Steatotic (fatty) liver - what it is, causes, symptoms

Liver steatosis is caused by too much fat accumulation in this gland.

TekstLudwik Jelonek

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Ludwik Jelonek

Natu.Care Editor

Ludwik Jelonek is the author of more than 2,500 texts published on leading portals. His content has found its way into services such as Ostrovit and Kobieta Onet. At Natu.Care, Ludwik educates people in the most important area of life - health.

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RecenzjaWitold Tomaszewski

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Witold Tomaszewski

Doctor of Medicine

Doctor of Medicine, food and pharmaceutical law expert and experienced medical professional.

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Fact-checkingEmilia Moskal

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Emilia Moskal

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Emilia Moskal specialises in medical and psychological texts, including content for medical entities. She is a fan of simple language and reader-friendly communication. At Natu.Care, she writes educational articles.

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Steatotic (fatty) liver - what it is, causes, symptoms

03 December, 2024

14 min

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Fatty (or fatty) liver is a condition caused by excessively accumulated fat in this organ. The condition may - or may not - be dangerous. In this article you will find the most important information about fatty liver.

The liver is responsible for, among other things, the metabolism of carbohydrates, the removal of toxins from the bloodstream and the storage of vitamins and minerals. A fairly common condition of this gland is steatosis. Most often, this disease is caused by a poor diet or excessive alcohol consumption. Together with Dr Witold Tomaszewski, MD, PhD, we have prepared information on how to recognise steatosis of the liver early, what to do to prevent the condition, and what is the risk of this disease.

From this article you will learn:

What is steatosis of the liver and what are the types of this condition
What leads to fatty liver
What symptoms may indicate a fatty liver
How is the fatty liver treated
What complications may be associated with fatty liver
How to deal with fatty liver by home remedies

Do you need help?

. Make an appointment

See also:

Fatty liver - what does it mean?

Fatty (or steaty) liver is a conditionand that is caused by excess fat in this organ. In a healthy liver, only a negligible amount of fat is stored. We can speak of steatosis when the concentration of fat in the liver reaches 5-10% of the organ's weight.

Fatty or fatty liver - which term is correct?

As Dr Witold Tomaszewski, M.D., explains, 'steatosis' is the only medically correct term. However, there is no shortage of websites on the internet that use these terms interchangeably. We, too, want to reach a wide audience, which is why in this article we will use the terms "fatty" and "steatotic" liver interchangeably.

Please remember, however, that the terms "fatty" and "steatosis" are not the same.

Remember, however, that it is 'fatty liver' that is the correct term.

What are the varieties of fatty liver?

There are two types of fatty liverand. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and alcoholic steatohepatitis. What are the characteristics of these conditions?

Nonalcoholic steatohepatic disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is, as the name suggests, a conditionand that is not related to excessive alcohol consumption. It most commonly occurs in people struggling with overweight or obesity. There are two types of this condition.

Simple fatty liver disease. Occurs when there is an excessive amount of fat in the liver, but with no (or little) inflammation and no damage to the cells of the organ. In most cases, simple steatosis of the liver does not result in dangerous complications.
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH is a much more dangerous condition than simple steatosis. In addition to fat accumulation, there is inflammation or damage to liver cells. In the long term, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis can lead to cirrhosis and even cancer of this organ.

Alcoholic steatohepatitis

Alcoholic fatty liver disease is caused by excessive consumption ofand alcoholic beverages. The liver breaks down alcohol and can remove it from the body. However, this does not mean that the gland is indestructible - fat is deposited in the liver when alcohol is drunk.

In turn, harmful substances are produced during the subsequent breakdown of alcohol, which can damage liver cells. Furthermore, they also promote inflammation and negatively affect the immune system. Alcoholic steatosis of the liver is one of the earlier stages of diseases of this organ.

When not addressed, continued alcohol consumption will lead to inflammation or cirrhosis of the liver.

PhD — .
Witold Tomaszewskidoctor of medical sciences
.

What are the causes of a fatty liver?

A number of different factors lead to fatty liver. What are the most common causes of this condition?

Causes of fatty liverand:

overweight or obesity,
excessive alcohol consumption,
older age,
increased blood pressure,
insulin resistance,
type 2 diabetes,
taking certain medications (amiodarone, tamoxifen or dilitiazem),
high blood pressure.
high levels of triglycerides or cholesterol in the blood,

If these risk factors for fatty liver are present in you - make an appointment for a test and see if your liver is fatty.

Do you need help?

. Make an appointment

Fatty liver - symptoms

Fatty liver rarely produces specific symptoms in the early stages. Nevertheless, we can distinguish certain symptoms that should make us light a red light.

Symptomsand fatty liver:

fatigue,
pain in the right upper abdomen,
pain in the right upper abdomen.
unexplained weight loss,
nausea,
loss of appetite,
general weakness of the body,
disorientation,
red or yellow patches on the skin,
disorientation,
general weakness of the body,
disorientation.
swelling of the abdomen (ascites),
enlarged blood vessels under the skin,

Note!

