Fatty Liver Disease Guide

Fatty liver or fatty infiltration of the liver is a medical condition wherein fats build up or deposit in the liver cells due to abnormal retention of lipids inside the cells.  Fatty liver is common disease for obese individuals, alcoholics, and diabetics.  This condition can also occur with poor nutrition, certain medications like corticosteroids, certain illnesses such as tuberculosis and intestinal bypass surgeries.  It is a medical condition that should be taken seriously and once you or your friend or a loved one is diagnosed of this then it is important to seek the right treatment for a fatty liver.

Fatty Liver

In fatty liver, there are excess fats and they partly replace the normal liver tissues including the spaces in the liver as well and the liver becomes somewhat heavier and enlarged and also the liver appears yellow and greasy I appearance.  Fatty liver may be asymptomatic during the early stages.  It may be identified by imaging tests such as CT scan, MRI or ultrasound.  The definitive test for fatty liver is the liver biopsy.

Treatment for A Fatty Liver

The treatment of the fatty liver is basically associated to its cause.  So for diabetics, obese and alcoholics, treatment would be proper management of diabetes with proper medications and diet, weight loss and maintenance of a healthy weight and abstinence from alcoholic respectively.  As for other causes, like underlying medical conditions, then these conditions should be treated accordingly so as to prevent and cure the occurrence of fatty liver.

Another important and common treatment for a fatty liver would be following the right and effective diet that is designed for fatty liver disease.  The diet should be high in fiber, low in calories, and low in saturated fats.  The total amount of fats you take in should not be more than 30 percent of the total calories.  And so load up on healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and low fat dairy products.  The foods that should be greatly avoided are the ones that are high in cholesterol and saturated fats and avoid concentrated sweets as well.  When cooking, it is best that you use olive or canola oil since these are monosaturated fats.

Following the right fatty liver diet is crucial in the treatment for a fatty liver, since these not only promotes over-all health and wellness but also help control and reduce the fat levels in the body.  Apart  from the dietary modification, it is also crucial that you make lifestyle changes as well such as exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight and most importantly, reducing or better yet, eliminating alcohol.  Alcohol is one of the major causes of fatty liver and other liver diseases also.

Too much alcohol intake is not good for the body and it is something that everyone should keep in mind especially for those alcoholics or chronic alcohol drinkers.  Excess alcohol intake is harmful particularly to the liver and could bring about alcoholic liver damage.  In worse and unmanaged cases could even lead to liver failure and worse even to death.  Read more and find out what alcoholic liver damage is and how it can affect one’s lives.

Alcoholic Liver Damage Overview

Alcoholic liver damage is basically the damage to the liver’s structure and functions due to abuse or overload of alcohol.  This condition usually takes place after drinking too much alcohol for a long period of time.  The longer and heavier intake of alcohol the greater chances of developing liver diseases particularly the serious ones.  The effect of the excess alcohol can lead to deposition of fats in the normal liver tissues and can lead to enlargement of the liver (fatty liver), leading to inflammation and over time, could lead to scarring or fibrosis of the liver (alcoholic hepatitis) and eventually lead to alcoholic cirrhosis which is the serious and end phase of the alcoholic liver diseases.

The symptoms of liver damage depend on the level or severity of the disease.  The symptoms get worse depending on the duration of the heavy alcohol intake.  The symptoms may be present until the later or advanced phase of the liver disease.  The typical symptoms include fatigue, nausea & vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal tenderness and pain, swelling of legs due to fluid build-up and in the abdomen (ascites) in cases of cirrhosis, and jaundice which is the yellowing of the skin, mucus membranes and the white of the eye.  In serious cases, there could be changes in the mental status such as confusion, slow judgement and agitation and also abnormal bleeding and bring about nosebleeds, bloody stools and vomitus as well.

Alcoholic liver diseases may be diagnosed after a series of symptoms assessment and history taking laboratory tests and imaging tests.   If you are diagnosed of having such condition treatment is typically abstinence from alcohol.  In worse cases such as the alcohol hepatitis and cirrhosis, medications may be prescribed and following the right nutrition and diet as well as vitamin supplementation as well to treat the liver damage.  In worst and unmanaged cases, like reaching the stage of cirrhosis, the only treatment may be liver transplantation.

And if this alcoholic liver damage overview does not alert alcoholics, then they ought to know that this condition maybe be fatal if it reaches the final stages and is left untreated.

