One of the most common diseases that affects the liver is steatosis or more known as fatty liver. Fatty liver is a serious condition that can cause serious complications and lead to liver failure.
The liver is a vital organ that cleanses blood, breaks down fat, balances blood glucose, produces enzymes and keeps vitamins, minerals and glycogen. Therefor the livers functions cannot be replaced with any other organ in the human body.
Liver overload and improper metabolism of fat are indicated by bloating, fatigue, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Complications cannot be caused from small amounts of fatty deposits. You have a fatty liver if the fat makes 5-10% of your liver’s weight. Although steoasis is not always associated with alcohol, fatty liver is a common consequence of alcoholism.
Symptoms
The symptoms of steoasis are almost unnoticeable, especially in its early phase. Because of that it is called a “silent disease”. It usually takes several years to decade for the disease to evolve in the next phase. After it has evolved, it shows signs like weakness, confusion, nausea, concentration problems or appetite loss.
Because of the alcohol intake, the symptoms are even worse in alcoholics. This disease can be retrieved or prevented in non-alcoholics.
Treatment
A cure for a fatty liver has not been found yet. However, regulation and treatment of primary disruptions of liver dysfunction, like diabetes, are of crucial importance.
Once diagnosed with fatty liver alcoholic should stop drinking alcohol immediately. The one who have been diagnosed with the disease should change certain dietary habits in order to improve their condition.
In order to improve liver function obese individuals should lose some weight to reduce fatty deposits. Proper diet and regular physical activity can help you in improving your condition.
Proper diet
Your calorie intake should be reduced, as well as the intake of processed foods loaded with carbohydrates, like white bread, potato, pasta, concentrated sugar and trans fats.
Reduce the intake of fat in general, but especially reduce intake of saturated fat like margarine, butter, cream. Eat steam-cooked meals, grill your food or cook it in water with some olive oil added.
Avoid taking medications if possible. Eat all-natural foods, avoid supplements, because sometimes even regular vitamin or mineral supplements may cause health complications.