Dealing with Fatty Liver Disease

Being the second largest organ of our body, the liver plays an important role processing nutrients obtained from food and filters your blood from toxic substances. While a small amount of fat can be found in the liver, too much of it can lead to inflammation which, if not dealt with, can lead to scarring. In severe cases, death may also occur. 

So, what is fatty liver disease? As the name suggests, it's a condition where too much fat is deposited in the liver when the produces too much or is unable to metabolize it efficiently. While it sounds rather harmless, it can turn fatal if ignored. There are two main types of fatty liver disease - alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The former usually occurs in heavy drinkers, whereas the latter is found among those who drink occasionally. 

One of the dangers of fatty liver disease is that many do not realize that they have it as it doesn't have any noticeable symptoms. However, if you find yourself feeling exceptionally tired or having discomfort/pain at the upper right side of your abdomen, it's a telltale sign that it may be the disease itself. Other symptoms may also manifest as listed below: 

The causes of fatty liver are largely avoidable. It's primarily caused by overconsumption of alcohol, but other reasons may give rise to it such as obesity, insulin resistance, high blood sugar, high fat levels in your blood, and lack of sleep. Doctors can usually diagnose fatty liver disease by studying your medical history, conducting blood and physical tests, taking a liver biopsy, or have you take a imaging test. 

As for treatment, there's unfortunately no known medicine to cure it. Nonetheless, you can reduce the risk of contracting fatty liver disease by practicing healthy habits such as:

- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Make effort in losing weight
- Incorporate a healthy diet 

If you're experiencing a more severe stage of fatty liver disease (i.e. liver cirrhosis), surgery or a liver transplant may be needed.

Taking certain natural supplements can also help in decreasing the amount of liver fat as listed below:

Milk thistle/silymarin. A herb known for its liver-protecting properties, milk thistle has been found to be effective in dealing with liver inflammation and reduces insulin resistance. But it must be noted that these results have shown more promise in those with NAFLD and require more research into its long term usage.

Omega-3 fatty acids. Commonly found in fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel, omega-3 has long been praised for its potent health benefits and preventing deadly diseases. Studies show that adults and children who took omega-3 supplements have witnessed a significant reduction of liver fat as high as 53%. They also reported a similar reduction in belly fats and fats surrounding the heart. However, these results are accompanied with regular exercise and healthy eating, so be sure to do those to maximize the benefits.