Fatty liver or fatty infiltration of the liver is a medical condition wherein there are excessive levels of fats that accumulate and deposit in the liver cells.  There are several causes and risk factors that could lead to such condition.  When not given the right attention and appropriate treatment fatty liver, then it could lead to liver failure and in worst causes, could even lead to fatalities

Before we go into details the treatment fatty liver, let us first identify its causes and diagnosis.  Fatty liver is common for those who are alcoholics, obese and diabetics.  These are the common causes and risk factors of fatty liver disease.  Other causes would include malnutrition or poor diet, underlying disease conditions like diabetics, certain medications such as corticosteroids, and surgeries like intestinal bypass for the obese.  Fatty liver is diagnosed by imaging tests such as MRI and CT scan, but the definitive test for fatty liver is the liver biopsy.

Treatment Fatty Liver

Once fatty liver is diagnosed, then the physician will prescribed the right treatment fatty liver that should be followed accordingly.  The treatment is basically related the cause, so if the cause is due to alcohol, then alcohol abstinence would be the treatment.  If it is due to diabetes, then proper diabetes management with drugs, diet and insulin is the key to prevent fatty liver disease.  As for those who are obese, they ought to shed off those excess pounds and start eating right and healthy.  As for causes due to underlying medical conditions, then these should be managed and treated accordingly to prevent the occurrence of fatty liver disease.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Following the right diet for fatty liver a well as making the necessary lifestyle changes are also parts of the treatment plan.  The diet should be low in fats, and high in fiber.  Below are the guidelines that fatty liver sufferers should follow:

Foods and Beverages to Eat:

-       Eat a lot of vegetables, ideally eat veggies daily

-       Increase intake of foods rich in vitamins particularly Vitamin C

-       Eat lean meats such as chicken, turkey and white meats

-       Eat brown rice

-       Be sure to follow a balanced diet on meal and snack times

-       Eat a  lot of fiber-rich foods

-       Lots of water

Foods and Beverages to Avoid:

-       High- fat foods

-       Red meats  or dark colored meats

-       Fried foods

-       Processed or canned foods.

-       Too much sweets and candies

-       Sodas

-       Alcoholic beverages

Lifestyle Changes:

-       Regular Exercise

-       Maintaining the ideal and healthy weight

The treatment fatty liver is not solely medical, since the dietary and lifestyle changes are also crucial elements for the treatment of fatty liver and to avoid the progression or worsening of the disease condition.

Alcoholism and liver disease have always been associated with each other since alcohol is one of the chief causes of liver diseases.  Excessive alcoholic intake can increase the chances of the development of liver disease, so for those alcoholics, it’s about time that they trim down their alcohol intake or better yet abstain from it totally.  Let us tackle the common diseases of the liver that is due to alcohol abuse.

Alcoholism and Liver Disease

When there is too much alcohol intake then it could lead to fat deposits in the liver and the liver will be inflamed and cause inflammation in the liver.  In worst causes, the normal liver tissues will be replaced by fatty or scarred tissues which lead to the decline of the liver functions and therefore, lead to the deterioration of the sufferer’s health.  Below are the 3 kinds of liver diseases that could result from alcoholism.

Fatty Liver.  Fatty or Alcoholic Fatty Liver is perhaps the most common alcoholic disease.  Fatty liver is characterized by fats that are deposited in the liver.  This could come up when after a heavy alcohol drinking incident.  This condition maybe asymptomatic, however in cases of alcoholism, symptoms such as jaundice (yellow discoloration of the skin, sclera and mucus membranes) , pain in the abdomen, abnormal fluid accumulation in the abdomen or even coma in serious  cases.  Treatment for fatty liver is basically alcohol abstinence; however when symptoms are present such as ascites or jaundice, then medical management may be needed also.

Alcoholic Hepatitis.  Alcoholic hepatitis is a more serious liver disease and there is already a widespread inflammation and the liver tissues may be destroyed as well.  Scar tissues also start to substitute that health tissues or fibrosis might take place.  Symptoms include abdominal pain, jaundice and fever, jaundice, loss of appetite, mental confusion, ascites, abdominal pain and tenderness, and nausea and vomiting.  Treatment of which would include, dietary changes, vitamin supplementation, medications and most importantly, abstinence from alcohol.

Alcoholic Cirrhosis. Cirrhosis of the liver is the end or final stage of the liver diseases and it is characterized by marked inflammation, fibrosis, and damaged liver membranes.    At this stage, the functions of the liver may begin to wane and in worst cases may fail. Symptoms are same with the hepatitis plus there could be structural changes in the liver due to damage by the fat deposits and liver is enlarged.  Complications also arise which include portal hypertension, ascites, coagulation disorders and eventually lead to liver failure.  As for the treatment, it could irreversible, and in some cases the only effective treatment would be liver transplant.  Mortality rates for this condition are high.

