Is there a treatment for fatty liver?

Fatty liver, also known as hepatic steatosis, is a condition that occurs when fat builds up in the liver. It is normal to have some amount of fat in your liver. However, excessive accumulation of it can lead to inflammation and damage the organ over time.

Fun fact: Did you know that The Simpsons predicted fatty liver disease long before it became a medical concern? In Season 10 episode “Sunday Cruddy Sunday”, Homer underwent an ultrasound and was told by his doctor he had NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease).

So, what can you do if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with fatty liver disease? Is there any way to reverse its effects? Let’s find out!

What Causes Fatty Liver?

There are two types of fatty livers: alcoholic and nonalcoholic. As obvious from their names, alcoholic fatty livers result from excessive alcohol consumption while nonalcoholic results from various other factors such as:

  • Obesity
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • High cholesterol levels
  • Sudden weight loss

Did someone say ‘High Cholesterol’?: Well well! It turns out that Greek people might really be onto something here because they’ve been enjoying Mediterranean cuisine since forever – thus having more antioxidants than the average Joe – reduces the risk factor for Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) which is essentially cirrhosis caused due prolonged exposure to fats!

Knowing about these causes could help determine necessary lifestyle changes needed to be put into place.

Signs & Symptoms

Most often than not signs and symptoms directly referring to either type of this disease may not show themselves right away but instead appear slowly overtime hence why sometimes called “silent” conditions. If onset indicators do arise however they typically include:

  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Abdominal pain/discomfort
  • Weight gain/loss
  • Jaundice (yellowish of skin & whites eye)
  • Nausea/vomiting

ProTip: A common way to differentiate symptoms between alcohol and non-alcohol fatty livers is that tenderness surrounding the liver region requires an ultrasound in order to effectively diagnose the type.

How Is It Diagnosed?

If you suspect or are exhibiting any signs and symptoms mentioned above, you should seek medical attention immediately. Some diagnostic methods for finding out about fatty liver disease could include:

Blood Tests

Blood works can help indicate any abnormal levels including certain enzymes specific to liver function which along with other tests that may assist in identifying what potential damage lies beneath.

Imaging Tests

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans use advanced technology (e.g., magnetic fields) to capture images of internal bodily areas such as seeing if there has been excess accumulation of fats on our beloved friend Liver or not.

Fun Fact: In 2017 a study came out suggesting that taking MRIs could lead to accidentally getting tattoos due the metal contained within them!

Biopsy

This option involves removing portions from your body tissue itself which can then be examined under a microscope to find necessary changes at cellular level potentially confirming diagnosis.

Treatment Options

The best way forward with treatment depends wholly on various factors coming together e.g., severity, underlying existing conditions being present etc..Thus consult your doctor first regarding this.

Typically these suggested frameworks outlined below will vary depending on individual diagnoses however some general suggestions might include:

Lifestyle Changes

In simple language: adopting healthy habits like quitting smoking, avoiding excess alcohol consumption along proper dietary routines involving Lowering Carbohydrate intake while Increasing Monounsaturated Fatty Acids would do wonders helping treat those affected by it!!

Much needed research conducted over recent years found meta-analyses showing exercise increase have shown drastic improvements towards treating not only fatty liver disease but also regarding overall life quality in general.

Here’s a chart for establishing important dietary changes:

Suggested intake Associated with improved health
Coffee Decreased risk of any stage of NASH
Tea Reduces associated inflammation and fibrosis
Fiber Showed improvements in insulin resistance

Medications

Depending on condition’s severity, physicians may prescribe drugs to address some underlying causes like controlling cholesterol or diabetes which can lead to lessening fat accumulation in the liver. These medications however could have rare side effects such as fatigue/nausea often occur too.

There are new drug treatments being explored annually in clinical trials which hopefully will provide more effective relief for those suffering from these conditions!

Keep Stepping: Slowly increasing doses is preferable whilst regularly monitoring its effectiveness between consultations with your physician is key toward achieving necessary goal!

Can Fatty Liver Be Reversed?

The answer depends wholly on how early into progression one receives medical help considering it can advance be uncontrollable leading to serious complications including cirrhosis (permanent scarring) happening. In case medication options cannot apply then addressing lifestyle alterations are crucial!

Whether you have alcoholic or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, prompt diagnosis and treatment is key when it comes to reducing risks and treating symptoms that may arise from it. While there aren’t any specific cures yet, healthy lifestyle choices plays an immensely critical role towards decreasing your chances by leaps and bounds.

Always remember: Even small changes can make a big difference!

Random Posts