What Is Fatty Liver?
Imagine your liver as a hardworking superhero inside your body. Its job is to process the food you eat, like a factory, and turn it into energy and nutrients that your body can use. But sometimes, due to certain reasons, the liver starts storing too much fat instead of processing it all.
When this happens, we call it “fatty liver.” It’s like the factory gets a bit clogged up with extra fat, which can make it harder for the liver to do its superhero job properly. This condition is not good for the liver, just like it’s not good for the factory to have too much clutter. If left untreated, fatty liver can cause some problems and make the liver less healthy.
But don’t worry, there’s good news! Fatty liver is often reversible, and you can help your liver get back on track by making some healthy changes to your lifestyle. Things like eating a balanced diet, being physically active, and avoiding excessive alcohol can really make a difference. And if you’re ever concerned about your liver’s health, it’s always a good idea to talk to a doctor or a healthcare professional who can provide you with the best advice and support. Remember, your liver is an essential part of your body, and it’s worth taking care of it!
What are the symptoms?
- • Feeling tired or fatigued easily
- • Pain or discomfort in the upper right side of your belly
- • Increased levels of fat around your waistline
- • Trouble concentrating or confusion
- • Slight yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- • Swelling in the legs and ankles
- • Red palms
- • Dark patches on the skin (acanthosis nigricans)
- • Unintended weight loss or loss of appetite
Remember, not everyone with a fatty liver will experience all these symptoms, and some people may have no noticeable symptoms at all. If you suspect you might have a fatty liver or are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and advice. Early detection and lifestyle changes can help improve liver health and prevent further complications.
How to detect Fatty Liver ?
The primary and essential test to detect fatty liver or any liver issue is Liver Function Tests (LFTs). These blood tests measure specific enzymes and proteins in the blood that can indicate liver damage or dysfunction. Elevated levels of liver enzymes, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), may signal the presence of fatty liver.