Now that you know the relation of alcoholism and liver diseases, I do hope alcoholics would start to abstain from alcohol and never experience any of those liver diseases especially the alcoholic cirrhosis.

The liver is a vital organ that is responsible for a lot of essential functions such as detoxification, protein syntheses and production of biochemical needed for digestion.  The liver, just like any organs of the body are also prone to be diseased due to exposure to bacteria, viruses, toxins, other harmful substances and alcohol.  When the liver is damaged and its functions are disturbed or impaired then it can bring about several liver disease signs and symptoms.

Like I said earlier, the liver’s normal functions may be impaired in cases of liver disease thus resulting to several signs and symptoms.  The presenting signs and symptoms will depend on the kind of liver diseases as well as the severity.  The three most common liver diseases include fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis.  The cirrhosis is the final stage of liver diseases and the most serious and fatal of the liver diseases.  I will discuss below the common presenting liver disease signs and symptoms.

Common Liver Disease Signs and Symptoms

Abdominal pain, distension and tenderness – this is due to the accumulation of fluids causing the abdomen to bloat and pain may be felt

Jaundice – this is due to the increased levels of bilirubin levels in the blood causing the yellowish discoloration of the skin, mucus membranes the sclera (white part) of the eyes.  In liver diseases, the liver’s functions are impaired and bilirubin levels are not properly excreted thus leading to jaundice.  This is a common symptom of liver diseases.

Pale or gray stools and orange urine- the stools appear grayish or pale since the substance responsible for giving its dark color called bile is not processed properly by the liver, hence the stools appear lighter or pale than the normal. Orange urine is a result of the improper processing of bile and high amounts of bilirubin is excreted in the urine hence urine appears orange.

Confusion and Lethargy- the mental status symptoms are in connection to the increasing ammonia levels in the blood due to the liver not being able to get rid of the waste products in the blood.

Fatigue, Loss of Appetite and Weight loss –  Fatigue may also be present as well as loss of appetite which then leads to weight loss.   This are results when the liver’s normal processes are impaired.

These are the common liver disease signs and symptoms to look out and if you experience these symptoms or perhaps your friend or a loved one, then it would be best and wise to that you go to the physician and be checked whether you could be suffering from a liver disease.  Alcoholics, diabetics and obese individuals should keep watch of these symptoms sine they are at risk of developing liver diseases.

Most people are aware that alcohol and the liver are two commonly associated terms.   Before we discuss their relation let us first talk about the liver.  The liver plays a vital role for the human survival chiefly because of its important functions.  The liver is the largest organ of the body and it functions to include production of biochemical essential for digestion, synthesis of protein, and detoxification of the body.  Again, it is needed for survival and normal functioning of the body, that is why when the liver encounter problems or is damaged by harmful toxins and unhealthy substances such as alcohol, then health problems could arise and affect the normal functioning of the body.

The relation of alcohol and the liver comes in when there is too much alcohol consumption.  Too much alcohol consumption is not good for the liver and so basically not good for your over-all health.  Chronic alcohol intake or alcohol abuse can bring about to serious consequences and these include liver diseases.

Alcohol and the Liver Diseases

Liver diseases are the results when excess fats due to excess alcohol intake accumulate in the liver leading to inflammation and enlargement of the liver.  When the fatty deposits infiltrate the liver, then the normal functions of the liver are affected leading to symptoms and health problems. This usually happens during one episode of heavy drinking and could be remedied by alcohol abstinence.

The most common liver disease brought about by too much alcohol intake is the fatty liver which is basically the replacement of the normal liver tissues by the fatty deposits and the liver becomes enlarged and heavier.  Fatty liver may be asymptomatic and an enlarged abdomen may only be present.

Another common liver disease due to alcoholic abuse is the alcoholic hepatitis which is characterized by extensive inflammation in the liver and there is destruction of the liver tissue.  In this condition, fibrosis may take place in serious cases wherein the scar tissues start to replace the normal and healthy liver tissues. Common symptoms include fever, jaundice and abdominal pain.  This condition can still be reversed by alcohol abstinence as well as medications and dietary and lifestyle changes as well.

