The liver is one of the most important organs in the human body, providing detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of bio chemicals necessary for digestion. A human can only last up to 24 hours without liver function.
Fatty liver disease is a reversible condition where large vacuoles of triglyceride fat accumulate in liver cells. This often occurs in those with excessive alcohol intake and those who are obese. In this article, we’ll look at how this abnormal liver can impact the body and how it is treated.
Simply put, a fatty liver occurs when the liver becomes clogged with fat. People who are most at-risk for this condition are the obese and those who drink too much alcohol. Sometimes fatty liver occurs as a complication of pregnancy. There are usually no symptoms that are noticeable to the patient. In fact, fatty liver is frequently uncovered during a routine physical examination.
To be certain of a diagnosis of fatty liver, the physician may recommend a liver biopsy. Under local anesthesia, a slender needle is inserted through the right lower chest. A small piece of liver tissue is taken out with the needle and examined under a microscope.
The most common cause of this liver disease is obesity. It is estimated that 75% of obese individuals are at risk of developing a simple fatty liver. Up to 23% of obese individuals are at risk of developing an inflamed fatty liver. Besides obesity, nutritional causes are starvation and protein malnutrition, intestinal bypass surgery for obesity, and rapid weight loss.
Certain conditions often accompany and may contribute to this disease, including diabetes mellitus, elevated lipids in the blood, insulin resistance and high blood pressure. Other causes can include genetic factors, drugs and chemicals, such as alcohol, corticosteroids, tetracycline and carbon tetrachloride.
In most instances, treatment of fatty liver disease requires control of the underlying conditions. This may include reduction of high blood triglycerides, good control of diabetes, or alcohol control. Since being overweight is by far the most critical factor, weight loss is the key to ridding the liver of fat.
This is especially necessary if damage to the liver is occurring, and early signs of scarring are discovered through liver function tests and a biopsy. With the help of a doctor, the patient undergoes lifestyle changes that include regular exercise and a healthy diet.
There are no medical or surgical treatments for fatty liver disease, but there are steps you can take that may help prevent or reverse some of the damage. You should start by losing weight safely and under the care of your doctor. Lower your triglycerides through diet, medication or both.
Abstain from alcohol, and eat a balanced, healthy diet. Increase physical activity safely and gradually increase the amount of exercise you do. Most importantly, get regular checkups from a doctor who specializes in liver care. Your efforts will be rewarded with a liver that serves your body as it was designed to.