The liver is a vital organ in the human body with many essential functions. It performs numerous essential functions, including detoxification, regulating metabolism, bile production, nutrient storage, blood clotting, and immune system support.  A healthy liver contains a small amount of fat. However, it can become problematic when fat reaches 5 to 10 per cent of the liver’s weight. 

 

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Fatty liver disease, also known as steatosis, is a condition which is caused by having too much fat build up in the liver which later can cause serious complications. A 2022 study in the journal Clinical Liver Disease reveals that the burden of liver disease in India is significant because it alone contributed to 18.3 per cent of the two million global liver disease–related deaths. 

 

Fatty liver is further categorised in two categories - 

• Alcoholic-fatty liver: Alcohol-induced fatty liver is caused by regular alcohol consumption. A 2017 multi-centric study by PLos One shows that 34 per cent of the Indian population suffers from chronic liver disease due to alcohol intake.  In this condition, people may experience excess fat in the liver, damaged liver, and alcohol addiction.
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver:  Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common form of fatty liver that occurs in people who do not consume excessive alcohol. According to a 2022 study by the Journal of Clinical And Experimental Hepatology, the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver in high-risk Indian groups (obesity or overweight, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, etc.) is 52.8 per cent. People with non-alcoholic fatty liver may experience fatigue, abdominal discomfort, and an enlarged liver.

 

Causes of Fatty Liver

There are several causes of fatty liver, including:

1. Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing fatty liver.
2. Insulin resistance: Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. When the body becomes resistant to insulin, it can cause fat to accumulate in the liver.
3. High levels of fats in the blood: High levels of triglycerides and other fats in the blood can lead to the accumulation of fat in the liver.
4. Type 2 diabetes: People with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of developing fatty liver due to insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels.
5. Rapid weight loss: Losing weight too quickly can cause the body to break down fat stores, which can lead to the accumulation of fat in the liver.
6. Certain medications: Some medications, such as corticosteroids and tamoxifen, can cause fatty liver.
7. Excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can damage liver cells and cause fatty liver, as well as other forms of liver disease. A 2017 study in Alcohol Research showed that men drinking 15 or more drinks per week and women drinking more than 8 drinks per week are more prone to developing alcoholic liver diseases.
8. Genetics: Some people may be genetically susceptible to developing fatty liver.

 

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Symptoms of Fatty Liver

Fatty liver is often asymptomatic, which means it does not cause prominent symptoms in everyone. However, some people with fatty liver may experience the following symptoms:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Abdominal discomfort and pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
• Elevated liver enzymes, which can be detected through blood tests
• Elevated levels of triglycerides in the blood
• Jaundice (yellow/pale skin and eyes) in rare cases of severe fatty liver disease or cirrhosis

 

It is important to note that fatty liver disease is often discovered during routine medical check-ups or through liver function tests, as there may not be any symptoms present. If you have any concerns about your liver health, it is best to consult a doctor at UR.Life OHC for a health risk assessment UR.Life to invest in your well-being through seamless interventions and targeted medical treatments. Our holistic wellness approach caters to all aspects of your well-being. We ensure that you can bring your whole self to work.

 

With our medical professionals by your side, routine health check-ups are easy. Advanced laboratory technologies back UR.Life’s Occupational Health Centers (OHC), and with highly qualified experts/technicians, we’re committed to delivering trusted and quality recommendations, modifications and advice.

 

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People At Risk of Developing Fatty Liver

While fatty liver disease can occur in anyone, certain groups of people are at higher risk of developing the condition. These groups include:

• Those who are overweight or obese, especially with excess abdominal fat.
• People with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance.
• People with metabolic syndrome, which is a combination of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
• People with high levels of fats in the blood, such as triglycerides.
• People who consume a diet high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and saturated and trans fats.
• Heavy drinkers.
• People who have rapidly lost weight, especially through crash dieting or bariatric surgery.
• Have certain medical conditions, such as hepatitis C, autoimmune liver disease, and Wilson's disease.
• Those who are on certain medications, such as corticosteroids and tamoxifen.

 

Note: Not everyone in these risk groups will develop fatty liver disease, but they should be aware of their increased risk and take steps to prevent or manage the condition.

