Written by Paris Kazemian
The human body’s largest internal organ is the liver, which is situated in the upper-right side of the abdomen. The liver’s main tasks are to process nutrients from food and filter toxins from the body. Blood from the digestive system goes through the liver prior to being distributed to other parts of the body. Fatty liver disease, also known as steatosis, is a widespread liver issue in Western countries and affects about 10% of the population. The liver typically contains some fat, but if the fat accounts for more than 10% of the liver’s weight, it is considered as fatty liver and can lead to serious complications.
Although fatty liver may not cause harm, the accumulation of fat can lead to liver inflammation, known as steatohepatitis, causing liver damage. Alcohol abuse can lead to alcoholic steatohepatitis, while non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH, occurs without a connection to alcohol.
Over time, an inflamed liver can become scarred and hardened, resulting in a condition called cirrhosis. NASH is one of the three leading causes of cirrhosis, which is a severe condition that can lead to liver failure.
How liver becomes fatty?
The exact cause of fatty liver is not known. It is believed that the excess fat in the liver may originate from other parts of the body or that the liver may be unable to properly process and eliminate fat from the intestine. Additionally, fatty liver could be due to a decreased ability of the liver to convert fat into a form that can be eliminated. It’s important to note that consuming fatty foods does not necessarily result in a fatty liver.
Why people have fatty liver disease?
A build-up of fat in the liver can occur when a person consumes more calories than their body can process and needs. This can happen due to several factors such as obesity, diabetes, high levels of triglycerides, and other related conditions. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption, sudden weight loss, and malnutrition can also lead to this problem. However, we should remember that sometimes, the accumulation of fat in the liver can happen without any clear causes.
what are the risk factors?
This disease is a condition where excess fat accumulates in the liver. While it is most commonly seen in middle-aged and overweight individuals, not all patients with fatty liver disease fit this profile.
The primary risk factors associated with this condition include:
- Overweight (body mass index of 25-30)
- Obesity (body mass index above 30)
- Diabetes
- Elevated triglyceride levels
- High alcohol consumption
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- High cholesterol levels
- Metabolic syndrome
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Rapid weight loss
- Long-term use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids, tamoxifen, and methotrexate
what are the symptoms?
Fatty liver disease is often asymptomatic, meaning that it doesn’t cause any symptoms on its own. This means that people may only find out they have a fatty liver as a result of medical tests done for other reasons. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can also cause damage to the liver over a long period of time without any noticeable symptoms. If the condition progresses, it may lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, abdominal discomfort, weakness, and confusion.
Connection between metabolic syndrome and fatty liver disease
It is now widely accepted by many experts that metabolic syndrome plays an important role in the development of fatty liver.
Signs and symptoms of metabolic syndrome include:
- Obesity, particularly around the waist (abdominal obesity)
- Resistance to insulin, a hormone that helps to regulate the amount of sugar in the blood
- One or more abnormal cholesterol levels — high levels of triglycerides, a type of blood fat, or low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the ’good’ cholesterol
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
Fatty liver disease diagnosis
Your GP could discover something abnormal in your blood examination or observe that your liver is slightly larger than normal during a regular examination. Furthermore, your doctor may request additional blood tests (such as liver function tests), an ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI.
If other diseases are ruled out, a diagnosis of NASH may be made. The only definitive way to confirm this diagnosis is through a liver biopsy, in which a small tissue sample is removed from the liver with a needle and examined under a microscope by your doctor.
Some questions to ask your GP after diagnosis include:
- Is it NASH? If not, what is the probability of me developing NASH?
- Have I developed Cirrhosis? If not, what is the likelihood of me developing it in the future?
- Is weight loss necessary? What is the safest approach to achieve it?
- Is there a need for me to take any medication to manage my cholesterol and triglyceride levels?
- What should I avoid consuming or using to safeguard my liver?
Fatty liver nutrition advice
A healthy diet and lifestyle changes are essential for managing fatty liver disease. Here are some nutrition tips for managing fatty liver:
- Reduce calorie intake: Losing weight is one of the most effective ways to reduce fat in the liver. Reducing your calorie intake and focusing on eating nutrient-dense foods can help you achieve a healthy weight.
- Limit saturated and trans fats: Saturated and trans fats can contribute to the development of fatty liver disease. Try to limit your intake of foods high in these fats, such as red meat, butter, cheese, and processed foods.
- Choose healthy fats: Include healthy fats in your diet, such as those found in nuts, seeds, avocado, and fatty fish like salmon. These healthy fats can help reduce inflammation in the liver.
- Increase fiber intake: Eating fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce fat in the liver and improve overall liver function.
- Limit sugar and refined carbohydrates: High intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates can lead to insulin resistance, which is a risk factor for fatty liver disease. Try to limit your intake of sugary drinks, sweets, and white bread, and instead opt for whole grain options.
- Drink alcohol in moderation or avoid it altogether: Drinking too much alcohol can contribute to the development of fatty liver disease. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation or consider eliminating alcohol from your diet altogether.
- Manage diabetes properly, if present
Remember to consult with a dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet, particularly if you have an underlying health condition.
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Consuming a balanced diet that is low in saturated fats, refined sugars, and processed foods can help reduce fat accumulation in the liver. Instead, focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats like those found in nuts, seeds, and avocados.