Fatty liver disease causes and solutions
what is fatty liver?
Have you ever heard of the term 'fatty liver'? Fatty liver is basically the accumulation of fat inside the cells of the liver. In many cases, the cause of fatty liver disease is too much alcohol intake or poor lifestyle habits such as lack of exercise.
Fatty liver can occur at any age, even without significant alcohol consumption. This condition can lead to serious health complications like liver failure.
How does fatty liver happen? What are its symptoms?
Fatty liver occurs due to high levels of triglycerides (commonly known as blood fats) circulating in the bloodstream. The liver acts as the body store where triglyceride accumulates instead of being metabolized.
As the level rises, the liver begins producing VLDL particles, which then leads to fatty deposits in the liver. Over time, these deposits can enlarge and affect normal liver function causing inflammation and fibrosis.
Reasons for fatty liver
1. Obesity
Obesity is the cause behind fatty liver disease. Fatty Liver Disease is a type of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition characterized by fat buildup in the liver cells.
When patients develop NAFLD, excess weight gain may not necessarily be present, however, they can still have elevated triglyceride levels. This means that even if obese people do not gain much weight, they may actually have high cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
2. Alcoholism
Alcoholics often suffer with Hepatitis C, a blood-borne virus that can damage the liver. Many alcoholics tend to drink around three days a week, and that binge drinking puts them at risk for alcoholic hepatitis. The accumulation of toxins in the liver causes inflammation, which in turn causes cirrhosis and cancer.
3. High Blood Pressure
High Blood pressure contributes to fatty liver disease because both conditions lead to atherosclerosis, the build-up of plaque inside arteries. Atherosclerosis narrows the vessels and reduces blood flow, causing organs to starve for oxygen and eventually leading to permanent organ damage.
4. Diabetes
When a person with diabetes eats too many refined carbohydrates, their sugar level rises, causing the pancreas to release insulin into the bloodstream.
Insulin helps move glucose out of the bloodstream and into skeletal muscle, fat, and liver cells for storage; however, over time, the body becomes insulin resistant, meaning that it requires more and more insulin for the same amount of glucose to be moved out. Eventually, the pancreas stops producing enough insulin altogether, resulting in Type 2 Diabetes.
5. Hormone Imbalance
Hormonal imbalances are associated with fatty liver disease because certain hormones regulate cholesterol levels, including estrogen and testosterone. Estrogen stimulates the production of bile, while testosterone increases the secretion of protein, which lowers the amount of cholesterol in the blood.
If these hormone levels are disrupted, the body does not produce enough bile and protein, which can result in higher cholesterol levels.
6. Excessive Stress
Excessive stress causes cortisol to rise in the brain, which can then trigger an increase in the liver’s synthesis of fats called triglycerides. Cortisol also suppresses the production of enzymes that break down harmful compounds and can make the liver susceptible to fatty deposits.
7. Aging
As we age, our liver loses its ability to metabolize toxins and produce normal amounts of bile. Over time, this can contribute to the buildup of toxic substances in the body.
Best foods for fatty liver
1. Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a type of fat that is present in the body. In small amounts, cholesterol helps maintain the normal function of cells, hormones, and nerves. However, if cholesterol levels become too high, they can lead to problems such as atherosclerosis, heart disease, strokes, and even cancer.
Cholesterol is produced by our bodies, but some people have higher-than-normal levels of cholesterol and cannot properly metabolize dietary cholesterol. People with low HDL (good) cholesterol may be more likely to develop a fatty liver. High LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
2. Fatty Liver
The liver produces bile acids that help break down fats and eliminate them from the body. When there is excess fat stored in the liver, it causes changes that eventually turn the liver into a fatty liver.
A fatty liver is a condition where the liver accumulates excessive amounts of fats and accumulates fluid around its cells. Other conditions that cause damage to the liver include alcohol abuse, hepatitis, certain medications, toxins, and autoimmune disorders.
3. Whole Grain Foods
Whole grains are rich in phytosterols, fiber, and antioxidants. Most whole grain products also contain vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. Eating a diet rich in whole grains prevents obesity, diabetes, digestive problems, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.
4. Fiber
Fiber contains many important nutrients including beta-carotene, vitamin E, B12, folate, iron, and calcium. It is helpful for lowering blood sugar and helping prevent constipation. It also reduces cholesterol, supports regular digestion, and increases satiety.
5. Nuts
Nuts are high in protein, unsaturated fats, and monounsaturated fats. They are also loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and bio-active compounds. Nuts protect against heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and improve mental focus and memory.
6. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens improve vision, keep bones strong, boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and aid weight loss. Leeks and broccoli are also great choices since they are both cruciferous vegetables. These types of vegetables provide protection against cancer, heart disease, depression, and arthritis.
7. Salmon
Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote brain and nerve function, reduce bad cholesterol, and lower triglyceride levels. Omega-3 fatty acids also reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and pain.
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