Fatty liver disease Te mate ate whaihinu
Fatty liver disease is a condition that happens when fat builds up in the cells of your liver. It is very common but most people only have a mild form that does not usually cause long-term problems.
Causes of fatty liver disease
There are 2 types of fatty liver disease:
- alcohol-related fatty liver disease
- metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic fatty liver disease (formerly called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease).
Alcohol-related fatty liver disease
Drinking too much alcohol is the main cause of alcohol-related fatty liver disease. Drinking a large amount of alcohol, even for just a few days, can lead to a build-up of fats in your liver.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic fatty liver disease
You are more likely to get metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic fatty liver disease if you:
- do not eat well or are not very physically active
- are an unhealthy weight, particularly if you have a lot of fat around your waist
- have type 2 diabetes
- have high blood pressure
- have high cholesterol or triglycerides
- have polycystic ovary syndrome
- are over the age of 50
- smoke.
Symptoms of fatty liver disease
Alcohol-related fatty liver disease does not usually cause any symptoms until your liver has been badly damaged and you have cirrhosis or liver failure.
Most people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic fatty liver disease do not have any symptoms, but some people may:
- have pain or discomfort on the right side of their tummy, just under their ribs
- feel unwell and really tired
- weight loss without trying
- feel sick (nauseous)
- have a loss of appetite
- have swelling in the area of their liver.
Complications of fatty liver disease
Fatty liver disease can lead to inflammation, which, if it gets worse, can cause scarring and eventually cirrhosis (severe scarring) or liver failure.
People with fatty liver are also more prone to problems such as diabetes, heart attacks and strokes.
Diagnosing fatty liver disease
You might only find out that you have a problem with your liver when you have a routine medical test or a test for another condition. This might include:
- a blood test
- a FibroScan
- an ultrasound scan of your liver
- a liver biopsy.
Treatment for fatty liver disease
There are no specific medical treatments for alcohol-related fatty liver disease. The main treatment is to stop drinking alcohol. You may also be referred to a dietitian to review what you eat. This is because people who drink heavily often do not eat properly and need advice and support to eat well. You may also be prescribed vitamin supplements for a while.
There are no specific treatments for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic fatty liver disease. Your healthcare provider will recommend treating any medical conditions you may have because of your fatty liver. Also, there are several lifestyle measures that can stop it from getting worse.
Self care for fatty liver disease
The best way for you to manage fatty liver disease is to make some changes to your lifestyle. This will help stop the disease from getting worse, and in some cases may reverse the damage. Try to:
- cut down or stop drinking alcohol
- keep a healthy weight and eat well
- be physically active most days
- stop smoking, if you are a smoker
- manage your blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides.
Self care for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Keep your weight within your healthy weight range. If you are an unhealthy weight, losing 5 to 10% of your body weight can remove some fat from your liver.
Aim to lose weight at a rate of half to one kg per week.
Eating well and keeping active can stop metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease from getting worse. There is no special diet you should follow, but the Mediterranean way of eating may help.
Coffee is good for liver health. Regularly drinking moderate amounts of coffee (3 to 5 cups a day) can slow the progression of liver disease, such as fatty liver, in some people. Drinking coffee may also prevent liver cancer. And it may lower your risk of other liver conditions such as fibrosis (scar tissue) and cirrhosis.
These benefits of coffee have been found in various types of coffee, including filtered, instant and espresso.
There is some evidence that decaffeinated coffee is helpful, but more research is needed.
Having lots of fat or sugar is bad for your liver, even if it comes with a coffee. So do not regularly drink coffee with sugar, syrups, full fat milk or cream in it.
Although drinking coffee may help, other lifestyle measures, such as eating well, being physically active and keeping to a healthy weight, are most important for good liver health.
Drinking alcohol may make your fatty liver worse. Alcohol is also high in calories, so if you are an unhealthy weight, cutting back may help you lose weight.
Being active regularly can help to remove some fat from your liver and help you manage your weight.
Aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity most days of the week. Moderate intensity activity includes brisk walking or cycling. All types of physical activity can help improve fatty liver, so choose activities you enjoy.
If you need help being more active, talk to your healthcare provider about support. You can also ask for a referral to a personal trainer or physiotherapist for specific advice and support.
If you smoke, stopping can help reduce your risk of problems that are common in people with fatty liver such as heart attacks and strokes.
Some herbal remedies and dietary supplements can harm your liver. Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before you take any herbal remedy or dietary supplement. They will make sure it is safe for you and will not interact with other medications.