What Causes Fatty Liver, What Is Good? Symptoms and Treatment

Liver Fattyis increasingly common around the world, affecting approximately 25% of people globally.

This condition, which is related to obesity, type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance, can also cause some other disorders. If fatty liver is not treated, it can lead to more serious liver diseases and other health problems.

What is Fatty Liver?

Liver Fatty; occurs when too much fat accumulates in liver cells. Although a small amount of fat in these cells is normal, if more than 5% of the liver is fat, fatty liver is considered to be.

Too much alcohol consumption fatty liver While many other factors can also play a role. 

The most common liver disease in adults and children non-alcoholic liver diseaseis. So NAFLD nonalcoholic fatty liveris the first and reversible stage of liver disease. 

Unfortunately, it is often undiagnosed during this period. Over time, NAFLD can develop into a more serious liver condition known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH.

NASH means more fat accumulation and inflammation that damages liver cells. This can cause fibrosis or scar tissue as liver cells are repeatedly injured and dying.

Liver FattyIt is difficult to predict whether it will progress to NASH; this increases the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.

NAFLD; Other diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and kidney disease also increase the risk. 

Types of Fatty Liver

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs when fat accumulates in the liver of people who do not drink alcohol.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a type of NAFLD. It occurs when excessive fat accumulation in the liver is accompanied by liver inflammation.

Left untreated, NASH can cause injury to the liver. In severe cases, this can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure.

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP)

Acute fatty liver (AFLP) of pregnancy is a rare but serious complication of pregnancy. The exact cause is unknown.

AFLP is usually seen in the third trimester of pregnancy. If left untreated, it poses serious health risks to the mother and growing baby.

Alcoholic fatty liver disease (ALFD)

Drinking too much alcohol damages the liver. When damaged, the liver cannot break down fats properly. This can cause a buildup of fat known as alcohol-induced fatty liver.

Alcoholic fatty liver disease (ALFD) is the earliest stage of alcohol-related liver disease.

Alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH)

Alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) is a type of AFLD. It occurs when excessive fat accumulation in the liver is accompanied by liver inflammation. This is known as alcoholic hepatitis.

If not treated properly, ASH can cause liver injury.

Causes of Fatty Liver

Liver FattyIt develops when the body produces too much fat or cannot metabolize fat efficiently enough. Excess fat is stored in liver cells, where fatty liver causes disease.

Various things can cause this fat accumulation. For example, drinking too much alcohol can cause alcoholic fatty liver disease.

People who do not drink too much alcohol, the cause of fatty liver it is not that obvious. One or more of the following factors may play a role in this situation:

Causes Fatty Liver?

Obesity

Obesity facilitates fat accumulation in the liver and triggers low-grade inflammation. It is estimated that 30-90% of obese adults have NAFLD and it is also increased in children due to the childhood obesity epidemic. 

Excess belly fat

People who carry too much fat around their waist may develop fatty liver even if they have normal weight.

Insulin resistance

Insulin resistance and high insulin levels increase fat storage in the liver in people with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

High intake of refined carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates are foods that have lost most or all of their nutritious and healthy fiber content, including white flour, white sugar, white rice, and white pasta. Refined carbohydrates have a high glycemic index and cause spikes in blood sugar.

Frequent consumption of refined carbohydrates triggers fat accumulation in the liver, especially in people who are overweight or insulin resistant. 

Sugary beverage consumption

Sugary and sweetened beverages such as soda and energy drinks contain high amounts of fructose, thus causing fat accumulation in the liver in children and adults. 

Intestinal health deterioration 

Recent research shows that an imbalance in gut bacteria, gut barrier function (leaky gut) or other gut health issues can contribute to the development of NAFLD.

Fatty Liver Risk Factors

In the following cases fatty liverYou may be at high risk of:

Being obese

Having insulin resistance

Type 2 diabetes

Polycystic ovary syndrome

- Being pregnant

A history of certain infections, such as hepatitis C

Having high cholesterol levels

Having high triglyceride levels

Having high blood sugar levels

Metabolic syndrome

What are the Symptoms of Fatty Liver?

Liver Fattyhas various signs and symptoms, but not all symptoms may be seen in anyone with fatty liver disease. You may not even notice that your liver is fatty.