Remember that the above symptoms may or may not indicate steatosis of the liver. Only a doctor can diagnose this condition. Are you noticing these symptoms in yourself? Make an appointment for a check-up.

Diagnosis of steatosis of the liver

Diagnosing steatosis disease is not straightforwardand. Most of the symptoms that this condition gives are very similar to those of other diseases. Most commonly, your doctor will take three steps to see if you are struggling with fatty liver.

Doctor's history

The medical history is crucial as part of the diagnosis of fatty liver. Your doctor will ask you about your alcohol consumption, diet, medications you are taking and your medical history. This will enable the specialist to determine whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is likely to be present in your case.

Physical examination

The next step to allow your doctor to determine whether you have fatty liver disease is a physical examination. The specialist will examine your body and check your weight and height. The doctor will look for two main signs of a fatty liver:

an enlarged organ,
symptoms of cirrhosis (e.g. jaundice).

Advanced investigations

When it is likely, that you are struggling with steatohepatic disease, your doctor will refer you for advanced tests. These include, in the first instance, blood tests - e.g. a blood count or tests to check liver function.

Otherwise, you will need to have a liver function test.

In other cases, imaging tests will be necessary. These make it possible to determine whether there is fat in the liver. Sometimes a liver biopsy proves necessary. This examination allows the diagnosis to be definitively confirmed and the severity of the damage to the organ to be determined.

dr. n.h. — .
Witold Tomaszewskidoctor of medical sciences
.

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What are the risks of a fatty liver?

Most people undergo steatohepatic disease liver disease without major problems. Despite this, 7 to 30%and of patients with this condition experience worsening health.

The consequences of untreated fatty liver can be divided into 3 stages:

Hepatic inflammation, through which the tissue of the organ is damaged. This condition is referred to as steatohepatitis.
The liver is damaged.
In the place of the damaged tissue, scar tissue forms - fibrosis of the liver occurs.
The liver is damaged.
The extensive scar tissue takes the place of healthy tissue - liver fibrosis turns into cirrhosis.

Is steatosis of the liver fatal?

No, fatty liver itself is not a fatal condition. However, if left untreated, it can quickly develop into cirrhosis - a very serious disease. Therefore, it is very important that steatosis of the liver is diagnosed and addressed as soon as possible.

Do you need help?

. Make an appointment

What is cirrhosis of the liver?

Carrhosis is an advanced stage ofand fibrosis of this organ. It is most often caused by various diseases such as steatosis or inflammation. Any attempt to repair the liver (after it has been damaged) leads to the formation of scar tissue.

At some point there is so much of it that liver function becomes impossible. Cirrhosis at a late stage can even be life-threatening for the patient.

Treatment of cirrhosis in the late stages of the disease.

Treatment of fatty liver

There are currently no drugsand for fatty liver, however, some agents are in clinical trials. Therefore, we can expect new substances to support patients with this condition in the coming years. The current treatment of fatty liver involves several simple steps.

Lose weight. Healthy weight loss (by as little as 3-5% of body weight) can help reduce the fat content, as well as reduce, inflammation and scarring in the liver. In some cases, it is necessary to surgically remove fat from this organ.
Resisting from alcohol. Avoiding alcoholic beverages is extremely helpful in reducing progressive liver damage. In some cases, giving up alcohol can even reverse some of the liver changes.
Loweringandcholesterol levels. A healthy diet (full of vegetables and fruit), physical activity and selected medications (only those recommended by a doctor) can lower cholesterol levels in the body.
ControlandDiabetes (if present). Diabetics should strictly follow their doctor's instructions regarding medication. They must also closely monitor their blood sugar levels.

If complications of steatohepatitis develop, such as liver failure or cirrhosis, an organ transplant may be necessary.

Are you in need of help?

. Make an appointment

Fatty liver - home remedies

An appropriate lifestyle can have a positive effect on a fatty liver. What are some home remedies to support the treatment of this condition?

Diet. A balanced diet is the key to a healthy liver. The right diet can help you lose weight and also help restore proper cholesterol levels. Instead of processed or fatty foods, choose vegetables, fruit or whole grains and control your calorie intake.
Physical activity.Movement is health. The adage is apt, and just 30 minutes of exercise each day will help in the fight against overweight or a fatty liver. Half an hour is only 2 per cent of your entire day. Will you devote that much to your health?
Protect your liver. Avoiding alcohol and unnecessary drugs or supplements prevents liver damage. If you decide to take any remedies (the aforementioned drugs or supplements), always follow the manufacturer's recommendations, and ideally, consult your doctor about your plans.

What should you eat to combat steatosis of the liver?

The liver diet is a way of eating that positively affects the function of this organ. The right diet can support the treatment of steatohepatic disease.

