How To Prevent and Treat Fatty Liver Disease

Did you know that your risk for fatty liver disease is three times higher if you are overweight? Plus, if you have a family history of the disease or consume excessive amounts of alcohol, your risk increases even more! The most common cause of fatty liver is obesity. However, other causes include being overweight or obese due to alcohol abuse and being heavy with no physical activity. The disease is also associated with being genetically predisposed. So, how to prevent fatty liver disease? What are the symptoms? And, if you're diagnosed with the disease, what should you do? Well, let’s dig it out!

Fatty liver vector created by brgfx - Freepik
Fatty liver vector created by brgfx - Freepik

Fatty liver disease is a condition in which the liver becomes enlarged due to an accumulation of fat. It can occur in any part of the body, but it is most common in the liver. This can lead to problems with your body's ability to process food, which can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and other health problems. There is no one cause of fatty liver disease, but it can be brought on by a number of factors, including obesity, excessive drinking alcohol, and a high-fat diet. The fatty liver can lead to serious health problems, including cirrhosis (a stage in which the liver can no longer function), pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), and even death.

So the question is, how to prevent fatty liver disease? One thing that you can do to prevent fatty liver disease is to eat healthy foods. Eating foods that are high in fiber and low in fat can help keep your liver healthy, also include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet, and choose lean protein sources such as fish and chicken. One of the best vegetables for fatty liver disease is broccoli. A post from Healthline said that broccoli can help increase the liver’s natural detoxification enzymes, improve blood levels in liver enzymes, and protect the liver from other damages. You should also avoid eating processed foods and sugary drinks. It’s also important to exercise regularly. Healthy foods are important, but it's also important to get regular exercise. At least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week is recommended. Exercise helps keep your body weight under control and it helps improve the function of your liver. And more importantly, limit your alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the leading causes of fatty liver disease. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.

Jaundice vector created by brgfx - Freepik
Jaundice vector created by brgfx - Freepik

Now we know how to prevent fatty liver disease. But, we do have to be aware of the fatty liver symptoms. Although we already do exercises, eat healthy foods, and no alcohol, still it doesn't mean you won't get this disease. The symptoms can vary from mild to severe, and can include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes), pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, and loss of appetite. In some cases, fatty liver disease can lead to cirrhosis or even cancer. If you have one or more of these symptoms, then you should see a doctor. There are several ways to check for fatty liver. One of them is to use an ultrasound machine. This device uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. Ultrasounds can be used to check for fatty liver in people who are suspected of having the condition. Another way to check for fatty liver is with a CT scan. A CT scan uses x-rays to create pictures of the body. This test can be used to see if there is any evidence of damage to the liver caused by fatty liver disease.

And how about people who are already infected with this fatty liver disease? Although the cause of fatty liver is often unknown, excessive alcohol consumption and obesity are the most common risk factors. Treatment for fatty liver depends on the underlying cause. If excessive alcohol consumption is the cause, then abstinence from alcohol is necessary. If obesity is the cause, then weight loss through diet and exercise is recommended. In some cases, medications may be needed to help reduce liver inflammation or control blood sugar levels. And lastly, you need to eat healthy foods with lots of fiber and low-fat calories. Prevention is better than cure, right? So, eat healthy and stay healthy!

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