Liver FattyThe symptoms of are as follows:

Fatigue and weakness

Mild pain or swelling in the right or middle abdomen

Increased levels of liver enzymes, including AST and ALT

Increased insulin levels

High triglyceride levels 

If fatty liver progresses to NASH, the following symptoms may occur:

Loss of appetite

Nausea and vomiting

Moderate to severe abdominal pain

Yellowing of the eyes and skin

What is Fatty Liver Treatment?

Liver Fattyis often treated with lifestyle changes, such as quitting alcohol, losing weight, and dieting for fat, not medication. In advanced stages, options such as medications and surgery may also come into play.

Now if you are asking "Fatty liver diet" ve "Foods good for fatty liver" Let's examine i.

How to Reduce Fatty Liver?

Like losing weight and cutting carbohydrates fatty liverThere are some nutritional changes that should be applied to get rid of it. 

Lose weight

Losing weight if you are overweight or obese. fatty liver It is one of the best ways to reverse.

Combining diet and exercise to lose weight has been shown to promote liver fat loss in adults with NAFLD, even if weight loss has been unsuccessful.

In a three-month study of overweight adults by cutting 500 calories, 8% of body weight lost and fatty liverSignificant improvement was observed in Liver fat and insulin sensitivity improved due to weight loss.

Cut down on carbohydrates, especially refined carbohydrates

Liver FattyIt may seem like the most logical way to address your diet is to reduce dietary fat. However, researches on people with NAFLD liver oilIt shows that only 16% of it comes from oil.

Rather, most liver fats come from fatty acids, and about 26% of liver fat is formed through a process called DNL.

During DNL, ​​excess carbohydrate is converted into fat. The rate of DNL formation increases with high consumption of fructose-rich foods and beverages.

In one study, obese adults who ate high in calories and refined carbs for three weeks experienced a 2% increase in liver fat on average, even when their weight increased by only 27%.

Studies have shown that consuming refined carbohydrates sparingly can help reverse NAFLD. Low carbohydrate diets, Mediterranean diet and low glycemic index diets, fatty liver will be suitable for.

Fatty Liver Nutrition

In addition to reducing carbohydrate intake, you can highlight the following food and food groups to prevent excessive calorie intake.

Monounsaturated fats: Studies show that eating foods rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, such as olive oil, avocados, and peanuts, can promote fat loss in the liver.

Whey protein: Whey protein has been noted to reduce liver fat by up to 20% in obese women. In addition, it may help lower liver enzyme levels and provide other benefits in people with more advanced liver disease.

Green tea: One study found antioxidants found in green tea called catechins in people with NAFLD liver oildiscovered that it reduces inflammation and inflammation.

Soluble fiber: Some studies suggest that consuming 10-14 grams of soluble fiber per day can help reduce liver fat, decrease liver enzyme levels, and increase insulin sensitivity.

Exercises That Can Help Reduce Liver Fat

Physical activity liver oilIt is one of the effective ways to reduce.

Studies have shown that endurance exercise or resistance training several times a week can significantly reduce the amount of fat stored in liver cells, regardless of whether there is weight loss.

In a four-week study, 30 obese adults with NAFLD who exercised for 60-18 minutes five days a week experienced a 10% reduction in liver fat even though body weight remained stable.

Of high intensity interval training (HIIT) liver oilIt has also been stated that it is beneficial for the reduction.

In a study of 2 people with type 28 diabetes, administering HIIT for 12 weeks resulted in an impressive 39% reduction in liver fat.

Vitamins for Fatty Liver

Results from various studies show that some vitamins, herbs, and other supplements liver oiland may reduce the risk of progression of liver disease.

However, in most cases, experts say more research needs to be done to confirm this. In addition, it is important to consult a doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you are taking medication.

Thistle

Thistle or silymarin, an herb known for its liver protective effects. Some studies have found that milk thistle, either alone or in combination with vitamin E, may help reduce insulin resistance, inflammation, and liver damage in people with NAFLD.

Liver Fatty In a 90-day study with people who took a silymarin-vitamin E supplement and followed a low-calorie diet, the group who took the diet without supplements liver oilreduced twice as much. The dose of milk thistle extract used in these studies was 250-376 mg per day.

