Fatty Liver – Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention Methods

Fatty liver disease occurs due to the accumulation of triglycerides and other fats in the liver cells. Our liver should optimally contain 1-4% fat. If your liver contains between 5-15% fat, you have a fatty liver.

There are two kinds of fatty liver disease:-

• Alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) 

Alcoholic fatty liver disease

Also known as alcoholic hepatitis, it occurs due to fat build-up and inflammation in the liver due to excessive alcohol consumption.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

This covers liver conditions that occur in people who drink little to no alcohol. Risk factors include:-

• High cholesterol
• Obesity 
• High blood pressure 
• Insulin resistance 
• Type 2 diabetes 

Symptoms of fatty liver

It could include:-

• A feeling of fullness in the middle or upper right side of the abdomen
• Nausea 
• Pain in abdomen 
• Fatigue/tiredness/weakness 
• Loss of weight/appetite 
• Jaundice 
• Swelling in abdomen and legs 
• Some people many not manifest outward symptoms 

How does a fatty liver affect you?

Fatty liver can cause inflammation and damage to the liver, leading to scarring. The build-up of scar tissue slows down the processing of nutrients, hormones, drugs, and toxins, leading to complications. 

Prevention

Ways to minimize the risk of fatty liver include:-

• Maintaining optimum weight
• Nutritious diet 
• Regular exercise 
• Avoiding alcohol 
• Taking medication as prescribed 

Say yes to a healthy liver!