Liver, which is one of the most important organs, performs many important functions in the body. However, it also needs great care as liver problems can have serious health consequences. A study published in 2019 found that the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) ranges from about 9% to 53% in the general population of India. It is also the most common type of liver disease in the world! Here’s a deep dive into different types of fatty liver disease and what you can do to prevent it.
What is the role of the liver?
The liver is the largest gland and the second largest organ in the human body. It performs an important role in:
- Iron storage
- Protein production
- Bile production necessary for digestion
- It processes nutrients and turns them into energy
- It removes waste materials, harmful bacteria and toxins from the blood
What is fatty liver?
Fatty liver is a term used to describe when fat accumulates in the liver. A small amount of fat in the liver is normal. However, having too much fat can be harmful to the functioning of the liver and your health. Moreover, fatty liver is not an illness that might show major signs or symptoms until it has progressed to a problematic stage. Hence, it is important to keep getting regular health check-ups. Your health insurance policy can help you with any of your healthcare needs.
Types of fatty liver
Here are the different types of fatty liver that are commonly found in patients:
- Alcoholic fatty liver disease
As the name suggests, alcoholic fatty liver disease is caused by excessive alcohol consumption. In the early stages of the disease, there is usually no inflammation or other side effects. This stage is called simple alcoholic fatty liver. But there is another stage where excess fat accumulates and inflammation occurs at the same time. This stage is called “alcoholic steatohepatitis” (ASH). If not treated in time, ASH can lead to liver fibrosis and later cirrhosis.
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
As the name suggests, this form of fatty liver disease occurs in people even without the influence of alcohol. The next stage of this condition is when fat accumulation in the liver is accompanied by inflammation. This stage is called “non-alcoholic steatohepatitis” (NASH). If NASH is not treated properly, it can lead to liver fibrosis, which then progresses to cirrhosis and liver failure.
- Acute fatty liver of pregnancy
AFLP is a rare but serious condition in which fat accumulates in the liver, usually in late pregnancy. If left untreated, AFLP can cause serious health problems for the mother and the child. Unfortunately, if AFLP is diagnosed during pregnancy, your doctor may try to deliver your baby as soon as possible.
What is the cause of fatty liver?
As mentioned above, AFLD is caused by excessive alcohol consumption. However, the exact cause of NAFLD and AFLP is unknown. Based on risk factors, the following are possible causes of fatty liver:
- Insulin resistance
- Type 2 diabetes
- Metabolic syndrome
- Obesity
- Genetic factors
- High levels of fats, especially triglycerides, in the blood
- Side effects of drug
- Hepatitis C
- Pregnancy
Treatment of fatty liver disease
There is currently no cure for fatty liver. However, this condition can be reversed in the early stages by making certain lifestyle changes. Unfortunately, when fatty liver disease progresses to cirrhosis, the damage to the liver becomes irreversible. The only option available at this stage is a liver transplant. Before it gets to that point, you should make sure you are paying attention to your diet and your physical activity. Your health insurance app can help you in setting up everything you need for an active and healthy lifestyle.
How to prevent fatty liver?
Based on the risk factors for this condition, below are some ways to prevent developing fatty liver disease:
- Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day
- Weight Loss
- Eat a nutritious diet
- Limit or avoid alcohol consumption
It is always better to not make yourself susceptible to any health issues. That said, it is not possible to not fall sick at all. Hence, in the future, if you are diagnosed with a fatty liver or any other illness, make a health claim at the earliest and get the right treatment without the worry of your medical costs.