Too much fat in the liver, especially when it contributes to more than five percent of its weight, can lead to cancer. However, there are key measures one can implement to reduce such a nasty consequence of the condition. The Cleveland Clinic explained that most people with fatty liver disease have no symptoms. It’s only when the disease progresses to cirrhosis (i.e. scarring) of the liver that the condition can become obvious.
For example, yellowing of the whites of the eyes (otherwise known as jaundice) is a sign of progressed fatty liver disease.
Jaundice also affects the colouring of the skin, giving it a yellow-ish tinge.
Scarring of the liver can also lead to abdominal pain, or a feeling of fullness, in the upper right side of the abdomen.
A person with this condition may experience nausea, loss of appetite or weight loss.
Edema may occur, which is when the abdomen and legs swell, in addition to extreme tiredness, mental confusion or weakness.
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The function of the liver
The liver is an organ in the body responsible for producing bile, which helps aid with digestion.
Moreover, it makes proteins for the body, stores iron, and converts nutrients into energy.
The liver also helps to create blood-clotting substances – needed for wound healing – and can remove toxins from the body.
Up to 30 percent of people with fatty liver disease have the condition worsen in three stages.
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Steatohepatitis
Firstly, the liver becomes swollen, damaging its tissue – known as steatohepatitis.
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Fibrosis
Secondly, scar tissue forms where the liver is damaged.
Cirrhosis
Thirdly, extensive damage and scarring of the liver replaces healthy tissue.
By the time fatty liver disease reaches cirrhosis of the liver, the organ is unable to function optimally.
Eventually, cirrhosis of the liver can stop the organ from doing any of its duties; this can lead to liver failure and liver cancer.
Fatty liver disease diagnosis
A blood result demonstrating elevated liver enzymes could alert the doctor that you may have fatty liver disease.
A diagnosis will be made following an ultrasound or CT scan of the liver, and perhaps a liver biopsy.
Thankfully, lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference to a person’s health.
The Cleveland Clinic stated that lifestyle adjustments can reverse fatty liver disease and prevent it from occurring.
Treatment (and prevention) includes not drinking alcohol, gradually losing weight if you’re overweight, and exercising regularly.
Taking any prescribed medication to control diabetes, cholesterol and triglycerides is also recommended.
Amazingly, the liver has the ability to repair itself, so reducing liver fat and inflammation is possible.
Source: Daily Express
