Understanding Fatty Liver Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Fatty liver disease happens when there’s too much fat stored in the liver cells. While a small amount of fat is normal, excess buildup can interfere with liver function and may lead to serious health problems if ignored.
π What Is Fatty Liver Disease?
Fatty liver disease is a condition where fat accumulates in the liver. There are two major types:
- Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD): Caused by heavy alcohol use.
 - Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Develops in people who drink little or no alcohol.
 
If NAFLD worsens, it can turn into Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), where the liver becomes inflamed and damaged.
⚠️ Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
In the early stages, fatty liver often causes no symptoms. But as it progresses, you might notice:
- Pain or pressure on the right side of the belly π€
 - Feeling tired often π΄
 - Loss of hunger or unexpected weight loss π½️
 - Swelling in your belly or legs π
 - Yellowish skin or eyes (jaundice) π
 - Dark urine or pale stools π½
 - Trouble focusing or mental confusion π΅
 - Easy bruising π©Ή
 
𧬠What Causes Fatty Liver?
A number of lifestyle and health factors can contribute to fat buildup in the liver:
- Drinking too much alcohol π·
 - Being overweight or obese ⚖️
 - Having type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance π©Έ
 - High cholesterol or triglycerides π§ͺ
 - Rapid weight loss π♀️
 - Taking certain medications π
 - Pregnancy π€°
 Poor eating habits or sedentary lifestyle ππ️
π How Is It Diagnosed?
Doctors usually diagnose fatty liver through a combination of:
- Blood tests to check liver enzymes
 - Imaging tests like ultrasound, CT, or MRI
 Liver biopsy, in severe or unclear cases
How to Treat Fatty Liver
There’s no magic pill, but the good news is: it can be reversed with lifestyle changes!
Here’s what helps:
- π₯ Eat a liver-friendly diet – Choose whole grains, fruits, veggies, and lean proteins
 - π Exercise regularly – Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity most days
 - ⚖️ Lose weight gradually – Even a 5-10% loss can improve liver function
 - πΊ Avoid alcohol – Especially if you’ve been diagnosed with AFLD
 - π§ Control other conditions – Like diabetes, high BP, and cholesterol
 
π©Ί When to See a Specialist
If you have ongoing fatigue, pain in the upper belly, or have any known risk factors, don’t wait. Getting the right medical help early can prevent further liver damage and complications.
π Your Liver Deserves Expert Care – Consult Dr. Jayanth Today!
If you're worried about fatty liver or related digestive issues, reach out to Dr. Jayanth, best Gastroenterologist. With years of expertise in liver and gastrointestinal conditions, he provides thorough diagnosis and advanced care.
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