Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and its underlying causes. Dr. Rishab Sharma ( MBBS, MD(Internal Medicine), DrNB (Gastroenterology), a leading <\/span>Gastroenterologist in Ajmer Road locality of Jaipur<\/span>, recommends the following:<\/span><\/p>\n
1. Lifestyle Changes<\/b><\/h2>\n
Lifestyle changes form the foundation of treatment for fatty liver disease. Small, consistent modifications to your daily habits can have a profound impact on liver health. Let\u2019s delve deeper into the key aspects:<\/span><\/p>\n
Healthy Diet:<\/b><\/h4>\n
Your diet plays a critical role in reducing liver fat. A healthy, liver-friendly diet includes:<\/span><\/p>\n
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Fruits and Vegetables:<\/b> Rich in antioxidants and fiber, which help reduce inflammation and improve digestion. Examples include berries, spinach, carrots, and apples.<\/span><\/li>\n
Whole Grains:<\/b> Foods like brown rice, oats, and quinoa provide sustained energy and are better than refined grains like white bread.<\/span><\/li>\n
Lean Proteins:<\/b> Include chicken, fish, tofu, and legumes. Protein helps repair liver cells and reduces fat buildup.<\/span><\/li>\n
Healthy Fats:<\/b> Consume foods with good fats like nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil. These support liver function without contributing to fat accumulation.<\/span><\/li>\n
Foods to Avoid:<\/b> Limit sugar, refined carbs (e.g., white bread, sugary cereals), fried foods, and processed snacks. These contribute directly to fat storage in the liver.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Exercise Regularly:<\/b><\/h2>\n
Physical activity is essential for burning excess fat stored in the liver and improving overall health.<\/span><\/p>\n
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Aim for <\/span>at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise daily<\/b> (e.g., brisk walking, cycling, swimming).<\/span><\/li>\n
Strength training, like lifting weights or resistance exercises, also helps by improving muscle metabolism and reducing body fat.<\/span><\/li>\n
Even light activities like walking after meals can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and reduce fat accumulation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Limit Alcohol:<\/b><\/h4>\n
Alcohol is toxic to liver cells and directly contributes to fat buildup and inflammation.<\/span><\/p>\n
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For individuals with <\/span>non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD):<\/b> Alcohol should be avoided entirely or kept to a minimum.<\/span><\/li>\n
For individuals with <\/span>alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD):<\/b> Complete abstinence from alcohol is non-negotiable, as it worsens the condition rapidly.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2. Weight Loss<\/b><\/h2>\n
Weight loss is one of the most effective ways to combat fatty liver disease, especially if obesity or being overweight is a contributing factor.<\/span><\/p>\n
Why is Weight Loss Important?<\/b><\/h4>\n
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Excess body weight increases fat storage in the liver and around other organs. Losing weight directly reduces this fat.<\/span><\/li>\n
Studies show that <\/span>losing just 5\u201310% of your total body weight<\/b> can significantly improve liver fat levels, reduce inflammation, and even reverse early liver damage.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How to Lose Weight Safely:<\/b><\/h4>\n
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Balanced Diet:<\/b> Combine calorie control with nutrient-dense meals. Avoid crash diets, as they can worsen liver health.<\/span>\n
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Exercise Routine:<\/b> Engage in both aerobic exercises (e.g., jogging, dancing) and strength training.<\/span>\n
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Set Realistic Goals:<\/b> Aim to lose 0.5 to 1 kg per week to ensure sustainable and healthy weight loss.<\/span>\n
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Professional Guidance:<\/b> Consult a dietitian or a doctor to create a personalized weight loss plan if needed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3. Medications and Supplements<\/b><\/h2>\n
Currently, there are no specific medications approved solely for treating fatty liver disease. However, depending on the individual\u2019s condition, a doctor may prescribe medicines to manage associated health issues.<\/span><\/p>\n
When are Medications Needed?<\/b><\/h4>\n
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To Control Blood Sugar:<\/b> For patients with diabetes or prediabetes, medications like metformin may be used to improve insulin sensitivity.<\/span><\/li>\n
To Lower Cholesterol:<\/b> Statins or other lipid-lowering drugs may be prescribed to manage high cholesterol and triglycerides.<\/span>\n
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To Reduce Inflammation:<\/b> In severe cases, medications like vitamin E (an antioxidant) or certain anti-inflammatory drugs may be recommended.<\/span>\n
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To Treat Underlying Causes:<\/b> If liver damage is caused by other factors (e.g., viral hepatitis), appropriate antiviral or antifibrotic medications may be given.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Supplements for Liver Health:<\/b><\/h4>\n
Some supplements may support liver health, but they should only be taken under medical supervision. Examples include:<\/span><\/p>\n
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Vitamin E:<\/b> May help reduce liver inflammation, but not suitable for everyone.<\/span>\n
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids:<\/b> Found in fish oil, these can help lower triglycerides.<\/span>\n
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Milk Thistle:<\/b> An herbal remedy sometimes used for liver health, though more research is needed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Important Note:<\/b> Self-medication can harm the liver further. Always consult a doctor before taking any medicine or supplement.<\/span><\/p>\n
4. Regular Monitoring<\/b><\/h2>\n
Regular check-ups are essential for anyone diagnosed with fatty liver disease, as the condition can progress silently without noticeable symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n
Why is Monitoring Important?<\/b><\/h4>\n
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It helps track improvements in liver health after lifestyle changes or medical treatment.<\/span><\/li>\n
Monitoring detects early signs of liver inflammation, fibrosis, or progression to cirrhosis.<\/span><\/li>\n
Regular tests ensure that other related conditions, like diabetes or high cholesterol, are also under control.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What Does Monitoring Involve?<\/b><\/h4>\n
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Blood Tests:<\/b> Periodic liver function tests (LFTs) check for enzyme levels like ALT and AST, which indicate liver health.<\/span><\/li>\n
Imaging Tests:<\/b> An ultrasound or FibroScan may be repeated to measure liver fat and stiffness.<\/span><\/li>\n
Consultations with a Specialist:<\/b> Regular appointments with a gastrologist ensure timely guidance and treatment adjustments.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How Often Should You Monitor?<\/b><\/h4>\n
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For mild cases: Monitoring every 6\u201312 months is usually sufficient.<\/span><\/li>\n
For advanced cases: More frequent check-ups (every 3\u20136 months) may be needed to prevent complications.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Putting It All Together<\/b><\/h2>\n
Taking care of your liver requires a combination of the above approaches: adopting a healthier lifestyle, shedding excess weight, following medical advice, and staying vigilant through regular monitoring.<\/span><\/p>\n
By focusing on these areas, you can not only reverse fatty liver disease in its early stages but also prevent long-term complications like cirrhosis and liver failure. Dr. Rishab Sharma, a trusted gastrologist in Jaipur, offers comprehensive care tailored to individual needs, ensuring a healthy liver and a healthier you!<\/span><\/p>\n
How to Manage and Treat Fatty Liver? Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and its underlying causes. Dr. Rishab Sharma ( MBBS, MD(Internal Medicine), DrNB (Gastroenterology), a leading Gastroenterologist in Ajmer Road locality of Jaipur, recommends the following: 1. Lifestyle Changes Lifestyle changes form the foundation of treatment for fatty liver disease. Small, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"1080","footnotes":""},"categories":[30,24],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1849","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-dr-rishab-sharma","category-liver-problem"],"yoast_head":"\n
How to Manage and Treat Fatty Liver?<\/title>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n