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Fatty Liver 101: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

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What is Fatty Liver Disease?

Fatty liver, also known as hepatic steatosis, is a condition in which fat deposits in the liver. Slight fat deposition on the liver doesn’t affect its functionality; however, excessive fat deposition could harm one’s body. It may lead to liver inflammation, causing cirrhosis, a chronic liver disease that causes scarring.

Causes

In a non-alcoholic person, the following factors may contribute to hepatic steatosis:

  • Metabolic syndromes like Alpha-I antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), Wilson Disease, and hereditary hemochromatosis.
  • Insulin resistance
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Obesity
  • High triglycerides in the blood
  • Low HDL or high LDL
  • Pregnancy
  • Hepatitis C
  • Polycystic ovary in females
  • Genetic variation of the PNPLA3 gene
  • Medicinal side effects of tamoxifen, total parenteral nutrition, steroids, griseofulvin, valproate, methotrexate, and amiodarone
  • Toxin exposure is like polychlorinated biphenyls or vinyl chloride.

Fatty Liver Symptoms and Stages

It is a silent disease that shows a few unnoticeable symptoms. One could feel tiredness, restlessness, or pain on the right side of the stomach. Its symptomatic progression is at four stages:

Simple fatty liver

Fat is deposited in the liver, but it doesn’t have adverse effects as it is non-progressive. However, it doesn’t show any symptoms.

Steatohepatitis

At this stage, fat deposition leads to hepatitis, i.e., inflammation of hepatic cells.

Fibrosis

If persistent inflammation exists, the liver will undergo scarring, although functioning remains uninterrupted. One may feel tired and have pain in the upper right side of the belly area.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is an irreversible and severe stage that will compromise liver function. Symptoms linked to cirrhosis include the following:

  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Enlarged breast in men
  • Inappetance
  • Itchy skin
  • Ascites (excessive fluid accumulation in the abdomen)
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Jaundice (yellowness of skin and eyes)
  • Bleeding disorder
  • Edema (swelling) of limbs
  • Web-like blood vessels under the skin
  • Dark colored urine
  • Nervousness
  • Pale stool

Fatty liver symptoms in females are the same as in men. It is a life-threatening disease in advanced stages, so it should be controlled at an early stage.

Diagnosis

It is asymptomatic in the early stages, so it’s challenging to diagnose at that time. Your medical specialist would use the following procedures for diagnosis:

  • Medical record
  • Physical examination
  • Lipid Profile
  • CT scan, Ultrasound, or MRI
  • Liver biopsy

How To Treat Fatty Liver?

Medicine Withdrawal

The practitioner may advise the patient to discontinue their previous medication if it impacts liver health. Instead, he will prescribe a liver-friendly medication targeting the specific issue.

Avoiding Alcohol Consumption

A fatty liver diet should eliminate alcohol intake. You may need to join an alcohol recovery program or consult a therapist to address the underlying cause.

Medication

No specific medications cure this liver ailment, but research has shown that vitamin E or diabetes-controlling medications can help manage the condition.

Liver Transplantation

As we have already discussed, the final stage, i.e., Cirrhosis, is irreversible and will eventually lead to liver failure. At this stage, the only viable option is to undergo a liver transplant.

Vaccination

Remember that timely vaccination against hepatitis A and B can save you from this deadly disease. Getting vaccinated against flu and pneumococcal disease can also be beneficial.

Exercise

Regular exercise under the supervision of your trainer will surely reduce your belly fat. Moreover, it also helps to reduce your extra weight and fat accumulation in the liver.

Medication/Supplement Intake

Never take any medicine without your doctor’s recommendation. Certain medications can cause liver damage and should be avoided in such situations.

How to Reduce Fatty Liver? Expert Solutions at GHC

Dr. Waseem at GHC has a unique and versatile approach to treating medical conditions. When he diagnoses a patient, his first preference is to explore natural treatments instead of jumping straight to medication. He believes that while therapeutic drugs can be necessary at times, they often come with unwanted side effects that can be avoided.

