Experts estimate that about 25% of American adults suffer from fatty liver disease and alcohol is not the only way to acquire the disease. As the most common chronic liver disorder in the U.S., it is critical that adults are educated on the symptoms, treatment options, and potential health hazards of untreated fatty liver disease.

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How to Identify a Fatty Liver

Fatty liver disease can be brought on by heavy alcohol consumption, which is known as alcoholic fatty liver disease. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may be caused by conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, or obesity. Both forms of the condition cause fat to build up in the liver. In many cases, it can be hard to identify signs and symptoms of a fatty liver and it might not be identified until it appears on a blood test completed for other reasons. Doctors can also perform physical exams, imaging studies, and liver biopsies to diagnose a fatty liver.

However, these are some potential signs that may point to NAFLD:

• Pain in the upper right abdomen
• Weight loss and loss of appetite
• Weakness or fatigue
• Swollen belly
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes

Dangers of Untreated Fatty Liver Disease

If a fatty liver goes untreated, the condition can lead to other liver complications such as inflammation of the liver, liver failure, and cirrhosis. An untreated fatty liver also poses other health risks including increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and heart problems. As such, it is critical to seek treatment before the condition progresses.

Treatment Options for Fatty Liver

Damage to the liver can be reduced through lifestyle changes. In the case of an alcoholic fatty liver, the course of action involves abstaining from drinking. For nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, the following lifestyle changes can help reduce and potentially reverse the damage to the liver:

• Diet: Diet is one of the biggest lifestyle changes that can help treat a fatty liver. Eating a balanced diet of healthy low-fat foods such as fish, poultry, beans, nuts, brown rice, oatmeal, and whole wheat pasta will help immensely. Avoiding sugary foods and red meat is also beneficial to maintain a healthy diet.
• Alcohol: Limit or completely avoid alcohol consumption as this is a leading cause of fatty liver disease.
• Exercise: Participating in exercise weekly (if not daily) will help to prevent further damage and reduce existing liver damage. Losing body fat can also reduce fat in the liver.
• Medications: Since the prevalence of fatty liver is so high, there are many medications being studied for the treatment of the disease. For instance, Xenical, a medication that blocks the body from absorbing some of the fats from food is being investigated for fatty liver treatment effectiveness.
• Vitamins: Some vitamins and minerals may help in the treatment of fatty liver if taken in conjunction with other healthy lifestyle decisions. Vitamins E, B, D, Omega-3 fatty acids, and carotenoids may help protect from liver inflammation and scarring.

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A medical professional will be able to assist in performing the appropriate tests to confirm if a patient is suffering from a fatty liver and offer potential solutions to reverse the damage. With so many lifestyle treatment options, fatty liver disease can be reduced and in some cases reversed.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic: Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

National Institute of Health: Treatment for NAFLD & NASH