What Is Fatty Liver? How Can You Treat It?

You may have heard of fatty liver, a condition that affects many adults (about 25% of the population) and is caused by the build-up of fat in the liver cells.

If you don’t know what we mean, don’t hesitate to read this article where we explain what fatty liver is and how it can be treated.

Fatty liver: more information

Fatty liver, also known as hepatic steatosis, is a problem associated with:

• obesity
• High bloodpressure
• high cholesterol
• Diabetes

Nearly 80% of patients with these conditions also have fatty liver. Hepatic steatosis can also be caused by excessive alcohol consumption.

Fatty liver is diagnosed by performing various examinations.

ultrasound

Determines the severity of the disease and the amount of fat in the liver.

Liver biopsy

This method provides a definitive diagnosis and is used in people who have a higher risk of developing liver disease.

Laboratory Tests

In general, the levels are  2-3 times higher than normal in a patient with this problem. The levels of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides are increased.

Two types of fatty liver

Patients can be divided into two groups.

Alcoholic fatty liver

The organ is unable to break down fats, so they begin to accumulate. The good news is that if a person stops drinking alcohol, the condition will diminish or disappear completely within about six weeks.

However, if the person continues to drink and or even drinks more, the disease will worsen and may lead to cirrhosis.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

For example, as we have said before, the causes can be type II diabetes, high cholesterol, taking certain medications, and dieting to lose weight quickly.

What are the warning signs of fatty liver?

In many cases, the patient will not show any symptoms. However, there are a few signs that you may be suffering from fatty liver if you:

• A middle-aged woman is overweight.
• have diabetes or high cholesterol.
• Have a family history of liver problems.

• have unhealthy eating habits.
• Suffers from chronic fatigue or upper abdominal pain.
• Even a modified diet fails to reduce the triglycerides in your body.

How can I avoid getting fatty liver?

These tips will help you prevent this condition or reduce its symptoms:

• Reduce your intake of refined sugars and flour, animal fats and alcohol.
• Eat more vegetables, fruits and dried fruits.
• Follow the Mediterranean diet: it’s the healthiest diet there is.
• Exercise two to three times a week.

• Do not take medicines such as anti-inflammatories, painkillers, estrogen or antifungals.
• Try to lose some body weight gradually.
• Increase your antioxidant intake.
• Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.

Natural remedies to fight fatty liver

In addition to the above tips, the following home remedies are also helpful in treating fatty liver:

milk thistle

This plant contains many beneficial properties, which, according to recent studies, reduce fat in the liver. It also improves liver function, increases liver regeneration and helps break down accumulated fats.

You can take milk thistle as a supplement (found in health food stores) or as a tea.

Ingredients

• 1 handful of plant leaves and flowers

• 1 cup of water

Instructions

• First boil the water with the flowers and leaves
• Then let it steep for five minutes.
• Remove it from the heat and let it cool for five minutes.
• Strain it before drinking it.
• You can sweeten the tea with a little honey if you find the taste too bitter or unpleasant.

Ginger

Because of its antioxidants and ability to lower triglycerides, ginger is ideal for treating fatty liver.

Buy ginger root and store it in the refrigerator wrapped in paper. You can grate it over salads, soups or cakes for example. You can also use it as a tea.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• A cup of hot water
• 1 tea bag

Instructions

• First make a tea as usual with the tea bag and then sprinkle the ginger in it.
• Then strain it before drinking, while it is still warm.

Grapefruit

This fruit is also a great way to treat fatty liver and prediabetes. One of the main ingredients in grapefruit is naringenin, which has the ability to activate the ingredients that oxidize fatty acids.

It also reduces body fat and treats metabolic syndrome (two factors associated with fatty liver).

Eat a grapefruit every morning on an empty stomach.

artichokes

Don’t hesitate to add this vegetable to your weekly shopping list to improve liver health.  Artichoke is low in calories, it’s a perfect diuretic, and if that’s not enough, it also helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol.

You can use them (uncooked is better) in sauces, dressings, salads and soups.

Dandelion

This wild plant that grows almost everywhere has many medicinal properties. It is one of the most powerful natural purifiers, cleanses the liver and improves liver health. You can buy it as a supplement in health food stores.

If you have the chance to plant dandelion yourself, even in a container, don’t hesitate to do it. Use it to make medicinal tea.

Ingredients

• 1 handful of dandelion leaves and flowers
• 1 cup of water

Instructions

• First boil the water with the dandelion for ten minutes.
• Then let it cool for about five minutes.
• Strain it, sweeten it and then drink it.
• You can drink dandelion tea up to three times a day.