What is Fatty Liver Disease? | Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Fatty liver disease, also known as Steatotic liver disease (SLD), means that you have an excess amount of fat in your liver.

Our livers are important organs that perform vital functions such as:

• filtering toxins from the blood
• producing bile to aid in digestion
• storing glycogen for energy

However, when excess fat accumulates in the liver cells, it can lead to a variety of health concerns.

In this post, we’re excited to dive into what fatty liver disease is all about, including its causes and symptoms. Plus, we’ll share a list of steps you can take to treat fatty liver disease.

Let’s get started!

What Is Fatty Liver Disease?

Fatty liver disease (FLD), now called Steatotic liver disease (SLD), is when the liver has an unusual buildup of fat. A healthy liver has a small amount of fat, but it can become a concern if it exceeds 5% of your liver’s total weight.

The Types Of Steatotic (Fatty) Liver Disease

Healthcare professionals classify SLD based on the underlying cause. There are two main types of fatty liver disease: alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

Alcoholic Steatotic (Fatty) Liver Disease (ALD)

As the name implies, AFLD happens when someone drinks too much alcohol over a long time. Alcohol in large amounts damages liver cells and impairs the liver’s function to process and break down fats

If you’re diagnosed with ALD, it’s better to stop drinking alcohol; otherwise, it can progress to more severe stages.

Severe stages can include:

• Enlarged liver
• Alcoholic hepatitis

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic (Fatty) Liver Disease (MASLD)

Once called Non-alcoholic Fatty liver disease (NAFLD), MASLD is a non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease. Researchers do not have factual evidence on what causes it, but some associate it with obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

If not treated, you can progress to a more serious stage, which is called Metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). This is when fat buildup progresses to inflammation, tissue damage and scarring.

Is This A Serious Health Problem?

Fat buildup in the liver does not usually cause serious problems.

But if it progresses, it might cause:

• Hepatitis: The fat buildup can lead to inflammation of the liver.
• Fibrosis: Scar tissue forms in the liver, causing it to stiffen and impair its function.
• Cirrhosis: This is when the liver becomes permanently scarred, potentially leading to liver failure and liver cancer.

To avoid the progression, you need to find out what is causing the fat buildup in your liver and get the treatment you need.

What Are The Symptoms?

The early stages of fatty liver disease have no symptoms.

As the condition progresses, you might experience:

• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Confusion or trouble concentrating
• Yellowish skin
• Yellowish colour in eye whiteness
• Swelling in the abdomen, legs, feet and hands

What Are The Causes?

The exact cause of fatty liver disease is not known.

But here are a few risk factors that can lead to it:

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

How To Treat Fatty Liver

Below, we’ll share a few steps on how you can treat fatty liver disease.

Step 1: Get Proper Diagnoses

If you suspect you have fatty liver disease but haven’t received a diagnosis, it’s crucial to see a doctor for accurate testing and evaluation.
Professional healthcare providers may do the following during your consultations:

• Health history and physical exam
• Blood tests
• Imaging tests
• Liver biopsy

Step 2: Lose Weight

The first line of treatment is to lose weight. Losing weight reduces fat, inflammation and scarring in your liver. Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to achieve weight loss. You can also look for approved and safe weight loss products to aid in your journey.

Step 3: Eat A Balanced Diet

A balanced diet is essential for managing fatty liver disease.

Here are a few tips to help you maintain a healthy diet:

• Limit sugar and refined carbohydrate intake.
• Increase fibre intake by eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Choose lean proteins such as fish, chicken, tofu, and beans.
• Avoid fried foods, saturated fats, and trans fats.

Step 4: Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol is harmful to your liver, especially if you have fatty liver disease. Avoid alcohol completely for the most effective treatment.

Step 5: Manage Other Health Conditions

If you have other health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, it’s crucial to manage them properly. Uncontrolled conditions can worsen fatty liver disease and increase the risk of complications.

Step 6: Consider Alternative Treatments

Alternative treatments can vary from drinking Vitamin E to using olive oil, but there isn’t enough scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. It’s important to consult with your doctor before trying any alternative treatment.

Can Fatty Liver Disease Be Reversed?

Yes, it can be reversed.

You must avoid alcohol and take steps to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. With proper treatment and care, the liver can heal itself and reverse fatty liver disease. However, if left untreated, it can progress to more severe forms of liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

How Long Does It Take To Reverse Fatty Liver Disease?

The length of time it takes to reverse fatty liver disease varies from person to person. It depends on factors such as the severity of the condition and how well you adhere to the recommended lifestyle changes.

If your fatty liver is because of alcohol, you can reverse the effects in about 2 weeks. If you have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), it can take months to years, depending on how long it takes you to lose weight.

Bottom Line

Fatty liver disease, also known as Steatotic liver disease (SLD), is a growing health concern. If you find yourself at risk of developing fatty liver disease, it’s crucial to take action early on.

The first step is to lose weight; that is where we can help!

At Slender Wonder, we provide personalised weight loss programs tailored to your unique needs and medical conditions. Our team of doctors, dietitians, and support staff will guide you every step of the way towards a healthier lifestyle.

Contact us today, and let’s work together to reverse fatty liver disease and improve your overall health.