Too many people in India have fatty liver and do not notice it and the trend is rising. The obesity of the liver initially proceeds without any noticeable symptoms. The popular explanation behind the fatty liver, that is, too much alcohol consumption, is not always the cause of the disease. These are the symptoms of fatty liver disease.
What is Fatty Liver?
Fatty liver (steatosis) is a disease in which there is increased deposition of fat in the liver cells. This limits the function of the liver. If the function of the important organ is disturbed, this can affect the entire metabolism of the body. This is because the liver filters pathogenic substances from the blood, stores vitamins, and processes energy. In the worst case, it can lead to life-threatening liver cirrhosis.
Causes of Fatty Liver: Fatty Liver Due to Too Much Fat and Sugar
A common cause of the fatty liver disease is excessive alcohol consumption (alcoholic fatty liver). Among other things, alcohol is converted into fatty acids and stored in the liver. As a result, the liver becomes fatty in the long term.
If alcohol is not the reason for the fatty liver, it is called a ‘non-alcoholic fatty liver’. Then a diet that is very high in fat and sugar along with obesity is the cause of fatty liver. If the body is supplied with more calories than it consumes, the liver stores the excess energy in the form of fat and stores it. Non-alcoholic fatty liver is now one of the most common liver diseases in India.
A hepatitis infection or certain medications that lead to increased storage of fat in the liver cells can also be the cause of fatty liver. In addition, diabetes is one of the risk factors, as the increased blood sugar promotes the formation of fat in the liver.
How to Know if You Have a Fatty Liver? -Symptoms of Fatty Liver
Recognizing fatty liver disease is extremely tricky because there are no pain receptors in the liver. The organ becomes fatty without the affected person noticing anything. Symptoms can only appear when the liver enlarges and becomes heavier. The sick person suffers from loss of appetite, gas, and bloating, feels limp and tired.
Occasionally, nausea and a feeling of pressure on the right side of the upper abdomen also indicate a sick liver. What is tricky, however, is that these signs are unspecific and can therefore easily be confused with another disease. A particularly common symptom of liver disease is the yellowing of the skin or eyes.
A fatty liver is usually discovered by a doctor and mostly by accident. An enlarged liver can be clearly seen in an ultrasound examination. A biopsy is the best way to detect a fatty liver, in which a tissue sample is taken and examined in the laboratory for fat deposits in the liver cells.
However, pathological changes can also be detected by checking the liver values in the blood. But it can also be done without surgery through Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which can be used to precisely determine the fat content of the liver.
Suggested Read: What Are The Symptoms Of Heart Disease?
Possible Consequences of Fatty Liver
Since the fatty liver is often associated with being overweight, the possible fatal consequences are repeatedly underestimated. This can lead to inflammation of the organ. The diagnosis is what is known as fatty liver hepatitis. If this is not diagnosed early enough or not correctly, there is a risk of liver cirrhosis.
In the process, the liver cells die, they scar and shrink until they finally no longer fulfill their function. Liver cancer can also be the result of inflammation of the fatty liver.
Regular medical examinations should be planned to detect fatty liver disease in a good time. Other liver diseases often go undetected because there are usually no symptoms.
Treatment: Break Down Fatty Liver Through a Healthy Diet and Exercise
There is still no effective drug treatment for the fatty liver disease without side effects. The best course of action is to change your lifestyle and lose weight. This is because the organ can fully recover again if action is taken in good time in the event of fatty liver disease.
A special diet is not necessary, but you should pay attention to a balanced diet by consuming Low-saturated fat, whole grain products, vegetables, and fruits. Plus, getting plenty of exercises helps to gradually break down the fat in the liver.
Suggested Read: Home Remedies for High BP: These Foods Help You Lower Blood Pressure
If excessive alcohol consumption has led to fatty liver disease, alcohol must be avoided entirely. Only in this way is it possible for the liver to regenerate again. Even 0.75 liters of beer and 300 milliliters of wine is considered to be liver-damaging for men, and even half of this amount is considered harmful to the organ in women. Check out these symptoms of fatty liver and take required steps to ensure optimum health.