World Liver Day 2022: Liver is an important part of the digestive system. Liver-related problems are increasing due to poor lifestyle and wrong eating habits. One of these problems is fatty liver. In this, fat starts accumulating on the liver. If the fatty liver is not treated properly, the liver starts getting damaged. The digestive system of the person becomes weak, as a result of which other serious physical problems can arise.Two types of fatty liver-
alcoholic fatty liver-
Drinking too much alcohol for a long time can cause this problem. As the problem progresses, it can take the form of liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver-
This problem occurs due to wrong diet and inactive lifestyle.Four Stages of Fatty Liver-
The grade of fatty liver is determined on the basis of the fat stored in the liver.
Stage-1: This is called simple fatty liver problem. There is less inflammation and fat deposition on the liver. it is not serious.
Stage 2: This stage, also called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH or NASH), is characterized by a small amount of fat accumulation.
Stage 3: This is a serious condition, which turns out to be a serious problem of liver fibrosis. In this stage, the liver cells start getting damaged.
Stage-4: This is a very worrying stage. Liver stops working. This is called liver cirrhosis.
Symptoms: Many people do not show symptoms of fatty liver until the second stage, but some symptoms may arise. As-
- Consistent weight loss.
- Having problems related to stomach every day. For example, abdominal pain, indigestion and gas formation, diarrhea and bloating.
- Loss of appetite. To vomit
- Feeling tired and weak.
Yellowing of eyes, nails and skin.
Consult a doctor if any of the above symptoms occur repeatedly.
Reason-
-Obesity or overweight. Those whose body mass index is more than 30 are more likely to have fatty liver.
Having hepatitis. Type-2 diabetes and high BP also increase its risk.
- Addiction to alcohol and other drugs.
Eating more junk food, trans fat and more greasy things.
- Increase in cholesterol and triglyceride (a type of fat) in the blood.
Genetic or genetic reasons.
Taking steroids, pain killers and antibiotics without doctor's advice.
Eat less fatty things to control weight. Avoid trans fat.
-Avoid high-calorie diets. Eat whole grains.
Do exercise routine for about 30 minutes according to physical capacity. remain active.
Keep sugar under control. Take regular medicines.
Take medicines for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and thyroid on time.
Talk about treatment
Medicines show only 20 percent effect in the treatment of fatty liver. 80 percent role is due to healthy lifestyle and right food. Diabetes medicines such as metformin are also effective in fatty liver.
In stage 1 and 2 of fatty liver, doctors emphasize on lifestyle and dietary modifications. Most people recover from this. If a person suffers from alcoholic fatty liver then it is advised to give up alcohol. Nature has given this amazing power to the liver that it automatically repairs itself after giving up alcohol.
At the same time, in the problem of non-alcoholic fatty liver, doctors advise the patient to do regular exercise and avoid excessive fatty foods in the diet. Patients with stage 3 and stage 4 of fatty liver are treated based on their symptoms. In stage 4 liver cirrhosis, if drugs do not provide relief, the only option left is a liver transplant, which is extremely costly.
If there is a problem of liver cancer, then treatment is done on the basis of cancer standards.
Be aware of hepatitis too
If hepatitis is not treated properly, it can damage the liver and eventually lead to liver cirrhosis. In hepatitis, there is inflammation of the liver. There are 5 types based on the virus – Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B.
Our Experts: Padmashree Dr. Randhir Sood, Chairman, Medanta Institute of Digestive and Hepatobiliary Sciences, Gurugram