What is Fatty Liver?



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Fatty liver is a disease where too much fat builds up in liver cells. Over time, this fat build-up can crowd out healthy liver cells, cause liver damage and affect liver function.

What You Should Know About Fatty Liver and How It Affects Your Overall Health

• Importance of Liver Health

Your liver is the ultimate multitasker of your body—filtering blood, detoxifying chemicals and helping with digestion. Imagine if it went on strike!

• Prevalence of Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease is quite common, thanks to our love affair with high-calorie diets and sedentary lifestyles. It's like the unexpected and unwelcomed guest that somehow shows up at the party.

• Potential Complications of Untreated Fatty Liver

Left unchecked, fatty liver can lead to more serious conditions like liver inflammation, cirrhosis and even liver failure. It's the domino effect you don't want to trigger.

• Link Between Fatty Liver and Liver Damage

Ongoing accumulation of fat can cause inflammation and over time, significant damage until a point where hardening of the liver (fibrosis), permanent scarring, or liver cancer happens.

• Impact on Overall Health and Well-Being

Many people walk around with fatty liver without knowing it. For some, it can negatively affect their energy levels, immune systems and even their mood.

Types of Fatty Liver Disease

Not all fatty livers are the same but let's talk about the two main types.

• Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD)

Like its name suggests, AFLD is mostly about alcohol. Too many drinks over time can lead to fat build-up. Symptoms might be shy at first, making it tricky to catch early.

• Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

The leading cause of NAFLD is obesity. Hence, NAFLD is mostly linked to lifestyle choices — yes, like munching on chips while binge-watching regularly.

Management and Treatment

So how do you eject this unwelcome guest and keep fatty liver away?

• Lose weight if you are overweight

If a person with NAFLD is overweight, weight loss is considered fundamental for the therapeutic management and reversal of NAFLD. Research has shown that weight loss of 7-10% is able to reverse fatty liver condition.

• Promoting a Balanced and Nutritious Diet

It's all about balance — eat plenty of veggies, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins.

Photo by Lisa Fotios

• Limiting Alcohol Consumption and Avoiding Harmful Substances

Keep the drinks in check and steer clear of harmful substances.

• Incorporating Regular Exercise

Find an activity you love and make it a party of its own. The more fun it is, the more you'll stick with it.

• Medications and Therapies

So far, there are no medications approved for NAFLD, though some are in clinical trials. In some cases, medication might help, especially if there's an underlying condition like uncontrolled diabetes in the mix. Always check with your doctor before taking medications.

• Multi-disciplinary Approach

It may take a team of healthcare providers to manage fatty liver effectively. Dietitians, physiotherapists and doctors can all play a part in getting your liver's health back on track.

Don’t wait until it is too late. Remember, your liver loves you. Loving it back by making healthier choices can help ensure the party goes on for years to come.

Consider HealthFull’s healthy keto meals if you're looking for a convenient, nutritious and flavourful option to support your weight loss journey while nourishing your liver.