Patients with steatohepatitis should take care to consume:

cavaand,
spinach ,
legumes (lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, peas),
fatty fish - rich in omega-3 acids omega-3 (salmon, sardines, tuna),
whole grain flakesand,
nuts ,
olive oils,
chocolate (in limited quantities),
lemon juice,
green and black tea,
ginger,
green tea,
curcumaand,
sunflower seed (due to its vitamin E content),
garlicand.

Other fat-soluble vitamins also are crucial for liver health. Would you like to learn more about them? Take a look at these articles:

What not to eat with a fatty liver?

Eating the above foods is not enough. Specific foods should also be (at least partially) eliminated from the diet.

In steatohepatic liver disease, you should not consume:

alcoholand,
refined cereals (white bread or rice),
red meat ,
sugar (e.g. sweets),
trans fats (e.g. crisps),

Note!

If you have liver problems and want to change your diet - it is best that you contact a nutritionist. It is the specialist who has the knowledge to be able to provide you with the right help.

See also:

Summary

Remember from this article some of the most important information:

Fatty or steatosis of the liver is a disease caused by an excess of fat in this organ.
It is a disease of the liver.
There is a distinction between non-alcoholic and alcoholic steatosis of the liver.
There is a distinction between alcoholic and non-alcoholic steatosis of the liver.
The causes of hepatic steatosis include being overweight, excessive alcohol consumption or older age.
Some of the symptoms of a fatty liver include fatigue, pain in the right upper abdomen or nausea.
Fatty liver in its early stages is not very dangerous, but if left untreated it can lead to cirrhosis and even cancer of this gland.
There are no cures for fatty liver - treatment includes, among other things, appropriate diet, giving up alcohol or lowering cholesterol.
People suffering from fatty liver should eat fatty fish, legumes or whole grain cereals, among other foods.
There is no cure for fatty liver.
A fatty liver is negatively affected by, among other things, alcohol, red meat or trans fats.

FAQ

How to de-fat the liver quickly

Basic to fattying the liver is a change in diet and lifestyle:

avoid zoonotic fats and processed foods;
make sure that up to three-quarters of your plate at each meal consists of a variety of vegetables;
include healthy vegetables in your diet.
include healthy fats and unsaturated fatty acids in your diet - including omega acids;
get regular physical activity - even 30-45 minutes of light fatigue a day;
drink 2-3 cups of black coffee a day - the compounds in it will help regenerate the liver;
try to lose weight and control co-morbidities - especially diabetes, lipid disorders, atherosclerosis and heart disease;

Does a fatty liver regenerate itself?

Yes, fatty liver is a reversible condition and the organ itself has the capacity to regenerate. The treatment time for a fatty liver depends on the causes and extent of the damage. The sooner you get a diagnosis, make changes to your diet and habits, and start supporting your liver supplements, the sooner it will heal.

Are bananas good for the liver?

Bananas are a valuable source of vitamin B6, magnesium and vitamin C. These fruits are healthy and do not adversely affect the liver. Limit their intake to no more than two pieces per day. Excess simple sugars in bananas can be harmful to the liver and lead to fatty liver, for example. This does not mean that bananas are bad - the bigger problem is highly processed foods and 'sugar bombs' (sweets, snacks, large amounts of honey, etc.)

What bread for steatosis of the liver?

People with fatty liver should eat whole-grain bread instead of white bread. Research suggests that less processed bread has a positive effect on treating fatty liver and liver enzyme levels. Limit or give up white bread and rolls.

What is stool with a diseased liver?

The normal stool of a healthy person should be brown, although the colour may vary depending on your diet (for example, your stool may be alarmingly red after you eat a lot of beetroot). Unusual colours can be indicative of specific health problems. In the case of a diseased liver, the most common colour will be pale yellow. If your stool has been a worrying colour for a long time - see your doctor.

Check out: Tablets for the liver - 12 suggestions from a pharmacist

How many degrees of hepatic steatosis are there?

There are usually three degrees of hepatic steatosis:

moderate: involves 10-20% of liver cells;
severe: involves more than 20% of cells;

The degree of hepatic steatosis is assessed by histopathological examination of liver samples taken at the time of biopsy or by imaging studies: ultrasound or tomography.

Is steatosis of the liver cirrhosis?

No, they are two different diseases, however steatosis can lead to cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is a descent in which successive liver functions 'shut down'. It is the result of ongoing damage that leads to permanent scarring and damage to liver tissue. Cirrhosis usually leads to serious complications such as jaundice, gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal swelling (known as ascites and even multiple organ failure).

Check out: How to take care of your health - 13+ tips from a doctor, nutritionist and psychologist

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Fatty Liver Disease: Risk Factors, Symptoms, Types & Prevention. (n.d.-b). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved March 17, 2023, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15831-fatty-liver-disease

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