How to remedy Fatty Liver!

Before we get to what fatty liver is and how can be remedied, let us under what does Liver do in the human body!

The liver is an organ that helps in detoxifying your body and also creates many chemicals required for metabolism and digestion. It also plays an important role in synthesising protein in our body. The liver produces Bile (also known as gall) – a dark green or yellowish fluid that is used to break down and digest fat. The bile produced by the liver is stored in a small pouch kind of storage organ called the gallbladder to be later released to the small intestine as required, for digestion. 

What is fatty liver?

Fatty liver is a condition in which too much fat builds up around the liver. It is normal to have tiny amounts of fat in the liver. However, if the fat content in the liver is more than 5%, then it is termed a fatty liver

While drinking too much alcohol can cause fatty liver (alcoholic fatty liver), the most common reason for fat buildup in the liver is a poor lifestyle – improper nutrition and/or physical activity. This is known as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).

Is fatty liver reversible?

The good news is – YES! NAFLD is reversible with a proper lifestyle change. However, if NAFLD is left unattended and fat continues to build up on the liver then it can cause serious health issues by graduating into more serious non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis or even death!

NAFLD also leads to an increased risk of diabetes, and heart and kidney diseases. 

A person with NAFLD is advised to reduce body fat and improve body composition – through the right nutrition & physical activity. While NAFLD is not caused due to alcohol, increased and continued intake of alcohol aggravates the condition. It is also highly recommended to quit smoking if you have NAFLD.

How do you know if you have fatty liver?

In most cases, non-alcoholic fatty liver condition does not cause any symptoms and is detectable only when a medical test is done. A Liver function test or Liver enzyme test can be done to check for fatty liver.

If you are detected with fatty liver, it is advised to consult your doctor before getting into any health or fitness regimen. Based on the stage and graveness of fatty liver (NAFLD, NASH, Fibrosis or Cirrhosis) you may or may not be required to consume medicines based on the doctor’s advice.