Lastly, and the most fatal is the alcoholic cirrhosis.  This is an advanced form of liver disease and can happen to 30% of alcoholic abusers or alcoholics.   This stage is characterized by extensive swelling, hardening or fibrosis of the liver as well as damaged liver membranes which could lead to necrosis or cell death.  Treatment of which could include alcohol abstinence and proper medication compliance.  However for serious and terminal cases chances of surviving may be minimal.   And the only effective treatment would b e a liver transplant.

The liver is the largest organ and one of the most important organs of the body.  Among its important functions are detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of biochemical necessary for digestion. It is but important to keep the liver health and functioning at all times, however, liver diseases may arise as a result of viruses, too much alcohol intake, poisons, certain medications and obesity.  Let us take into account the signs and symptoms of liver disease so that you can identify whether you might already be suffering from such or perhaps a friend or loved one of yours.

The Signs and Symptoms of Liver Disease

Being able to identify the right signs and symptoms of liver disease is crucial so as not to make any false assumptions or even not to neglect any unusual signs and symptoms that you might be encountering.  Hence, read below to know the commons signs and symptoms of liver diseases:

1. Jaundice. Jaundice refers the yellowing of the skin, mucus membranes and the sclera or white of the eyes.  Jaundice is the result wherein the increased bilirubin levels in the bloodstream.  Bilirubin is a waste product from the red blood cells and is meant to be removed by the liver.  When the liver is damaged or impaired, then this bilirubin cannot be properly excreted from leading to jaundice.

1. Loss of appetite and Weight Loss. Loss of appetite which then lead to weight loss are common symptoms in liver diseases.  This two could even lead to anemia.  And in some cases, these could be accompanied by vomiting, nausea and diarrhea.

1. Light-colored stools.   Stools appear lighter or pale in color when the secretion of bile pigments in the liver is obstructed.  Bile is responsible for the dark color of the stools.
2. Abdominal bloating and distension.  This is due to the abnormal accumulation of fluids with proteins and other electrolytes causing the abdomen to swell.

1. Lethargy and Confusion. These are symptoms related to the mental status of the sufferers and this is due the rising levels of ammonia in the blood because the impaired liver is not able to appropriately remove these waste products from the blood.

1. Other Symptoms.  Other symptoms of liver disease include fatigue, depression, mood swings, dizziness, tinnitus, sudden seizures, and loss of flexibility of the ligaments and tendons.  These symptoms are usually present during the later stages of the liver disease

Having known the signs and symptoms of liver disease, then you know would when to seek medical help to avoid any complications or fatalities later on.

Liver is an important organ for survival since it has a lot of vital functions needed for the normal and healthy functioning of the body.  Detoxification, fat digestion and protein syntheses are they key functions of the liver.  Any problems or disruptions of the liver function could be detrimental to our health.  And one serious and chronic liver problem or disease is the liver cirrhosis which I would be taking into details in this write up specifically the cirrhosis of the liver stages

Cirrhosis of the Liver Stages

Liver cirrhosis is the result when liver diseases such as fatty liver or autoimmune diseases are not treated or have worsened.  Nevertheless one common cause of the liver cirrhosis is heavy alcohol intake or alcohol abuse.  In liver cirrhosis, there is scarring of the healthy liver tissues which could then result in the blood flow blockage.

Stage 1. During first stage of the disease , usually it only a few symptoms maybe felt and this include, fatigue, enlargement of the abdominal area , dry mouth and yellowing of the skin and sclera or commonly known as jaundice.  This phase is characterized by inflammation and abnormal tissue growth in the liver.  Liver biopsy is done to detect the progression f liver cirrhosis.

Stage 2.During the second stage, the abnormal tissue growth start to change in to stiff bands of connective tissue (fibrosis).  At this stage and fibrosis and inflammation have spread to the portal veins and surrounding regions.

Stage3. The next stage of liver cirrhosis is characterized by merging of the stiff bands in the liver and thus leading to enlargement of those areas.  This is known as fibrosis and could lead to the deterioration of the functions of the livers specially the fat digestion and adsorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Stage4. The fourth stage is the final stage of the liver cirrhosis and is most dangerous and critical.  At this stage, in order to survive, then the patient should choose to undergo a liver transplant.  However, there might me considerations to take into account, however, in order to increase your chances of survival or prolonging your life span, then the liver transplant is the best choice to make.

Liver cirrhosis is indeed very detrimental and could even lead do death if you reach the later or end stage of the disease.  The goal of the treatment of the disease is to slow down the disease process, and its treatment is dependent on the cause.  Furthermore, liver transplant again, would be the treatment for those who are on the end stage of the disease.