Berberine

Berberine is a plant compound that has been shown to significantly lower blood sugar, insulin and cholesterol levels, along with other health indicators.

Many studies also show that it may benefit people with fatty liver.

In a 16-week study, 184 people with NAFLD reduced their calorie intake and exercised for at least 150 minutes per week. One group took berberine, one took an insulin sensitizing drug, and the other group received no additional substances or drugs.

Those who took 500 mg of berberine three times a day at meal experienced a 52% reduction in liver fat, greater improvement in insulin sensitivity and other health problems than other groups.

The researchers say that despite these encouraging results, more studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of the barber for NAFLD.

Omega 3 fatty acids

Omega 3 fatty acids It is known for many health benefits. Long-chain omega 3 oils, EPA and DHA are found in oily fish such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel.

Many studies have shown that taking omega 3 improves liver health in adults and children with fatty liver.

In a controlled study of 51 overweight children with NAFLD, there was a 53% reduction in liver fat in the group that received DHA; In contrast, there was a 22% reduction in the placebo group. The DHA group lost more fat around the heart.

The second reason to use the fatty liver In addition to making dietary changes, in a study of 40 adults who were Fish oil in 50% of users liver oildecreased.

The dose of omega 3 fatty acids used in these studies was 500-1000 mg per day in children and 2-4 grams per day in adults.

Foods Good for Fatty Liver

The fish

Fatty fish contain omega 3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and weight loss. Scientists believe that consuming fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids fat in the liver They proved that they can help reduce it.

Olive oil

Olive oil, It improves blood lipid profile, increases glucose metabolism and glucose sensitivity. Olive oil is a source of monounsaturated fatty acids that help NAFLD patients improve their condition.

Avokado

This lightly flavored fruit provides monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). MUFAs help reduce inflammation and inflammation-related weight gain, reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and triglycerides in the blood, and raise good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol).

Because, avokado It is great for weight loss. And when you lose weight in general, fat in the liver also decreases.

Walnut

Scientific research walnutproved to be a great source of antioxidants and healthy fats. It helps to reduce liver triglycerides and inflammation, increase insulin sensitivity. 

Vegetables and fruits

Consuming vegetables and fruits daily can help reduce the fat percentage, which means fat in the liver It provides to decrease. 

Green tea

Green teais one of the best drinks for weight loss. This refreshing tea is a storehouse of antioxidants that helps reduce liver inflammation, reduce liver fat, and reduce existing liver enzyme levels in NAFLD patients.

Garlic

GarlicTaki allicin compound is a powerful antioxidant, it can protect from various diseases, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver. It works by reducing inflammation, clearing toxins, and reducing fat mass in the body.

Oat

Rolled oatsis a popular weight loss food as it is a great source of dietary fiber and omega 3 fatty acids. Eating oatmeal regularly helps to reverse NAFLD by losing excess fat.

Broccoli

Broccoliis a cruciferous vegetable rich in antioxidants. Eating broccoli regularly can help reduce body fat and cleanse toxins. Scientists have found that broccoli helps reduce hepatic triglycerides and hepatic macrophages, thus maintaining liver health.

Foods to Avoid in Fatty Liver

Alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption leads to hepatic steatosis, which can lead to cirrhosis and cancer. The first thing you should do is quit alcohol.

Sugar

Sugar can be addictive and in turn contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance. Also, it can lead to NAFLD.

Therefore, it is necessary to limit or avoid the consumption of refined sugar. Instead, use a natural sweetener like honey because it contains trace amounts of antioxidants and raises blood sugar levels less than sugar.

White bread

White bread is a high glycemic index food and is digested quickly. Therefore, it is very easy to overeat white bread without realizing it.

As a result, fat accumulates in various parts of the body. If not kept under control, fatty liverIt can lead to. 

Red meat

Consuming excessive amounts of red meat puts cardiovascular health at risk, as it is high in saturated fat and can cause an increase in triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.

Trans Fats

Trans fats It is found in many fried foods, biscuits, and crackers. Excessive consumption of these foods can lead to obesity, diabetes, and NAFLD.

Salt

Excessive salt can cause water retention by inhibiting glucose metabolism in the body, which can cause obesity, diabetes and fatty liverIt can lead to. For this reason, use a minimum amount of salt in your food to protect your liver.