Simple Steps To Treat Fatty Liver: Dr. Waseem’s Natural Approach

Regarding this disease, Dr Waseem is confident that it can be treated and even reversed without medication. He points out that the root cause of this condition is insulin resistance, which leads to elevated blood glucose levels and, ultimately, fat buildup in the liver. Here are some key measures he recommends for treating and reversing hepatic steatosis:

1. Weight Reduction

Losing weight is crucial for managing hepatic steatosis. Obese people are at a higher risk of developing inflammation or fibrosis in the liver, so shedding those extra pounds can make a significant difference.
Sarcopenia Symptoms

2. Therapeutic Ketogenic Diet

Dr. Waseem advocates a therapeutic ketogenic diet: one that is high in fats and low in carbohydrates. The body enters ketosis by drastically reducing carbs and increasing fat intake. Instead of relying on carbohydrates for energy, the body breaks down fat into ketones, fueling the brain and body.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how to structure your ketogenic diet:

  • 5% Carbohydrates: Focus on veggies and keto-friendly fruits like berries and nuts. Stay away from rice and wheat.
  • 75% Fats: Incorporate healthy fats such as olive oil, desi ghee, coconut oil, cream, and cheese. It’s best to avoid processed cooking oils.
  • 20% Protein: Aim for 150-200 grams daily from sources like chicken, beef, mutton, boiled eggs, and about 15 grams of flax seeds.

Additionally, mixing organic apple cider vinegar with lemon juice can effectively reduce liver fat. Dr Waseem also suggests considering supplements like mega fish oil, vitamin C, and chromium for added support.

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3. Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting is another powerful tool in your arsenal. It helps reduce body weight, including stubborn belly fat while keeping blood glucose and insulin levels in check. This can have a positive impact on hepatic steatosis and other metabolic conditions.

4. Exercise

Don’t underestimate the power of physical activity! Daily aerobic exercise or workouts can significantly aid in reducing liver fat.
Incorporating these measures into your daily routine can reverse hepatic steatosis, especially in its early stages. This diet and fasting plan can help you lead a healthier, more active life. So, if you want to improve your liver health, Dr Waseem is the best doctor for fatty liver disease in Islamabad. So, book your consultation now and evidence a wonder.
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Dr Waseem Fitness Center

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Female Nutritionist in Islamabad

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Dr Emaan Azhar

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Pyschologist in Islamabad

Syeda Nafeesa Ahmad

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Best Dietitian in Islamabad

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Nutritionist Consultant

Muhammad Bilal Khan

Muhammad Bilal Khan

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have NAFLD without any other health issues, you don’t require any specific treatment. However, lifestyle adjustments can help manage or reverse the fat accumulation in your liver.
SLD doesn’t typically cause significant issues for most individuals unless they develop advanced cirrhosis. Many people with SLD enjoy an average life expectancy. Untreated liver cirrhosis ultimately ends up in liver failure or liver cancer.

Prevention and reversal of fatty liver disease include:

  • Safely lose weight.
  • Lower your triglycerides through diet, medication, or a combination of both.
  • Avoid alcohol.
  • Manage your diabetes, if applicable.
  • Consume a balanced, healthy diet.
  • Increase your physical activity.
  • Schedule regular check-ups with a doctor who specialises in liver health.

Foods to Avoid for Fatty Liver:

  • Poultry, except for lean white meat.
  • Full-fat cheese.
  • Yoghurt, except for low-fat options.
  • Red meat.
  • Baked and fried products made with palm or coconut oils.
  • Sugary Food items like regular soda, candy, and other foods with added sugars.
It can progress to more severe conditions, including cirrhosis and liver failure. The positive news is that fatty liver disease can be reversed—and even healed—if individuals take steps, including a sustained loss of 10% in body weight.
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