Fatty liver in the simplest terms is an excessive build-up of fats in the liver. It affects its working as one of the most important and the largest organs in the body in digesting food.
In medical terms, it is called hepatic Steatosis and there is a growing concern over the prevalence of fatty liver disease even among healthy people.
In this article, we will walk you through the various fatty liver symptoms you need to look out for.
The liver is a powerhouse organ that plays a vital role in our health. It acts as a filter, processing nutrients from food, removing toxins from the bloodstream, and producing essential proteins.
But our food habits and lifestyle are affecting it badly. Therefore, Early detection is crucial to prevent complications, so understanding the warning signs is essential.
Here are 5 key fatty liver disease symptoms you shouldn’t ignore.
Fatty Liver Symptoms – Don’t Miss These Warnings
Fatty liver disease often does not produce any symptoms in the initial stages. Therefore, understanding the warning signs.
Here are five main fatty liver disease symptoms you need to know about:
Fatigue
A common sign of fatty liver disease is constant fatigue and lack of energy that lasts longer than usual. The liver is responsible for turning food into energy. Excess fat impairs this function, making it less effective and contributing to weariness.
This exhaustion differs from the usual tiredness produced by work or a lack of sleep. It is a chronic, low-grade weariness that does not improve with rest.
However, weariness can have a variety of causes, therefore it is critical to visit your doctor to establish the root cause.
Abdominal Pain or Discomfort
Fatty liver disease may produce pain or discomfort on the upper right side of the abdomen, where the liver is located.
The pain could be a mild aching or acute agony. It is crucial to understand that abdominal pain can be caused by a variety of illnesses, such as indigestion, appendicitis, or gallstones.
If you have prolonged abdominal pain, receiving medical attention is critical for an accurate diagnosis.
Appetite Loss or Weight Loss
A malfunctioning liver can affect hormones that regulate hunger. This can cause a decreased appetite to eat.
Furthermore, the liver’s ability to absorb nutrients can be compromised which can lead to an unexpected weight loss.
While these symptoms are alarming, keep in mind that loss of appetite and weight loss can occur for a variety of reasons, including stress or underlying medical disorders. Make sure you know your symptoms well and get checked by your doctor.
Jaundice (Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes)
Jaundice is a symptom of severe fatty liver disease. It develops when bile, a yellow color digestive fluid produced by the liver, accumulates in the bloodstream and spreads to the whole body making eyes, skin, and palms of skin yellow.
This extra bile produces a distinct yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes which are the main symptoms to identify it.
While jaundice can be concerning, it’s important to realize that other medical diseases, such as hepatitis or pancreatitis, can cause it too.
This leads to the conclusion; get regularly checked for any underlying factors that more often than not do not produce any identifiable symptoms.
Skin Rashes and Itching
Fatty liver disease can also cause skin problems such as rashes and itching. This is assumed to be related to the accumulation of bile salts in the body. Excess bile salts can irritate the skin, causing itching and reddening rashes.
It is worth noting that skin rashes and itching can be caused by a variety of conditions, including allergies, eczema, and dry skin. Consulting a doctor to establish the underlying problem is crucial.
Risk Factors for Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease is classified into two main types: nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD).
NAFLD is more common and not directly associated with alcohol consumption. Alcoholic fatty liver disease, on the other hand, is mainly caused by excessive alcohol consumption that disrupts the functioning of the liver.
The primary risk factors for NAFLD are:
- Obesity: Excess body weight, particularly in the stomach, considerably raises the risk of NAFLD.
- Insulin Resistance: Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s ability to use insulin effectively is impaired, which can contribute to fat storage in the liver.
- Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes both increase the chance of developing NAFLD.
- High Cholesterol: High levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, combined with low levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol, can raise the risk of NAFLD.
Treatment Options for Fatty Liver Disease
Currently, there is no specific treatment for fatty liver disease. However, the primary focus is on treating the underlying causes and preventing future liver damage.
The primary treatment technique includes lifestyle changes:
- Diet: It is critical to follow a balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while reducing saturated and harmful fats, processed foods, and added sweets. These factors lead to unprecedented obesity that can further lead to fatty liver or other kinds of liver malfunctions.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity helps to control weight, enhances insulin sensitivity, and promotes general health. It also regulates blood flow to different parts of our body furthermore enhancing overall functioning of the bodily systems.
- Weight Management: If you are overweight or obese, gradually lowering weight through diet and exercise can help your liver health.
- Alcohol Reduction: Liver disease is also majorly caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce alcohol consumption to rule out liver failure and fatty liver disease.
Furthermore, addressing and diagnosing underlying diseases such as diabetes and excessive cholesterol is critical in preventing the progression of fatty liver disease.
Bottom Line
Even though there are no fatty liver symptoms in the early stages, can be identified with specific warning signs.
Recognizing these signs – fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, jaundice, and skin problems – is crucial for early detection and intervention.
By taking charge of your health, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and seeking professional medical advice, you can keep your liver in the best condition.
