Fatty Liver Symptoms | Can Fasting Help REVERSE Fatty Liver | Dr. Mindy Pelz
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common type. It is not caused by alcohol abuse. NAFLD is often associated with obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
- Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) is caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
The symptoms of fatty liver disease are often mild or nonexistent. Some people may experience fatigue, abdominal pain, or nausea. In more advanced cases, the liver may become damaged and scarred, which can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure.
There is no cure for fatty liver disease, but there are treatments that can help to manage the condition and prevent further damage to the liver. These treatments include:
- Weight loss: Losing even a small amount of weight can help to improve the condition of the liver.
- Exercise: Exercise helps to reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity, which can both benefit people with fatty liver disease.
- A healthy diet: A healthy diet that is low in fat and calories can help to reduce the amount of fat stored in the liver.
- Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help reduce inflammation and improve liver function.
Fasting is a practice of abstaining from food and drink for a period of time. There is some evidence that fasting may help to improve fatty liver disease. A study published in the journal “Nutrition and Metabolism” found that intermittent fasting (a type of fasting where you alternate periods of eating and fasting) helped to reduce liver fat in people with NAFLD. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
If you are concerned that you may have fatty liver disease, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent further damage to the liver and improve your long-term health.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about fatty liver disease:
- It is more common in people who are overweight or obese.
- It is also more common in people with diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
- There is no single cause of fatty liver disease, but it is thought to be due to a combination of factors, including genetics, diet, and lifestyle.
- Fatty liver disease can be reversed if lifestyle changes are made, such as losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.
If you have any of the symptoms of fatty liver disease, or if you are concerned that you may have the condition, talk to your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for preventing further damage to the liver.