Fatty Liver: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Management Ways Explained

Fatty liver is a very common health condition caused by improper diet, excessive body weight and underlying health issues like diabetes and high cholesterol. It is characterised by excessive fat build-up in the liver and generally does not cause early symptoms. This is why most people do not realise they have fatty liver until the condition has reached a very advanced stage.

However, there is good news - fatty liver can be reversed with lifestyle alternations. In the blog below, we will be covering all the essentials regarding how to manage the condition better and restore liver health. But, before that, it is essential to know the fundamentals.

What is Fatty Liver Disease?

As mentioned earlier, fatty liver disease is a health condition in which too much fat accumulates in the liver cells, taking up more than 5 to10% of the liver’s total weight. Such a condition can significantly hamper liver’s normal functioning, leading to inflammation, scarring and permanent damage, over time.

Fatty liver disease is classified into two types.

1. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

NAFLD occurs when fat molecules accumulate in the liver without the consumption of alcohol. The primary causes for NAFLD are obesity, insulin resistance, high blood sugar and cholesterol. The early stage is termed as ‘simple fatty liver’ which does not cause much harm. However, if left unchecked for long, the condition can take the form of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This involves inflammation of the liver, increasing the risk of cirrhosis, fibrosis and liver failure (in extreme cases). In short, NAFLD is mostly influenced due to poor metabolic health instead of alcohol intake.

2. Alcohol-Related Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD)

This condition happens due to excessive consumption of alcohol, gradually disrupting the liver’s ability to break down fats. The greater the quantity of alcohol consumed, the difficult it becomes for the liver to metabolise the fat efficiently. Over time, the accumulated fat paves the way for the onset of alcoholic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. Contrary to NAFLD, AFLD often progresses more rapidly, presenting severe risks of permanent liver damage.  

Causes of Fatty Liver

Fatty liver happens when there is a profound imbalance between fat production and breakdown. This can be affected by several underlying factors, such as:    

• Obesity
• Impaired insulin production mechanism and diabetes
• High cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood
• A diet comprising unhealthy, processed foods
• Sedentary lifestyle
• A sudden and rapid weight loss
• Malnutrition
• Excessive alcohol intake and disrupted fat metabolism
• Use of certain medications
• Infection or inflammation of the liver
• Family genetics

Although a multitude of factors contribute to fatty liver, poor lifestyle choices and a disrupted metabolic health incurs the most harm role. Hence, it is important to address such risk factors well in advance. You can see a private doctor in London and prevent the condition from worsening. Sometimes, they can also reverse the condition by administering preventive measures.

What are the Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease?

Fatty liver disease develops silently, with no early, noticeable symptoms. But, as the condition progress, you may expect some signs to appear. The most common ones to take note of are as follows:

• Low energy levels and a persistent feeling of fatigue
• A sense of dull discomfort and pain in the upper right abdomen
• Drastic weight loss without any significant reason
• Lack of appetite and thin body appearance
• Swelling in the abdominal region (or ascites)
• Skin and eyes turning yellow (jaundice)
• Dark urine and pale-coloured stools
• Oedema in the lower limbs and ankles

With routine health check-ups and liver function tests, it is possible to detect fatty and a dysfunctional liver. Those who have high risks (especially those following poor lifestyle habits) must obtain frequent doctor visits.

Diagnosis of fatty liver

Fatty liver diagnosis involves a wide number of steps, such as, medical history assessment, physical examination, blood tests, and imaging techniques. Let’s learn about each one of them in detail.

Medical Past and Physical Assessment

A doctor will start by collecting vital information regarding:

• Diet and lifestyle habits: Involves asking whether you intake alcohol, consume fried or processed foods or do regular exercise.
• Existing health issues: Common health troubles include obesity, high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, etc.
  
  
• Family history: Those individuals having a family member with a medical past of liver disease or metabolic conditions are likely to develop the same in future.
  
  
• Medication use: Certain drugs, such as, corticosteroids and cancer medicines, can potentially contribute to fatty liver.

A physical examination comprises checking the liver whether it has got enlarged or not. This is done by pressing the upper right side of the abdomen. In severe cases, yellowing of skin and swollen legs denote possible signs of liver damage.  

