What Happens If You Have Fatty Liver?
A lot of people have never heard of it !!!! Scary !!!!!
What is fatty liver?
Hey there! So, have you heard about fatty liver? It’s also known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or metabolic-associated fatty liver disease. It’s when your liver is carrying a little extra baggage — in the form of excess fat.
Now, you might be wondering how that happens. Well, there are a few reasons. First up, excessive alcohol consumption can be a common cause of fatty liver. If you’re overwhelming your liver’s processing ability with too much booze, it can interfere with its function and lead to liver damage.
Another culprit is obesity. Carrying excess weight, particularly around your waist, can increase the fat in your liver. So, if you’re looking for another reason to shed those extra pounds, here it is!
People with type 2 diabetes are also more likely to develop fatty liver because their bodies process and store sugar differently. And high levels of triglycerides in the blood can up your risk too.
Certain medications, like corticosteroids and tamoxifen, can increase the risk of fatty liver. So, be sure to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have.
All in all, fatty liver is nothing to laugh about. It can interfere with liver function and cause some serious damage. But with a little knowledge and lifestyle changes, you can give your liver the love it deserves.
Why is a fatty liver important in the world?
Fatty liver is a common condition worldwide. According to the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL), fatty liver affects nearly a quarter of the global population. Also, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, nonalcoholic fatty liver affects approximately 80–100 million Americans, approximately 25–30% of the population. The exact incidence rate of fatty liver in the US is difficult to determine because many people with fatty liver have no symptoms and may not be diagnosed. However, studies have shown that the prevalence of fatty liver is increasing in the US, likely due to the rising rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes, which are major risk factors for fatty liver.
Why do Asians with low BMI have fatty liver disease?
Did you know that Asians may have a higher risk of fatty liver disease? It’s not all doom and gloom, though — here are some factors to remember.
First up, insulin resistance can be a contributing factor. Asians tend to have a higher risk of insulin resistance, even at lower BMI levels. That can lead to fat accumulation in the liver, which is no bueno.
Genetic factors can also play a role. Some genetic variations have been linked to an increased risk of fatty liver disease in Asians, regardless of BMI. So, blame it on your genes if you have to!
Now, let’s talk about diet. Asian diets can be high in carbohydrates, especially refined ones like white rice and noodles. All that carb-loading can contribute to the development of fatty liver disease. And remember about sugary drinks and snacks high in fructose — they can also increase your risk of developing fatty liver.
Finally, exposure to environmental toxins can be a culprit too. Some studies have suggested that exposure to arsenic and pesticides may contribute to developing fatty liver disease in Asians. So, if you’re working in a field that involves exposure to these toxins, be extra vigilant.
All in all, fatty liver disease is no laughing matter. But with a little knowledge and awareness, you can take steps to minimize your risk. So, keep those carbs in check and watch out for those environmental toxins!
How serious is fatty liver if you leave it untreated?
Now, it’s true that fatty liver disease can increase your risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer. But don’t panic! Just because you have a fatty liver disease doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get HCC. In fact, studies have shown that people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are at a higher risk of developing HCC than those without NAFLD.
But here’s the deal: if you catch fatty liver early and manage it properly, you can prevent it from worsening and reduce your risk of complications. So, take action before it’s too late!
So, what’s the bottom line? Early detection and treatment of fatty liver disease can help prevent the progression to HCC. And if you’re at risk of developing liver cancer, regular monitoring and screening are highly recommended.
Remember, your liver is a precious organ — take care of it, and it will take care of you!
How can I reduce fatty liver?
If you want to reduce fatty liver, some dietary changes could help you. Here are some tips that might do the trick:
First, include healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts. Say no to saturated and trans fats in processed foods, fried foods, and fatty meats. Nobody needs those!
Fiber is a great way to reduce fat in the liver and improve insulin sensitivity. So, choose high-fiber foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
Let’s talk about sugar. High intake of added sugars has been linked to an increased risk of fatty liver disease. So, limit your sugary drinks, sweets, and processed foods. It’s tough, but you got this!
Even small amounts of alcohol can contribute to liver damage and should be avoided or limited for people with fatty liver disease. So, take it easy on the booze.
Portion control is important too. Eating large portions can increase weight gain and the risk of fatty liver disease. Use smaller plates, and practice mindful eating to help control portions. Your stomach will thank you!
Processed foods often contain unhealthy fats, added sugars, and salt. Instead, choose whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources. Your liver will love it!
Last but not least, drinking enough water can help flush toxins from the liver and improve liver function. Aim for at least 8 cups of water per day. You got this!
Any non-medicine treatment, like supplements for fatty liver
If you want to reduce fat in your liver, try to check out Bacillus Coagulans. It’s a probiotic that’s been getting much attention lately for its numerous health benefits. Recent studies have shown that Bacillus Coagulans could be a game-changer in the fight against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by improving gut microbiota function.
One study on rats even found that supplementing with Bacillus Coagulans improved gut microbiota diversity and decreased the severity of liver inflammation in rats on a high-fat diet. And get this: another study on humans discovered that consuming yogurt with Bacillus Coagulans for eight weeks improved liver enzyme levels and insulin resistance in people with fatty liver.
If not enough, omega-3 fatty acids reduce liver fat accumulation and inflammation. These essential fats can be found in fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel, as well as in fish oil supplements. Omega-3s are the bomb dot com for reducing inflammation and improving insulin resistance.
While more research is needed, current evidence suggests that Bacillus coagulans and omega-3s could be effective treatments for NAFLD. As a GI specialist, I recommend trying these supplements or adding omega-3-rich foods to your diet. Your liver will thank you later!
Thank you for reading my article!
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References:
Castillo, Figueroa, González-Pizarro, Jopia, & Ibacache-Quiroga. (2021). Probiotics and Prebiotics as a Strategy for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, a Narrative Review. Foods.10(8):1719.
Safari & Gérard. (2019). The links between the gut microbiome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Cell Mol Life Sci.76(8):1541–1558.
Yan, Guan, Gao & Peng. (2018). Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore).97(37):e12271.
