What you need to know about the silent epidemic known as fatty liver disease
Fat can start building up in your liver slowly without you noticing any major warning signs. Go to the doctor if you're constantly tired and dealing with weight changes you can't explain. Fatty liver disease becomes easier to manage once you detect it early and start making changes to your lifestyle.
According to the American Liver Foundation, around 24% of US adults have a fatty liver or steatotic liver disease, related to their metabolism.
You shouldn't wait until you have very elevated liver enzymes to go see a doctor. Understanding the causes of this condition helps you avoid it or know how to manage it better.
What Are the Symptoms of Fatty Liver?
Symptoms of fatty liver include:
- Pain in the upper belly
- Fatigue
- Jaundice
You might know of someone who seemed pretty healthy but was recently diagnosed with a fatty liver.
Constant Fatigue
If you have been feeling drained all day, even when you've had enough sleep and haven't been very active, pay more attention. Constant fatigue is one of the first noticeable clues. You might think you're feeling tired because of:
- A busy work schedule
- Stress
- Aging
Resting more won't be of much help if you aren't feeling tired because you had a long day. Ongoing tiredness affects the lives of many people in Kalispell.
Pain or Pressure in the Upper Right Belly
When non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is in the very early stages, you'll probably not feel much pain. It can just be pressure or fullness after having light meals.
Inflammation in the liver causes the nearby tissues to start feeling sore. It sits on the right side beneath your ribs. Get a checkup done if you've been feeling odd pain in the area.
Unexplained Weight Changes
Keep an eye on your weight if your clothes are a bit tighter than they used to be a few months ago. If you haven't made any changes to your routine, weight gain could be due to your liver. Your body starts struggling to manage glucose well.
Advanced fatty liver disease can also cause you to start losing weight. It happens because you're unable to properly process nutrients from the food or supplements you take.
Yellowing Skin or Eyes
Jaundice is usually an alarming sign of serious liver disease stages. Once bilirubin starts accumulating in your bloodstream, you'll notice:
- Pale stool
- Dark urine
- Itchy skin
Go to urgent care if you see any of these signs, and there's someone in your family with a history of liver disease.
Can I Live a Full Life With Fatty Liver?
Yes. Don't let metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver keep you from enjoying your life. Making changes with the help of your doctor ensures you can be active. It's good to get an early diagnosis so you can figure out what you need to adjust.
The liver cells sometimes recover well during the early stages. Fat building up in your liver doesn't automatically mean it has failed, and that now you'll have a low quality of life.
Learning the Common Causes of Fatty Liver Disease
When your body can't process insulin well because of diabetes, your liver starts storing the excess energy as fat. Start monitoring your blood sugar if you have diabetes because it puts you at a higher risk. These are common causes you should be aware of:
- High cholesterol
- Lack of physical activity
- Your genetics
You can avoid fatty liver disease if you stop drinking heavily. Alcohol damages your liver cells.
The Diagnostic Process and Getting Treatment
Comparing aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an important step when your doctor is diagnosing you. They'll draw your blood and do tests if they suspect there is an issue with your liver.
Checking your AST/ALT ratio allows them to see how much stress the liver is under. Sometimes it may be necessary to take a small tissue sample with a needle.
A biopsy lets you have more accurate results. After reading an AST ALT test results guide, you'll be able to know what the ratio means for your health.
You should start getting treatment after your doctor's appointment so you can have a better life. The doctor will talk you through all your options for treating fatty liver. They may be different depending on the cause and your current condition. Some effective things are:
- Managing your cholesterol
- Eating a healthier diet
- Starting an exercise program
- Taking medication
Set reminders so you don't forget to take any medication. Being diagnosed can take a toll on your mental health, and it helps to have a good support system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Young People Get Fatty Liver Disease?
Yes. Never ignore the signs just because you feel you're too young to have liver disease. Our lifestyles have changed because of eating processed foods and being inactive.
Having annual checkups is important even if you feel fine. You'll be able to treat liver disease better when you don't have complications already.
How Long Does It Take to Reverse Liver Fat?
It depends. With regular tests, there might be a noticeable difference within three to six months. The rate at which you start feeling better will be influenced by your commitment.
Don't be discouraged from exercising or eating healthy if your tests haven't changed much after a month.
Can Stress Affect My Liver Health?
Yes. Anytime you're feeling stressed, your body releases cortisol. Try relaxing techniques so you don't end up with high cortisol levels. They are a major cause of your body storing more fat in the middle section.
Spending time outdoors by pushing yourself to take a walk helps when you just feel like staying indoors. Make your mental health a priority if you're struggling with stress, either from your everyday life or work.
Creating Awareness and Managing Fatty Liver Disease
Your liver goes through a lot of stress when you take too much alcohol and a diet full of sugar. With regular checks, you can detect fatty liver disease before it affects your body a lot. Ask your doctors for advice on how to manage your health.
Prevention is an important step if someone in your family has the condition. Do you want more wellness tips for a higher quality of life? Read the latest health news on our page.
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