Fatty Liver - Symptoms, Causes, Prevention & Homeopathic treatment
What is Fatty Liver?
Functions of Lever
The liver is the largest organ in the human body. It plays many roles in keeping the biochemical balance intact. You should know some normal functions of the liver to understand how the disease affects it.
Under normal conditions, your liver creates optimal nutrition for all the 50 trillion odd cells in your body. Different roles played by the liver are:
- Production of bile – which is necessary for proper digestion. Bile salts emulsify the fats and improve digestion. Also, when fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K are dissolved in the bile, they are absorbed better. A good measure of toxic substances is produced in the body daily. Many of these are only fat-soluble. These are dissolved in bile and finally emptied into the intestines to be thrown out as fecal matter. The liver thus helps in the elimination of toxic byproducts from the body by producing bile.
- Production of many clotting factors and proteins from amino acids which are important for every process of healing, repair, and cell growth.
- It is the largest storehouse of many vitamins (A, D, K + B12), iron, and minerals. The liver also converts all the B-Complex vitamins into their active forms. Every nutrient, be it vitamins, minerals, or amino acids, are converted into their biologically active forms by the liver. Nutrients in foods and supplements are never in their active, absorbable forms. The liver makes them active thus, making them available for body functions.
- The liver has huge stores of energy. It produces glucose from the different sugars in our diet and stores it in the form of glycogens.
- It buffers any major fluctuations in glucose levels by converting glycogens to glucose when glucose levels are low and vice versa when glucose levels are high.
- It is vital for the removal of old, worn-out red blood cells from circulation.
- The thyroid hormone T4 is converted into its more potent form T3 within the liver
- Detoxification of the body is a major function. Chemicals, industrial pollutants, metabolic wastes from junk foods, drugs, insecticide residues, alcohol, etc. are some of the dangerous toxins eliminated through our liver.
Symptoms
The mild Fatty liver is usually asymptomatic. It is detected incidentally during routine tests performed. However, some persons can have symptoms which are often vague.
- Malaise – or a feeling of severe discomfort, making the person want to rest,
- Fatigue – even with moderate exertion
- Fullness and heaviness in the abdomen, more in the right upper corner
- Occasionally the liver maybe painful on pressure.
However, with fatty liver unchecked can progress to cirrhosis which is life-threatening. Thereafter, features of liver failure present themselves.
- Yellowish discoloration of skin (jaundice), dark colored urine.
- Weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Mild to moderate reddish discolorations just below the superficial skin layers which blanch on pressure (spider naevi)
- Abdominal dissension (due to increased fluid in the abdomen – ascites)
- Easy bleeds from small trauma.
- Blood doesn’t clot soon enough
- Fine to moderate tremors of the fingers
- Flapping tremors of the hands (asterixis)
- Itching in hands and legs which gradually spread all over the body
- Veins in legs, abdomen, seem engorged and distended.
- Giddiness.
- Poor memory, poor concentration, dullness of thoughts, mental confusion » this is an emergency (encephalopathy)!!
- Depression
- Loss of Sexual Drive
When to see a doctor
If you suspect you might have a fatty liver, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider. Here are some situations when you should see a doctor:
- Symptoms: If you’re experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, or a dull ache in your upper right abdomen.
- Risk Factors: Make an appointment for a screening if you have risk factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, such as obesity, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.
- Abnormal Tests: If routine blood tests or imaging studies suggest a liver problem.
- Progression of Symptoms: Any signs of advanced liver disease, like jaundice (yellwing of the skin and eyes), abdominal swelling, or leg swelling.
Remember, early detection and management can help reverse fatty liver disease, especially with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. It’s always better to be proactive about your health!
Causes
Why fatty liver occurs, is unknown. A fatty diet or overeating by itself never results in a fatty liver. The fat may come from increased absorption from the intestines or from elsewhere in the body. But, putting it generally, the liver loses its capacity to eliminate fats deposited within it.
Yet, 70% of persons suffering from NASH are found to be obese.
What are some common causes of Nash?
