Can you reverse alcoholic fatty liver? When should you stop drinking alcohol?

There are several risk factors that can contribute to the development of fatty liver disease. Alcohol intake was earlier thought to be the major cause of fatty liver. However, nowadays increasingly fatty liver is detected in people with obesity. Other risk factors include diabetes and high levels of triglycerides in the blood.

EARLY DETECTION AND TREATMENT

While there is no specific treatment for fatty liver disease, there are steps that can be taken to reverse the condition. The most important step is to lose weight, as obesity is the primary cause of the disease. The first step in treating fatty liver is diagnosis. Doctors usually recommend a combination of blood tests, imaging tests, and sometimes liver biopsy to diagnose fatty liver.

Blood tests are used to check liver enzyme levels and rule out other liver diseases. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, elastography (fibro scan), CT scan and MRI are used to detect the presence of fat in the liver. Liver biopsy, which is now less commonly done as a diagnostic procedure, involves a small sample of liver tissue removal to be examined under the microscope to determine the extent of liver damage.

HOW TO TREAT ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER

For people who have fatty liver disease as a result of alcohol consumption, the most effective treatment is to stop drinking alcohol. Even moderate alcohol consumption can contribute to the development of fatty liver disease, and heavy drinking can cause irreversible damage to the liver. It is important to seek medical advice before stopping excessive alcohol consumption, as withdrawal symptoms can be severe and potentially life-threatening.

Alcoholic fatty liver develops because drinking a large amount of alcohol, even for just a few days, can lead to a fat build-up. According to study estimates, alcohol-related fatty liver disease develops in 90 per cent of people who drink more than 40 g of alcohol (or four units) per day. That’s roughly the equivalent of two medium (175 ml) glasses of wine or less than two pints of regular strength beer. Once your alcoholic fatty liver has been diagnosed, it is possible to reverse it by reducing your long-term alcohol consumption. Your liver will start shedding excess fat if you stop drinking for a certain stretch of time. If you still want to continue after that, it must be in extremely restricted amounts and done under medical supervision.

WHY IS LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT THE KEY?

Once diagnosed, the primary goal of treatment is to reduce the amount of fat in the liver and prevent further damage to the liver. The first line of treatment for fatty liver involves lifestyle changes. This includes adopting a healthy diet, losing weight, and exercising regularly. A healthy diet should include foods that are low in fat, sugar and salt. Foods that are rich in fibre, such as fruits and vegetables, should be included in the diet. Losing weight is also important, as excess body fat can contribute to the development of fatty liver. Exercising regularly can help reduce liver fat and improve liver function.

In some cases, medications (which are still under evaluation) may be prescribed to treat fatty liver. Medications that have been used to treat fatty liver include insulin-sensitising agents, such as metformin, and lipid-lowering drugs, such as saroglitazar. These medications work by reducing insulin resistance and lowering cholesterol levels in the liver. Other medications may include vitamin E supplementation and also ursodeosycholic acid.

In severe cases of fatty liver, surgery is recommended when lifestyle changes and medications are not effective in treating the condition. The most common surgery used to treat fatty liver is bariatric surgery, which is a type of weight-loss surgery. This works by reducing the size of the stomach and limiting the amount of food that can be eaten. This can help patients lose weight and reduce the amount of fat in the liver.

Fatty liver is a common condition in India that can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing liver damage and improving liver function. Lifestyle change is the most effective treatment. By adopting a healthy lifestyle and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can manage fatty liver and avoid risks.