Fatty Liver Disease
Also called fatty liver, liver problem, nafld, grade 1 fatty liver, liver fat
What this condition is
Fatty liver disease, often the non alcoholic type, is when extra fat builds up inside the liver. The liver is a quiet, hard working organ that helps with digestion and cleans the blood. A little fat is normal, but too much can cause inflammation over time. It is increasingly common and is closely linked to weight, diabetes and lifestyle. The encouraging news is that early fatty liver can often be reversed. With steady changes to your diet, activity and weight, your liver can heal remarkably well.
Signs to watch for
- Often no symptoms, found on a scan or routine test
- A dull discomfort or fullness in the upper right side of the abdomen
- Tiredness
- Feeling generally unwell in some people
What to do
- Aim for gradual, steady weight loss if you are overweight
- Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains and dals
- Stay active with regular walking or exercise
- Keep your sugar and cholesterol under control
- Get your liver tests checked as advised
What to avoid
- Avoid alcohol, which adds further strain to the liver
- Cut down on sweets, sugary drinks, maida and fried foods
- Do not crash diet, as very rapid weight loss can harm the liver
- Avoid unprescribed supplements and herbal liver tonics
Ways to feel better day to day
- Replace sugary drinks with water, nimbu paani without sugar, or buttermilk
- Choose home cooked meals over packaged and fried snacks
- Build up to about 150 minutes of activity each week
- Lose weight slowly, around half a kilo to one kilo a week
- Sleep well and manage stress, which both support the liver
Speak to a doctor if
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin
- Swelling of the abdomen or legs
- Persistent pain in the upper right abdomen
- Vomiting blood or very dark stools
- Confusion or unusual drowsiness
Your next step
Turn this into a plan that is yours
Everything above is general. Your dose, your targets and your test schedule depend on your age, your reports and the other conditions you live with.