- Metabolic syndromes
Apart from alcohol, there are many conditions that cause an imbalance in the body’s metabolic capacity - Diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High blood cholesterols
- Pregnancy
- Glycogen storage disease
- Congenital disorders like Wolman’s disease
- Congenital diseases like Wilson’s disease which affects copper levels
- A weber-Christian disease affecting nutrient absorption.
- Galactosemia – a disorder that affects the way milk is metabolized in the body.
- Infections like tuberculosis and malaria.
- Nutritional causes
- Severe malnutrition
- Obesity
- Sudden rapid weight loss
- Surgeries performed to reduce obesity – gastric bypass surgery, jejunoileal bypass, etc.
- Drugs
- Corticosteroids
- Valproic acids (used in epileptic patients)
- Medications for heart conditions like irregular heartbeats and high blood pressures e.g. amiodarone; diltiazem.
- Sedatives
- Tamoxifen – used in treating breast cancer.
- Methotrexate
- Anti-retroviral drugs (indinavir)
- An overdose of Vitamin A.
- In extreme cases, amiodarone and methotrexate can cause cirrhosis.
- Other
- toxins from foodstuffs like
- rancid peanuts – aflatoxins are extremely toxic
- mushroom poisonings
- phosphorus from the environment
Preventions
- Say No To Alcohol
Alcohol may have negative effects on your liver and overall health. If you do decide to indulge, remember that moderation is key. Experts suggest limiting your consumption to two drinks per week at most. - Quit Smoking
Smoking is harmful to your health in many ways and can increase your risk of developing liver damage. If you’re a smoker, quitting is one of the best things you can do to protect your liver and overall well-being. - Control Weight Gain
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for preventing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In fact, research suggests that obesity is a leading risk factor for this condition, affecting up to 70% of those diagnosed with NASH. - Incorporate Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of healthy fat that can help prevent fatty liver disease. You can find them in a variety of natural sources, such as walnuts, fish oils (like salmon and cod), and flaxseed oils. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if adding more of these foods to your diet is right for you. - Maintain a Balanced Diet
Eating a well-balanced diet is essential for your liver’s health. Incorporate plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources, and whole grains into your meals. Avoid processed and sugary foods whenever possible and make water your go-to beverage choice for optimal health.
Risk factors
Your chances of developing fatty liver are high if you
- are obese
- are an alcoholic
- Suffer from high blood pressures which often fluctuate or are on long-term medications for the same.
- Blood cholesterol levels are high.
Complications
Complications of fatty liver disease can be serious and may include:
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): This is a more aggressive form of fatty liver disease, which can lead to inflammation and damage to liver cells.
Cirrhosis: Over time, NASH can progress to cirrhosis, where scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue, potentially leading to liver failure. - Liver cancer: There is an increased risk of developing liver cancer, especially in those with cirrhosis.
- Ascites: Fluid build-up in the abdomen, which can be uncomfortable and may lead to infections.
- Variceal bleeding: Enlarged blood vessels in the esophagus or stomach can burst, causing serious bleeding.
- Encephalopathy: A decline in brain function due to the liver’s inability to remove toxins from the blood.
- Metabolic syndrome: This includes conditions such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
It’s important to manage fatty liver disease to prevent these complications. Lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, are often recommended, and in some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage associated conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider are crucial for monitoring the condition and its potential progression.
Can Homeopathy Help?
Homeopathy addresses the underlying causes of fatty liver, improves liver functions and reduces the symptoms as well as modifies the disease process. Homeopathy is recommended for cases of Fatty Liver.
Diagnosis
Commonly, the diagnosis is incidental. Some tests which identify the disorder are:-
- Ultrasound (Ultrasonography): A painless, non-invasive test, when performed by an experienced personnel, it can accurately identify fatty liver. The liver size can be measured and this test can be valuable in grading the improvement.
- Liver Function Tests: Abnormal levels of liver enzymes in the blood identify as well as provide a deeper understanding of the cause of fatty liver. This test also provides insight into the efficacy of treatment and the improvement to be expected.
- Computed Tomography Scan (CT scan): non-invasive. Measures internal organs accurately and in detail by the use of X-rays.
