Fatty Liver: Everything we need to know about this disease
The liver is an essential organ and the largest within our body. It participates in vital functions such as food digestion, energy storage and the elimination of toxins.
However, the liver can be susceptible to various diseases, including fatty liver disease, a condition in which the liver accumulates excess fat.
This disease can present in two main forms: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic fatty liver disease, also known as alcoholic fatty liver disease.
One of the most recommended ways to protect and regenerate liver function is to take a cleanser of natural origin such as Regis H Silymarin that provides the following benefits to people suffering from Fatty Liver Disease
- Anti-oxidant action, activating the cell protection mechanism.
- Strengthens the defenses in flu, colds, pneumonia, etc.
- Depurative and Diuretic.
- Facilitates the functioning of the intestinal and hepatic tract.
- Eliminates toxins at the liver level.
Non-Alcoholic and Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is not related to alcohol consumption, but includes two subtypes: simple fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
In simple fatty liver, fat accumulates in the liver, but there is little or no inflammation and damage to liver cells.
However, in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, inflammation and damage to liver cells are evident and can lead to scarring of the liver (fibrosis), cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
In contrast, alcoholic fatty liver disease is due to excessive alcohol consumption. The process of breaking down alcohol in the liver can generate harmful substances that damage liver cells. In addition to causing inflammation and weakening the body's defenses. In the long term, heavy drinking can lead to alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and eventually cirrhosis.
Risks
The risk of fatty liver disease is not fully understood. Although it is known to be more common in individuals with diabetes type 2, obesity, high blood lipid levels, high blood pressure, certain metabolic disorders, and those who have been exposed to certain toxins.
Approximately 25% of the world's population suffers from fatty liver disease. This figure reflects the increasing rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. On the other hand, alcoholic fatty liver disease only occurs in people who consume a lot of alcohol. Particularly those who have been drinking for a long period of time. The risk is higher in obese heavy drinkers of alcohol, women, or people with certain genetic mutations.
NAFLD symptoms
In most cases, NAFLD is a silent disease, that is, it does not present symptoms. Even when cirrhosis (an advanced stage of liver disease) caused by NASH develops, patients may not have symptoms.
However, if symptoms do occur, patients may feel fatigued or experience discomfort in the upper right part of the abdomen.
Causes of Fatty Liver Disease
Although experts continue to study the causes of NAFLD, a number of risk factors have been found to be associated with the disease. These factors may include certain health conditions, genetics, diet, and the digestive system.
1.-Health Conditions
Certain health conditions have been found to make a person more likely to develop NAFLD. These conditions include:
- Overweight or Obesity
- Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes
- Abnormal levels of fats in the blood, which may include high levels of triglycerides and cholesterol
- Metabolic syndrome, a condition characterized by a group of traits and medical conditions related to being overweight and obese.
Also, studies have shown that losing weight can convert NAFLD to NAFLD, and likewise, gaining weight can convert NAFLD to NAFLD.
2.-Genes
Recent research has identified certain genes that may increase the susceptibility to developing NAFLD. This could help explain why NAFLD is more common in some racial and ethnic groups.
3.-Diet and Digestive System
Some studies suggest that diets high in fructose, a type of sugar found in table sugar and often added to drinks and foods to sweeten them, may increase the risk of developing NAFLD. In addition, the relationship between microbiomes (bacteria in the digestive tract that help with digestion) and NAFLD has been studied. Experts continue to study how microbiomes can influence disease.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Fatty Liver Disease
The diagnosis of fatty liver disease is based on the patient's medical history, a physical examination, and various tests, including blood tests and imaging tests. In some cases, a liver biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of liver damage.
For the treatment of NAFLD, weight loss is a primary recommendation. Losing weight can decrease fat, inflammation, and fibrosis in the liver. Although there are no drugs specifically approved to treat fatty liver, research is being done on the effectiveness of certain diabetes drugs and vitamin E.
The most important intervention to treat alcoholic fatty liver disease is to abstain from drinking alcohol. Participation in an alcohol rehabilitation program or intervention by a therapist may be required. There are medications available that can reduce cravings for alcohol or cause discomfort if alcohol is consumed.
As we have previously mentioned, there are food supplements such as Regis H Silymarin which are obtained from plant extracts and which, thanks to their properties, protect and regenerate the liver.
Lifestyle Changes
Regardless of the type of fatty liver disease, certain lifestyle changes may be helpful, including eating a healthy diet, vaccination against hepatitis A and B, regular exercise, and counseling before using dietary supplements or medications. .
The combination of proper medical care and the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits can result in improved liver health and the prevention of long-term complications of fatty liver disease.
To conclude, it should be noted that Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a complex condition with multiple risk factors. The absence of noticeable symptoms makes it difficult to detect in its early stages, underscoring the importance of regular health checkups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to prevent the disease.