Author: Dr. Ashwin Geo Jacob E
MBBS, MD, DM (Medical Gastroenterology) : Consultant - Gastroenterology

What is Fatty Liver?

Fatty liver is the accumulation of excess fat in the liver. Normally, there should be little fat in the liver, but above 5-10% it is considered fatty liver. 

Do you know the types of fatty liver disease? 

There are mainly two types of fatty liver.

• Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD) - Fatty liver disease caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFID) – Environmental and lifestyle factors other than alcohol are the main cause. 

What are the main causes of fatty liver?

• Obesity
• Uncontrolled Diabetes 
• High Cholesterol 
• Fatty foods (fried foods, red meats, processed meats, bakery products) 
• Sedentary Lifestyle 
• Excessive alcohol consumption (For AFLD) 

How to recognize fatty liver?

Symptoms alone are not enough to diagnose fatty liver. Certain medical tests are mandatory: 

• Ultrasound – measures fat in the liver. 
• Liver Function Test (LFT) – Checks liver function. 
• Fibroscan / MRI - helps to measure the level of damage (Fibrosis) in the liver. 

Can fatty liver be cured?

Yes!

• Fatty liver can be completely cured if lifestyle changes are introduced in the early stages. 
• However, without treatment, the disease can progress to more dangerous conditions like Fibrosis, Cirrhosis and Liver Failure. 

Are there home remedies for fatty liver?

No home remedies or specific medications will provide a 100% guarantee. But these foods can help control fatty liver and protect the liver: 

• Avocado – removes toxins from the liver. 
• Garlic - Prevents fatty deposits in the liver. 
• Lemon – helps in breaking down fat 
• (Green Tea) / Black coffee prevents liver damage. 
• Broccoli, leafy greens – good for liver health. 

What are the best treatment for fatty liver ?

• Lose weight – A total weight loss of 5-10% can help control fatty liver. 
• Healthy food - avoid processed foods and rich in nutrientsReceive food. 
• Exercise is a must – walk, cycle, swim for 30-45 minutes daily. 
• Quit alcohol and smoking – Quitting alcohol is essential for people with AFLD. 
• Care should also be taken to reduce the amount of carbohydrate (starch). Cereals, sweets, sugar, soft drinks, chocolate, ice cream should be minimized. 
• Foods high in fiber – fruits, vegetables, whole grains, avocado. Increase the consumption of garlic. 
• Adequate Sleep – Ensure 7-8 hours of sleep a day. 

Is fatty liver dangerous? 

If neglected, it can lead to serious conditions like cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. So get treatment soon. 

What can be done to prevent fatty liver ?

• Exercise regularly 
• Avoid alcohol and smoking 
• Be careful about what you eat 
• Control diabetes and cholesterol 
• Perform tests correctly 

The main message 

• Fatty liver is a curable disease if detected early.
• Exercise is like medicine. Regular daily exercise helps control weight and protect the liver and alcoholism.
  Also avoid smoking. The most important thing in treating alcohol-related fatty liver disease is to stop drinking. Taking care of all these things can prevent and control fatty liver and other diseases affecting the liver.