- MRI: Also non-invasive. Uses radio waves in a magnetic field to scan the structures of internal organs.
Treatment
The treatment for fatty liver disease typically involves managing the underlying conditions and making lifestyle changes. Here are some key approaches:
- Lifestyle Modifications: The cornerstone of treatment is lifestyle changes, such as:
Diet: Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Exercise: Regular physical activity to help reduce liver fat.
Weight Loss: If overweight, reducing body weight can significantly improve or even reverse fatty liver disease. - Medications: While there are no specific medications for fatty liver, doctors may prescribe medications to manage associated conditions like:
Diabetes: Medications to control blood sugar levels.
Cholesterol: Drugs to reduce cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
Blood Pressure: Medication to reduce high blood pressure.
Avoiding Harmful Substances: Limiting or avoiding alcohol and over-the-counter drugs that can affect the liver.
Monitoring: Regular follow-up with healthcare providers to monitor liver function and the progression of the disease.
Specialist Consultation: Seeing a hepatologist or gastroenterologist for specialized care may be recommended. - It’s important to note that while these measures can help manage fatty liver disease, they may not be suitable for everyone. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or lifestyle regimen.
Food to eat when you have Fatty Liver
Since the liver is already functionally slowed down, you need to have foods which are light on the gut and easy to digest. Include the following foods which will help in detoxifying the liver and further normalizing the liver enzymes, thereby leading a possibility of reversal of the condition, particularly in grade 1 and grade 2 fatty liver.
- Eat Plenty Of Fruits & Vegetables:
To be specific, include bright colored fruits and vegetables in your diet. Fruits and vegetables, such as guava, amla, sweet lime, oranges, kiwis, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, spinach etc., are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant which helps in the treatment of many chronic diseases. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which help in treating various grades of fatty liver disease. It acts as a mediator in the absorption of iron, thereby reducing the workload on the liver. Hence, an adequate amount of vitamin C consumption can go a long way in healing the liver.
- Have Fibrous Foods:
Fiber is an inevitable component of the digestion process which also helps in filtering the waste products from the liver. Consume legumes, whole grains, and vegetables like carrots, radishes which are rich in fiber. It is beneficial for managing grade 1 fatty liver.
- Go Gluten-Free:
Opt for millets, such as jowar, bajra, ragi (Nachni), and buckwheat, that are easily absorbed and take lesser time to digest compared to wheat and maida.
- Restrict Your Fat Intake:
Fats are an essential part of a balanced diet, but consuming foods having saturated fats will only add fuel to the fire. Choose to eat foods comprising unsaturated fats which include corn, soybean, walnuts, and flaxseeds. Fat is also an inevitable part of cooking. Sunflower oil, canola oil, and olive oil will serve the purpose, thereby supporting your weak liver. Avoid fried foods. Go for baked food products.
- Avoid Stimulants:
Prefer green tea and black tea instead of milk tea and coffee. This creates an alkaline atmosphere in the digestive system which aids the healing process. These foods are potential antioxidants which fight free radicals and protect the liver from cell damage. Avoid stimulants like alcohol which is the biggest culprit in causing liver diseases. Likewise, aerated drinks should also be avoided.
- Consume Plenty Of Liquids:
The consumption of an adequate amount of water, buttermilk, coconut water, and soups helps in excreting unwanted fats from the liver, thereby stimulating the normal liver function.
- Go Vegetarian:
Consuming red meat, eggs, and other forms of meat will only damage the liver. Meat is high in saturated fats which hamper the normal liver cell function. It is advisable to avoid the consumption of seafood since it might be polluted with heavy metals and other chemicals.
Preparing for your appointment
To maximize the effectiveness of your appointment with a healthcare provider or homeopathic practitioner, consider:
- Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of symptoms.
- List Medications and Supplements: Bring a list of any current medications or supplements.
- Prepare Questions: Write down any questions or concerns about your condition, treatment options, or management strategies.
- Health History: Provide a comprehensive overview of your health history, including any related conditions or family history of similar issues.