthcare professional for guidelines on safe alcohol limits.
• Blood sugar monitoring: For individuals with insulin resistance or diabetes, keeping blood sugar levels stable with diet and medication can help prevent further liver damage.

Understanding fatty liver and lifestyle changes are key to maintaining liver health. By eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing other risk factors, individuals can take proactive steps to prevent and treat fatty liver disease, which ultimately promotes overall well-being. If you suspect you have fatty liver or are experiencing symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for individualized advice and guidance.

To get yourself tested at Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, call our helpline number 9830117733.

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Disclaimer:

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.