Fatty liver disease is a condition in which there is an excessive amount of fat stored in the liver. It is a common condition, affecting an estimated 1 in 3 adults in the United States. In Bangladesh, there are more than 4 crore fatty liver patients.
There are two main types of fatty liver disease:
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): This is the most common type of fatty liver disease. It is not caused by alcohol abuse.
- Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD): This type of fatty liver disease is caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
Symptoms of fatty liver disease:
In many cases, fatty liver disease does not cause any symptoms. However, some people may experience:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Causes of fatty liver disease:
The exact cause of fatty liver disease is not fully understood. However, there are a number of factors that can increase your risk, including:
- Obesity: People who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop fatty liver disease.
- Type 2 diabetes: People with type 2 diabetes are also more likely to develop fatty liver disease.
- Metabolic syndrome: This is a group of risk factors that increase your chances of developing heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Metabolic syndrome includes obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol.
- Alcohol abuse: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to fatty liver disease.
- Certain medications: Some medications, such as steroids, can increase your risk of fatty liver disease.
Treatment for fatty liver disease:
In conventional medicine, the goal of treatment for fatty liver disease is to prevent or slow the progression of the disease. There is no cure for fatty liver disease, but lifestyle changes can help improve liver function and reduce the risk of complications.
In homeopathy, there are dozens of medicines for fatty liver treatment. This treatment along with lifestyle modification can help a patient tremendously.
Lifestyle changes:
The following lifestyle changes can help improve liver function and reduce the risk of complications from fatty liver disease:
- Lose weight: If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help reduce the amount of fat in your liver.
- Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet for fatty liver disease includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is also important to limit your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, and sugar.
- Exercise regularly: Exercise can help you lose weight and improve liver function. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Avoid alcohol: If you drink alcohol, it is important to limit your intake. For people with fatty liver disease, it is best to avoid alcohol altogether.
Medications:
In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help improve liver function in people with fatty liver disease. These medications include:
- Fibrates: Fibrates can help lower triglyceride levels and improve liver function.
- Statins: Statins can help lower cholesterol levels and improve liver function.
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E may help reduce inflammation and improve liver function.
Homeopathic medicines: The most prescribed homeopathic remedies are – Am-m, Ars, Aur, Calc, Chel, Kali-bi, Cali-s, Lyc, Lyss, Merc, Phos, Pic-ac
Complications of fatty liver disease:
In some cases, fatty liver disease can progress to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver becomes scarred and damaged. It can lead to liver failure, which can be fatal.
Prevention of fatty liver disease:
There is no surefire way to prevent fatty liver disease, but there are things you can do to lower your risk, such as:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Not smoking
- Limiting your alcohol intake
- Managing stress
If you have any concerns about your liver health, talk to a qualified homeopath.