 

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Diagnosis For Fatty Liver

Fatty liver disease does not always have symptoms, it can progress to more severe forms of liver disease, such as cirrhosis if left untreated. The health expert may help you discover the condition. Usually, high levels of liver enzymes are one of the major signs of fatty liver and to confirm the illness, the doctor may ask for further tests, including:

1. Blood tests: Blood tests may be performed to check the levels of liver enzymes, such as ALT and AST, and other markers of liver damage, such as bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP).
2. Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide detailed images of the liver and help detect the presence of fat and any damage or scarring.
3. Liver biopsy: In some cases, a small sample of liver tissue may be removed with a needle and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of liver damage.
4. FibroScan: This non-invasive test uses ultrasound technology to measure the stiffness of the liver and can help assess the degree of liver damage.

 

Treatment For Fatty Liver

Although there is no precise medication to treat fatty liver disease, making some significant changes in lifestyle and food can help manage the underlying conditions that contribute to the disease and improve liver health. Here are some common treatment options:

1. Weight loss: Losing weight through a combination of a healthy diet and exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve fatty liver disease. Even losing a small amount of weight can help reduce liver fat.
2. Managing diabetes: If you have diabetes, it's important to manage your blood sugar levels to reduce the risk of developing or worsening fatty liver disease.
3. Lowering cholesterol: High cholesterol levels can contribute to fatty liver disease, so managing your cholesterol levels can help improve liver health.
4. Avoiding alcohol: Alcohol can damage the liver and worsen fatty liver disease, so it's important to avoid or limit alcohol consumption.
5. Eating a healthy diet: A diet low in saturated fat, rich in fibre fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help improve liver health.
6. Exercise: Regular exercise can help improve liver health, reduce inflammation, and promote weight loss.
7. Monitoring medication: Certain medications can contribute to liver damage, so it's important to talk to your doctor about any medications you're taking and how they might affect your liver health.

 

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5 Foods For Fatty Liver Reversal

Overall, the best approach to treating fatty liver disease is to address the underlying causes, make lifestyle changes, and closely monitor your liver health with the help of your healthcare provider. The first line of remedy for fatty liver is weight loss, through a combination of calorie reduction, exercise, and healthy eating.

 

1. Have coffee to reduce abnormal liver enzyme

A 2020 finding in Annals of Hepatology showed that regular coffee consumption is associated with a lowered risk of developing fatty liver disease, as well as a decreased risk of the advancement of liver fibrosis in those already diagnosed with the fatty liver. Besides, coffee has been found to be effective in reducing abnormal liver enzymes. Coffee contains compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help protect liver cells and improve liver function.

 

2. Load up on green veggies to prevent fat accumulation

A 2021 study BMC Gastroenterology, found that eating spinach and other green leafy vegetables lowered the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, possibly due to the nitrate and distinct polyphenols found in the leafy green. 

 

3. Intake  of omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish salmon, sardines, tuna, and trout which reduces liver fat, boosts protective HDL cholesterol, and lowers triglyceride levels, says a 2016 study in Gastroenterology Research And Practice. 

 

4. Use turmeric to heal liver damage

A 2019 meta-analysis by Phytotherapy Research suggests that curcumin, an important ingredient in turmeric, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect liver cells and reduce inflammation in the liver.

 

5. Consume nuts to improve the body’s ability to use insulin

A 2015 study issued in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that increased nut consumption (especially walnuts) and flaxseeds were significantly associated with a lowered risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The same research also shows that people with fatty liver disease who eat monounsaturated fats in plant sources like olives, avocados or walnuts help their body to use insulin better.

 

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.

 

With the UR.Life Corporate Wellness programme, we help you to invest in your well-being through seamless interventions and targeted medical treatments. Our holistic wellness approach caters to all aspects of your well-being. We ensure that you are able to bring your whole self to work.

With our medical professionals by your side, routine health check-ups will never be an issue. Advanced laboratory technologies back UR.Life’s Occupational Health Centers (OHC), and with highly qualified experts/technicians, we’re committed to delivering trusted and quality recommendations, modifications and advice to you.

Click here to learn more about the UR.Life Corporate Wellness programme and unlock better health.