What Is Fatty Liver Disease And How Can It Be Treated?

In this article we will talk about what a fatty liver disease is. You may have heard of this disease which involves the accumulation of fat in the liver cells, affecting many adults (about 25% of the population).

If you do not know what we are referring to, do not hesitate to read this article where we explain what fatty liver disease is and how it is treated.

What fatty liver disease is

Fatty liver, also known as hepatic steatosis, is a problem associated with obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.  Fatty liver can also be caused by excessive alcohol consumption.

Fatty liver disease is diagnosed by performing:

Ultrasound

Shows the severity of the disease and the amount of fat in the liver.

Liver biopsy

This method provides a definitive diagnosis and is used in those who have a higher risk of suffering from liver disease.

Laboratory tests

Levels of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides are elevated. In general , the level is 2 to 3 times higher than normal in a patient with liver problems.

Two types of fatty liver

Patients can be divided into two groups:

Alcoholic fatty liver

The body is not able to break down fat, which causes it to start accumulating.

The good news is that if a person stops drinking alcohol, the condition will subside or disappear completely within about six weeks. If, on the other hand, you continue to drink or increase your consumption, the disease will worsen and can lead to cirrhosis.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver

As we have mentioned before, the causes of type II diabetes, high cholesterol, are that one takes certain medications and diets for rapid weight loss.

What are the warning signs of a fatty liver?

In many cases, the patient will not experience any symptoms. But some of the signs that you have a fatty liver disease are:

• If you are a middle-aged woman and overweight.
• If you have diabetes or high cholesterol.
• If you have a family history of liver problems.
• If you have unhealthy eating habits.
• If you suffer from chronic fatigue or discomfort in the upper abdomen.
• If you are unable to reduce your triglyceride levels, even with dietary changes.

How can I avoid a fatty liver?

These tips will help you avoid fatty liver disease or reduce your symptoms:

• Reduce your intake of refined sugar and flour, animal fats and alcohol
• Eat more vegetables, fruits and dried fruits
• Follow the Mediterranean diet, which is the healthiest diet out there
• Exercise 2 to 3 times a week
• Do not take medicines that contain anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, estrogen or fungicides
• Gradually reduce your body weight
• Increase your intake of antioxidants
• Vaccinate against Hepatitis A and B.

Natural recipes to fight fatty liver

In addition to the above tips, the following home remedies are useful in the treatment of hepatic steatosis:

Mariatistel

This plant has many properties, which according to recent studies, reduce fat in the liver. It also improves liver function, increases liver regeneration and helps break down accumulated fat.

You can take mariatistel as a supplement (available in health food stores) or as a tea.

Ingredients

• 1 handful of leaves and flowers of the plant
• 1 cup of water

Here’s how to do it

Boil the water with a handful of flowers and leaves, and let it soak for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Strain and drink it.

You can sweeten the tea with a little honey if you find the taste too bitter or unpleasant.

Ginger

Due to its antioxidants and its ability to reduce triglyceride levels, ginger is excellent for the treatment of fatty liver disease.

Buy ginger root at the store and store it wrapped in kitchen paper in the refrigerator. Some people tear it over salads, soups, or cakes, for example. It can also be made as a tea.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tepose

Here’s how to do it

Make tea as usual with the tea bag, then add the ginger. Strain and drink it while it is still hot.

Grapefruit

This fruit is also a great way to treat fatty liver disease and prediabetes.

One of the most important compounds found in grapefruit is naringenin, which has the ability to activate the compounds that are responsible for oxidizing fatty acids.

It also reduces body fat and treats metabolic syndrome (two factors associated with hepatic steatosis).

Eat a grapefruit every morning on an empty stomach.

Artichokes

Do not hesitate to add this vegetable to your weekly diet to improve the health of your liver. It is low in calories, a perfect diuretic, and if that is not enough, it helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

You can eat them (best raw) in sauces, dressings, salads or soups.

Dandelion

This wild plant that grows almost anywhere possesses many medicinal properties. It is one of the most powerful natural cleansing plants, and it will cleanse the liver and improve its health.

It is found as a supplement in health food stores.

If you have a chance to plant dandelion, even if it is only in a small box, do not hesitate to do so. Use it to make a medicinal tea.

Ingredients

• 1 handful of leaves and flowers from dandelion
• 1 cup of water

Here’s how to do it

Boil the water with dandelion for 10 minutes. Let it cool for 5 minutes. Strain, sweeten and drink. You can drink dandelion tea up to three times a day.