So it is better that you take measures to prevent having the disease and go through the cirrhosis of the liver stages by making changes to your diet and lifestyle particularly you alcohol intake.  Also, be mindful of the medication you take since there are many medications that are harmful to the liver.

To help you as to the right kind of diet to follow, visit http://fattyliverdietguide.com/, and get an eBook about an effective healthy liver diet.

The liver is an important organ of the body.  It is responsible for detoxification, production of enzymes and hormones that are important for metabolic processes, and they also serve as a storehouse or vitamins, minerals, fats, nutrients and other nutrients as well.  When the liver encounters problems, then health problems might be the results.  And so, it is but important that you take care and protect your liver, and one way that you can do so is by taking incorporating foods good for liver in your diet.

The Foods Good for Liver

Making dietary changes to your diet is definitely something not hard to do.  You only have to keep in mind that doing so will help safeguard your liver and avoid any liver problems and diseases later on.  And so let us enumerate certain foods good for liver.

Garlic. Garlic contains compound called Allicin which can help the liver in its detoxification process.  Furthermore, it also aids in flushing metals like lead, and nitrogen form the body.  And it is rich in vitamins and minerals content.

Onions. These are great Glutathione sources that is one of the components of bile.

Soy Beans. Helps reduce cholesterol levels because of its lecithin content.  It also helps maintain the normal structure or form of the liver cells.

Cruciferous vegetables.  Under this type of vegetables include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.  These are great antioxidant and they contain important enzymes that can help in the liver’s function in detoxification.  So load up on these vegetables on your diet. Other vegetables also good for the liver include bitter gourd, dandelion and chicory

Apples. Its Pectin content can help reducing the toxic load in the liver since it acts as a chelating agent and help excrete heavy metals from the intestine lumens.

Grapefruits. These are rich in antioxidants and help in detoxification.

Carrots and Beets.  They contain Beta-carotene which is a powerful antioxidant.  They can help rid of free radicals and maintain health liver functioning.

Others. Tomatoes, raspberries, artichokes, squash, guava, pears, raisins, purines and parsley.  Foods high in fiber are also good for the liver and this include brown rice, legumes, whole grain bread and cereals.

And so those are the foods good for liver.  Now it is important that you take note of these foods and include them in your diet as well.  Furthermore, making lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight and most importantly, reducing alcohol intake or eliminating them in your lifestyle are also measures you should make to keep you liver healthy and in great shape at all times.

To help you as to the right kind of diet to follow, visit http://fattyliverdietguide.com/, and get an eBook about an effective healthy liver diet.

You might be wondering what steatosis of liver; actually, it refers to the fatty infiltration of the liver.  It is also most commonly known as the fatty liver.  The liver is an important organ of the body because of its important functions which include detoxification, protein synthesis and fat digestion.  And so when the liver encounters problems such as infection of fatty liver, then it is important to treat the problem right away.

The among the problems or diseases related to the liver include steatosis of liver/ fatty liver , hepatitis A, B, C, liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.  The fatty liver is a common disease, which could be a short term condition if managed or addressed properly, however when left unattended or neglected then this could lead to serious liver problems and other health issues.  The steatosis of liver takes place when there is a disruption in the liver’s function of breaking down fats.  This then could to fat build up in the liver cells or tissues and the liver can increase in size around thrice its original size and it could be tender and painful.

The most usual cause of fatty liver is heavy alcohol intake or alcoholism.  Other common causes include obesity or overweight and diabetes mellitus.  Certain diseases such as tuberculosis, Reye’s syndrome and Wilson’s disease can also lead to fatty build up or infiltration in the liver.  Medications such as steroids, tetracycline , and tamoxifen are culprits of fatty liver as well.  Additionally, the poor nutrition or malnutrition as well as rapid weight loss are factors that could also lead to liver steatosis.

The symptoms of fatty liver may not be present during the initial phase, however, at a later stage of the disease include pain felt below the rib cage on the right part of the body, fever, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.   Abdominal swelling and pain, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and problems in concentrating and fatigue are also symptoms brought about by the condition.

Before fatty liver is diagnosed, a liver biopsy should be done where in a sample of the liver tissue is obtained using a needle.  This test is the confirmatory test for fatty liver.  Now, once you are diagnosed to be diagnosed with such, the treatment of management of the disease is related to its cause, in cases wherein the causes are alcoholism, obesity and diabetes mellitus.  For other causes, supportive care is given to manage the disease and to avoid its progression.

To help you as to the healthy and rind kind of diet for fatty liver to follow, visit http://fattyliverdietguide.com/, and get an eBook about an effective healthy liver diet.