Fatty Liver Disease

FATTY LIVER DISEASE

As the name tells u fatty liver disease ,does that mean liver becomes fat , yes!! Fat builds up in the liver, But not exactly as you are thinking . Also known as hepatic steatosis and steatosis liver disease (SLD).

Let's dive more into it .Now fatty liver disease is more of a generalized term, classification will make it a bit simple.

Broadly it is classified as alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,

But recently the nomenclature has been changed, Refence

• Steatotic liver disease or SLD will now be used to for various causes of fat accumulation in the liver

• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) will replace non-alcohol related fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

• NASH the more serious form of NAFLD will now be called Metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)

Signs and symptoms of fatty liver disease

Fatty liver disease usually does not have any symptoms and is diagnosed on routine investigation, but some people may show symptoms like right side upper belly pain and tiredness.

Metabolic associated steatohepatitis (MASH) symptoms

• As it is liver related disease , you will have jaundice , where your skin and eyes appear yellowish

• Breast size increases in men

• Enlarged blood vessels underneath your skin

• Swollen belly

• Nausea or vomiting

• Weight loss

• Tiredness or mental confusion

Complications; fatty liver disease can develop into fibrosis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer

INVESTIGATIONS

Most people are asymptomatic and are usually discovered incidentally because of the abnormal liver function test , or hepatomegaly found in unrelated medical conditions

• Blood test to check the liver enzymes , that is ALT -alanine transaminase &AST- aspartate transaminase, ALT>AST in non alcoholic liver disease

• Imaging studies include, ultrasound ,CT scan & MRI which shows fatty infiltration

TREATMENT

Lose excess weight-

The American Association for the study of liver disease 2017 identifies that losing 7-10% of body weight can improve the symptoms of NAFLD, approach a dietician and develop an eating plan to help you reach your weight loss goals and make nutritious food choices. Include a lot of fruits and vegetables in your diet

GET ACTIVE

Inactivity is important cause of obesity and NAFLD is often associated with sedentary lifestyle, gear up your body by starting a brisk walk for 30 mins daily , but this should be done for 5 days a week, you can even play a sport or join gym if walking seems to be boring for you

AVOID SUGARY FOOD

First and foremost thing , you should do if diagnosed with fatty liver disease , remove all the baked food , cakes, pastries, ice creams , soft drinks from your refrigerator and replace it with healthy options like fresh fruits and vegetables..

SWITCH TO HEALTHY FAT OPTIONS

Avoid deep fried food , instead of it having nuts . seeds, avocados , olives which are loaded with healthy fats.

Omega 3 supplement

Omega 3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids which are usually found in foods such as oily fish some nuts and seeds, they are very beneficial for heart health, often recommended for people with fatty liver disease,it is excellent if you planning to increase this essential fatty acid through food ,otherwise consult a doctor or dietician if otherwise planning for supplementation

Medical therapy for fatty liver disease refence

Currently, the principal treatment for NAFLD/NASH is lifestyle modification by diet and exercise. However, establishment of pharmacological therapy is indispensable. Currently, insulin sensitizers (thiazolidinediones) and antioxidants (vitamin E) seem to be the most promising agents for treating NAFLD/NASH, and lipid-lowering drugs, pentoxifylline, angiotensin receptor blockers, and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids also have promise.