How fatty liver can lead to serious health issues: Expert insights
Siddhartha Jana
The liver is crucial for digestion, metabolism, detoxification, hormone regulation, nutrient storage, and protein production, making fatty liver a serious concern for overall health.
Source: Canva
Fatty liver (steatosis) occurs when fat accumulates around liver cells and impairs fat breakdown, often without noticeable symptoms.
Source: Canva
Over time, fatty liver can lead to inflammation, scarring (fibrosis), and severe complications like cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Source: Canva
Factors contributing to fatty liver include diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, malnutrition, excessive alcohol consumption, rapid weight loss, and certain medications.
Source: Canva
The buildup of fat can trigger inflammation and increase the risk of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), leading to further health issues such as kidney disease, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and liver cancer.
Source: Canva
Symptoms of fatty liver may include fatigue, abdominal discomfort, nausea, loss of appetite, unintended weight loss, jaundice, and digestive problems.
Source: Canva
Risk factors like consuming unhealthy foods high in sodium, sugar, and preservatives can contribute to the early onset of fatty liver.
Source: Canva
Early detection and lifestyle modifications, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management, and limiting alcohol, are crucial for managing and potentially reversing fatty liver disease. Regular health check-ups are also recommended to monitor liver health.
Source: Canva
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