Blood Test

Blood tests are a reliable way to determine whether the liver is functioning properly. They can easily detect signs of inflammation or damage. Blood tests generally include:

• Liver function tests (LFTs): Measures enzyme levels such as:
  
  
  • Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase (AST): Increased levels may represent liver inflammation.
  • Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT): Elevated levels denote liver stress.
    
    
• Lipid profile: Excessive cholesterol and triglyceride quantities in blood can be a primary link to fatty liver disease.
  
  
• Fasting blood sugar and HbA1c tests: These tests help check for diabetes and insulin resistance.
  
  
• C-reactive protein (CRP): It is a prime indicator of systemic inflammation.
  
  
• Tests for viral hepatitis: To eliminate chances of hepatitis B or C, these tests are necessary. 

Imaging Tests

Imaging studies act as a confirmation that fat has accumulated in the liver. Additionally, they help in assessing its severity.   

• Ultrasound:Being the most commonly prescribed non-invasive test, USG helps obtain a clear image of the liver. Fatty liver appears brighter than a normal one.
  
  
• CT Scan and MRI: These two tests help obtain a more detailed evaluation of liver fat levels. Plus, various early signs of fibrosis or scarring can be got through them. CT and MRI scans are usually recommended when ultrasound results cannot provide a clear conclusion.
  
  
• FibroScan (or Transient Elastography):This is a specialised ultrasound that assesses the firmness of liver. It helps detect fibrosis (or tissue scarring) while estimating liver fat content. The technique is truly regarded as an advanced form of the standard USG!
  
  
• Liver Biopsy (In Some Cases): This is one of the most precise methods to assess liver damage; however, it is required only for special cases when other tests give insufficient information. Liver biopsy is an invasive procedure, involving insertion of a needle into the liver to obtain a small amount of tissue sample (this is performed after administering a local anaesthesia). Then, the tissue sample is examined under a microscope.

How to Manage and Treat Fatty Liver?

Fatty liver management aims to reduce accumulated fat, thus improving liver function. Also, it prevents complications from arising in future. This specific approach involves lifestyle and dietary modifications, physical activity and medical intervention (whenever necessary).  

1. Weight Management

Losing excess body weight is one of the most efficient ways to reduce liver fat. A weight loss of 5 to10% can significantly improve liver function and bring metabolic balance. By implementing a balanced, nutritious diet and doing daily exercise can help lose weight gradually.

2. A Healthy and Balanced Diet

Eating foods in proper proportion can help minimise fat build-up and promote liver health. Some key dietary recommendations comprise:

• Reduction of sugary and refined carbohydrates: High sugar consumption, including carbonated beverages and processed items, leads to higher fat deposition in the liver cells.
  
  
• Having more of fibre-rich foods: Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fruits, legumes, etc. are enriched in dietary fibre; improving digestion and helping control fat absorption in the body.
  
  
• Substituting processed snacks with healthy options: Plant-based foods are the best for promoting liver health. For example, nuts, seeds, avocados, etc. These are excellent snacking options that provide beneficial fats and improve satiety.
   
• Avoiding saturated and trans fats: These are found in fried and processed foods, red meat, etc. and can highly contribute to worsening liver fat storage.
  
  
• Staying hydrated: Drinking water helps remove bodily toxins effectively and optimise liver functioning.

3. Regular Exercise

Physical activity is responsible for burning excess body fat, thus improving liver health. The best way is to combine aerobic exercises, such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, etc. with resistance training like weightlifting. And, try to aim at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, each day for betterment of overall health.    

4. Managing Health Conditions

Underlying metabolic conditions such as high cholesterol, blood sugar and pressure can significantly contribute to fatty liver disease. Thus it is crucial to control such conditions by implementing positive lifestyle changes. For example, cutting down on alcohol, taking medicines on time, maintaining brisk activity, attending regular checkups, etc.

Conclusion

Taking care of the liver is far more than diet and workouts – sometimes, it requires the correct medical guidance from a professional. If you already have fatty liver and feel future concerns, see a private doctor in London as soon as possible.