From causes to diagnosis and things to avoid – all your fatty liver disease questions answered

What are the most common causes of fatty liver disease?

Speaking to indianexpress.com, Dr. Bipin Vibhute, Liver and Multi-Organ Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgeon, Sahyadri Hospitals, Pune said, “Alcohol consumption and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) are the two most common causes of foie gras. Alcoholic fatty liver disease can result from excessive alcohol consumption (90% of those who drink alcohol regularly can develop fatty liver disease), while NAFLD is linked to conditions such as obesity, sedentary lifestylespoor diet (high in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats) and metabolic conditions including insulin resistance and diabetes”.

How can you get tested for fatty liver disease?

You can either have an ultrasound or a fibroscopy to detect if you have fatty liver disease.

Lifestyle Changes to Avoid Fatty Liver Disease

Dr. Abdul Majeed Gastroenterologist Center for Gastro Sciences Meitra Hospital, Kozhikode shared some lifestyle changes that can help reverse fatty liver disease. They are:

1. Maintain a healthy weight: Aim to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Losing weight, whether overweight or obese, can reduce fat accumulation in the liver.

2. Follow a healthy diet: Emphasize a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats such as those found in nuts, avocados and olive oil. Limit the consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks, saturated fats and refined carbohydrates.

3. Exercise regularly: Engage in regular physical activity such as fast walk, jogging, cycling or any other form of exercise you enjoy. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, as recommended by health authorities.

4. Avoid alcohol consumption: Avoiding alcohol is crucial. This is indeed the best way to prevent liver damage from getting worse.

5. Stay hydrated: Drink enough of water throughout the day to support liver function and overall health.

6. Avoid unnecessary medication: Consult your health care provider or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medications or supplements, as some can potentially damage the liver or interact with existing liver conditions.

Drink enough water throughout the day to support liver function and overall health. (Image source: Getty/Thinkstock)

Things to Avoid with Fatty Liver Disease

When one suffers from fatty liver disease, it is advisable to avoid or minimize certain things. Dr. Majeed shared them as follows:

1. Alcohol: Completely avoid or drastically reduce alcohol intake, as it can worsen the condition and lead to further liver damage.

2. Processed foods and added sugars: Limit processed foods, fast food, sugary snacks, and beverages, as they often contain high amounts of unhealthy fats, added sugars, and refined carbohydrates.

3. Foods high in fat: Reduce the consumption of foods rich in saturated fatty acids and trans fatsuch as fried foods, fatty cuts of meat, whole dairy products and commercial baked goods.

4. Excess salt intake: Limit your sodium intake, as excess salt can contribute to fluid retention and increase the risk of liver complications.

5. Unprotected exposure to toxins: Minimize exposure to toxins and chemicals found in cleaning products, pesticides and other environmental pollutants. Take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from harmful substances.

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