What Is Fatty Liver And How To Get Rid Of It

The liver is a crucial organ in the human body, tasked with detoxifying waste. It processes unwanted body fat, eliminating it through various means, including bowel movements. When the liver’s normal functions are hindered by diseases or other issues, fat can accumulate, especially in liver tissues. However, adopting lifestyle changes can help mitigate fatty liver issues and also assist in reducing excess liver and body fat.

This problem arises when fat content in liver cells surpasses normal levels. Health experts consider a liver fat percentage exceeding 5% as concerning.

The primary demographics affected by fatty liver are individuals who regularly consume excessive amounts of alcohol. Additionally, other health conditions that can exacerbate this issue include type 2 diabetes and obesity.

The global incidence of fatty liver is rising steadily. Importantly, not all individuals with fatty liver are alcoholics or diabetics; there are numerous other factors that can contribute to this condition.

Important Information About Fatty Liver

• This health condition often presents no significant symptoms.
• Without treatment, it can escalate into serious or potentially life-threatening health issues.
• If you’ve been attempting to lose weight without success, consider that fatty liver may be an underlying issue.

If you suspect this to be the case, it’s essential to address this health issue and take necessary actions. Some actionable steps are outlined below in this article.

Causes of Fatty Liver

Before exploring treatments and solutions, it’s important to examine the causes. Fatty liver can occur in anyone, including younger individuals, but is more prevalent in men with significant abdominal fat. Below are some common causes of this condition.

High Alcohol Intake

Alcohol significantly impacts overall health, particularly liver function. Excessive intake of alcohol disrupts normal liver operations, leading to fat accumulation, especially in the abdomen. This not only increases fat but also inflicts chronic damage to liver functionality over time.

Tobacco Use

Smoking is associated with fatty liver disease. The nicotine in cigarettes is absorbed by the lungs and metabolized by the liver. Smoking affects the liver in several ways—toxicologically, immunologically, and oncogenically.

Obesity

The second largest group affected by fatty liver disease is individuals who are overweight or obese. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease is common among those with excess weight. Increased body weight leads to low-grade inflammation that promotes fat storage in the liver.

Research has shown that weight loss can help reduce liver fat. Those who are obese or have gained weight rapidly are particularly susceptible to fatty liver disease.

Insulin Resistance

Clinical findings suggest that individuals with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome often experience non-alcoholic fatty liver disease due to insulin resistance, which encourages fat buildup. The slow metabolism of accumulated fat results in both fatty liver disease and obesity.

Conversely, individuals with significant liver fat and obesity are at a higher risk of developing diabetes and metabolic disorders.

High Intake of Refined Carbohydrates

Increased sugar consumption negatively impacts health, particularly liver health. This is especially dangerous for those with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Their bodies cannot effectively detoxify these carbohydrates, leading to fat deposits in the liver.

Popular foods and drinks high in fructose, such as sugary beverages, contribute to fat accumulation in the liver.

Excessive Abdominal Fat

A study indicates that “fat infiltration is more commonly associated with abdominal fat. Fatty liver tends to be more closely linked to visceral fat compared to subcutaneous fat. Therefore, a non-obese patient with fatty liver may actually have visceral obesity, unlike some patients with a lot of subcutaneous fat who do not develop fatty liver.”

Generally, an increased waistline relative to overall body size indicates excess abdominal fat, which can contribute to fatty liver issues.

Digestive Issues

Individuals with digestive tract disorders or gut impairments are more susceptible to fatty liver issues. Impaired gut function results in an increase of fat accumulation in the liver, categorizing this condition under Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Recognizing Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease

Unfortunately, fatty liver disease may not present any evident symptoms until it progresses to LIVER CIRRHOSIS. Common symptoms associated with fatty liver include:

• Abdominal pain in the upper right quadrant
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
• Swelling in the abdomen and legs
• Fatigue and weakness

If you experience these symptoms consistently without any underlying major health issues, it’s advisable to seek medical attention.

How Reducing Liver Fat Can Aid Weight Loss

The liver plays a key role in the body’s digestive functions by releasing enzymes that break down and absorb essential nutrients, as well as removing waste by-products. It also regulates insulin, glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, and immune function.

Due to its role in crucial body functions, the liver requires proper care and preventive measures. Unhealthy foods, drinks, and poor lifestyle choices directly affect liver health, causing inflammation. This inflammation is attributed to toxic residues accumulating in the liver, promoting obesity.

If inflammation occurs, rigorous exercise and a calorie-restricted diet may not yield desired results. Despite diligent efforts, weight loss may be minimal, leading some to actually gain weight. For this reason, reducing liver fat is crucial in tackling stubborn body fat.

Several daily routine adjustments can enhance fatty liver symptoms. More information is available below in this article.

Consume Foods That Aid Weight Loss

Specific foods can help reduce liver fat while improving overall liver health. Research indicates that these foods can lower enzyme levels in the liver, thus enhancing liver functionality. These include:

• Monounsaturated fats: avocados, olive oil, nuts, etc.
• Whey protein
• Green tea
• Soluble fiber

According to Healthline, “In one study, liver fat and insulin resistance decreased significantly more among individuals consuming a Mediterranean diet compared to those on a low-fat, high-carb diet, despite similar weight loss outcomes on both diets (33Trusted Source).”

Regular Exercise

Research has shown that consistent exercise can significantly reduce liver fat. “In a four-week study, 18 obese adults with NAFLD who exercised for 30–60 minutes five days per week experienced a 10% reduction in liver fat, even while maintaining stable body weight (44Trusted Source).”

“In another study, 22 diabetics who exercised twice weekly for 12 months saw similar reductions in liver fat and abdominal fat, irrespective of whether their workout intensity was low-to-moderate or moderate-to-high (47Trusted Source).”

Daily exercise is vital; even low-resistance workouts that can be sustained each day are beneficial.

Supplements That May Help Alleviate Fatty Liver

Some supplements can aid in mitigating symptoms, in conjunction with dietary and lifestyle modifications to improve overall conditions.

• Milk thistle
• N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
• Artichoke leaf
• Berberine
• Omega-3 fatty acids

Final Thoughts

Fatty liver can lead to various chronic health issues. Thankfully, it can be managed and reduced before progression becomes serious. A balanced diet, healthy lifestyle choices, and appropriate medications, including supplements, can reduce the risks of disease progression leading to severe liver complications.