Fatty Liver

Fatty liver disease, as the name suggests is a condition caused when there is excess fat in the liver. Though its symptoms are not visible and it does not cause any severe problems but in some extreme cases it may lead to liver damage. Fatty liver disease is a disease for which the treatment can help but this condition cannot be cured.

A normal liver has a very small amount of fat but when the same liver has 5-10% of the fat accumulated that is when the problem arises.

Fatty liver might not show any symptoms till the time the liver is severely damaged. Below are some common symptoms as seen in people with fatty liver disease. 

• A feeling of fullness in the lower belly
• Sudden and extreme weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Swollen legs and abdomen
• Jaundice
• Extreme weakness and tiredness

There might be some people who may suffer from fatty liver disease without having any underlying symptoms or conditions. Below are some factors that may have contributed to fatty liver disease:

• Are overweight or obese
• Excess belly fat or fat in the lower abdomen
• Patients with high BP, high cholesterol, and have diabetes 
• Asian origin people are more prone to fatty liver disease
• Have Obstructive sleep apnea

As mentioned above, fatty liver disease does not show any signs or symptoms so there are high chances that your doctor might be the first person to notice and diagnose the condition unless you experience some severe symptoms. To confirm the doctor may suggest some of the following tests and procedures:

• Blood tests
• Fibro scan
• Ultrasound
• Liver biopsy

There isn’t any specific treatment for fatty liver disease but some over-the-counter medication as prescribed and lifestyle changes can help treat fatty liver. Below are some changes that may help:

• Maintain ideal weight/lose weight
• Avoid consumption of alcohol
• Take medication to control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes

To avoid fatty liver the best thing one can do is to live and maintain a healthy lifestyle. A lifestyle that does not include overeating, excessive use of alcohol, and cigarettes. Make some changes in your life for your own health.

• Exercise regularly 
• Lose weight 
• Limit the alcohol consumption
• Take essential vitamins and minerals as recommended by the doctor