Fatty liver is becoming a common health problem for many people around the world. It is a condition where fat builds up in the liver. The liver is one of the most important organs in our body. It helps in digestion, stores energy, removes toxins, and supports many other functions. But when fat collects in the liver cells, it can affect its working and lead to other serious health problems.
There are two main types of fatty liver. The first type is called Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease or NAFLD. This happens when fat builds up in the liver of a person who does not drink much alcohol. The second type is Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease which is caused by drinking too much alcohol. In both types the common problem is the extra fat stored in the liver.
Let us now understand what causes fatty liver in detail and how it affects our health
How Does Fat Accumulate in the Liver
The liver normally has a small amount of fat. But when the fat content becomes more than five to ten percent of the weight of the liver it becomes a problem. This happens because the liver is unable to break down fats the way it should. When this continues over time fat starts to build up and the liver becomes fatty. If this is not controlled it can lead to liver damage.
Main Causes of Fatty Liver
There are many reasons why fat builds up in the liver. Let us look at the most common causes
Unhealthy Diet
Eating too much junk food oily food sugary items and processed food increases the amount of fat in the body. These fats can get stored in the liver. Foods like white bread sweets fried snacks and soft drinks are all harmful. A diet high in calories especially from sugars and carbohydrates is a big reason behind fatty liver.
Obesity
Being overweight or obese is one of the biggest causes of fatty liver. When a person is obese there is extra fat in the body which also gets stored in the liver. Many people with belly fat or fat around the waist are at higher risk of having fatty liver.
Lack of Exercise
People who do not move much or have a very inactive lifestyle are also more likely to develop fatty liver. Regular physical activity helps to burn calories and fat. If you sit for long hours and do not walk or do any kind of exercise then the fat in the body increases.
Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes especially Type 2 is another cause of fatty liver. People with diabetes often have more fat in their liver. This is because diabetes affects how the body handles sugar and fat. Insulin resistance which is common in diabetes can lead to fat getting stored in the liver.
High Cholesterol
High levels of bad cholesterol and low levels of good cholesterol can also contribute to fatty liver. Cholesterol is a type of fat and if its levels are not under control it can damage the liver.
Alcohol Consumption
Drinking too much alcohol damages liver cells and makes it hard for the liver to process fat. This causes fat to stay in the liver. This condition is called alcoholic fatty liver. If a person continues to drink alcohol the liver can become inflamed and develop into a more serious disease called alcoholic hepatitis.
Genetics
Sometimes fatty liver can also run in families. If your parents or grandparents had liver problems you may also have a higher chance of getting fatty liver.
Rapid Weight Loss
Losing weight too quickly either through crash diets or certain medical treatments can also lead to fatty liver. This happens because fat moves quickly to the liver during sudden weight loss.
Certain Medicines
Some medicines used for treating cancer heart problems and infections can also cause fat to build up in the liver. These include steroids tamoxifen and some anti viral drugs.
Symptoms of Fatty Liver
In the early stages fatty liver usually does not cause any symptoms. Many people do not even know they have it unless they do a blood test or a liver scan. But as the fat builds up and the condition worsens some signs may appear such as
- Feeling tired or weak all the time
- Pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the belly
- Sudden weight loss or loss of appetite
- Feeling full quickly after eating
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes also known as jaundice in more serious cases
If left untreated fatty liver can lead to swelling of the liver liver scarring also called fibrosis or even liver failure in very serious conditions. This stage is called cirrhosis.
Diagnosis of Fatty Liver
Doctors usually find out about fatty liver during a routine health checkup. Blood tests may show abnormal liver function. To confirm it doctors may ask for
- Ultrasound which is a common and painless test to look at the liver
- CT scan or MRI to get detailed pictures of the liver
- Liver biopsy where a small piece of liver is tested in a lab in very serious cases
How to Treat Fatty Liver
There is no special medicine to treat fatty liver in most cases. But the good news is that fatty liver can be reversed with simple lifestyle changes. These include
- Weight Loss: Losing even five to ten percent of body weight can reduce the fat in the liver. Slow and steady weight loss through healthy eating and exercise is best.
- Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet with more fruits vegetables whole grains and lean proteins helps a lot. Avoiding sugary foods fried items and processed food is very important. Including foods like nuts fish green tea and olive oil can be helpful.
- Exercise Regularly: Doing regular physical activity like walking cycling or yoga for at least thirty minutes a day five times a week helps to burn fat.
- Control Diabetes and Cholesterol: People with diabetes or high cholesterol should take proper treatment and keep these conditions under control to avoid fatty liver.
- Avoid Alcohol: If the fatty liver is due to alcohol then complete avoidance is necessary. Even small amounts can damage the liver if it is already weak.
- Regular Checkups: It is important to go for regular health checkups if you are at risk of fatty liver. Monitoring liver health helps in taking early action.