Fatty Liver: What It Is And How It Is Treated
Fatty liver is a disease that affects many adults (about 25% of the world’s population) and consists of the accumulation of fat in liver cells.
If you don’t know what we mean, read this article to explain what “fatty liver” is and how it can be treated.
Fatty liver: more information
Fatty liver or hepatic steatosis is a problem associated with obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes. Almost 80% of patients suffering from these diseases also have fatty liver.
Hepatic steatosis can also be caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
Fatty liver can be diagnosed by the following techniques:
ultrasound
It determines the severity of the disease and the amount of fat in the liver.
Liver biopsy
This method provides an accurate diagnosis and is used in people at higher risk of liver disease.
Laboratory tests
Patients with fatty liver have 2-3 times higher than normal values. Glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels are very high.
Two types of fatty liver
There are two types of hepatic steatosis:
Alcoholic hepatic steatosis
The liver is not able to break down fats, and they begin to accumulate.
The good news is that if the affected person gives up alcohol, in 6 weeks the disease will improve considerably or disappear completely. But if he continues to drink alcohol or even increases his consumption, the disease will worsen and lead to cirrhosis.
Non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis
As mentioned above, the causes are: type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, taking certain medications or diets aimed at rapid weight loss.
What signs warn us that we have fatty liver?
In many cases, patients have no symptoms. However, there are some indications that warn you of the presence of this disease:
- If you are a middle-aged woman and you are overweight.
- If you have diabetes or high cholesterol.
- If there are cases of liver disease in the family’s medical history.
- If you have unhealthy eating habits.
- If you suffer from chronic fatigue or you feel discomfort in the upper abdomen.
- If, despite dietary changes, you fail to reduce triglyceride levels.
How can I prevent fatty liver?
The recommendations below help you prevent hepatic steatosis or reduce its symptoms:
- Reduce the consumption of refined sugar and flour, animal fats and alcohol.
- Eat more fruits, vegetables and nuts.
- Adopt the Mediterranean diet, the healthiest diet.
- Get involved in physical activity at least 2-3 times a week.
- Do not take anti-inflammatory, analgesic, estrogen or antifungal drugs.
- Gradually lose weight.
- Increases the intake of antioxidants.
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
Natural recipes to combat fatty liver
In addition to the above recommendations, you can confidently use the following natural remedies to treat hepatic steatosis:
thistle
This plant has many properties that, according to recent studies, reduce fat in the liver. In addition, it improves liver function, stimulates liver regeneration and helps break down accumulated fat.
You can use an armorary supplement (found in health food stores) or drink tea.
ingredients
- 1 handful of leaves and flowers from the armory
- 1 cup water
Instructions
Boil the water with the plant for 5 minutes. Take the pot off the heat and let it cool for another 5 minutes. Strain and drink.
You can sweeten the tea with a little honey if you think it tastes too bitter or unpleasant.
Ginger
Due to its antioxidant content and its ability to reduce triglyceride levels, ginger is an excellent remedy for fatty liver.
Buy ginger root from the market and keep it in the fridge, folded in paper. You can add a little grated ginger to salads, soups or cakes, for example. But you can also make tea.
ingredients
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 sachet of tea
Instructions
Use the sachet to make a regular tea, then add the grated ginger. Strain it and drink it hot.
Grapefruit
This fruit is another great remedy for fatty liver and diabetes prevention.
One of the most important compounds found in grapefruit is naringenin, which is able to activate the compounds responsible for the oxidation of fatty acids.
In addition, grapefruit reduces body fat and treats metabolic syndrome (two factors associated with hepatic steatosis).
Eat a grapefruit every morning on an empty stomach.
Artichoke
Do not hesitate to add this vegetable to your weekly diet to improve liver health. It is low in calories, diuretic and regulates blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
You can eat artichokes (preferably raw) in sauces, dressings, salads or soups.
Dandelion
This plant is found on all roads and has many medicinal properties. It is one of the most powerful natural detoxifiers, cleanses the liver and improves liver health.
Dandelion can also be found as a supplement in health food stores.
If you have the opportunity to plant dandelions, even in a pot, do not hesitate. Use it to make a medicinal tea.
ingredients
- 1 handful of dandelion leaves and flowers
- 1 cup water
Instructions
Boil the water together with the dandelion for 10 minutes. Let the tea cool for 5 minutes. Strain it, sweeten it and drink it. You can drink up to three cups of dandelion tea a day.
