In this article, we have explained what is fatty liver, its types, its symptoms, and also the foods to take and avoid for faster recovery.
Fatty liver is a condition that is also known as hepatic steatosis. It occurs when fat accumulates in the liver. Small levels of fat in your liver are natural, but too much can be harmful to your health. Your liver is the largest organ inside your body. It helps your body digest food, store energy, and remove poisons.
In Western nations, it is a frequent liver problem. It affects around one out of every ten persons. Although some fat is acceptable in the liver, if fat accounts for more than 10% of the liver’s weight, you have fatty liver and may develop more significant issues. There are two main types:
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Alcoholic fatty liver disease also called alcoholic steatohepatitis
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
NAFLD is a kind of fatty liver disease that is not caused by excessive alcohol consumption. There are two varieties:
- Simple fatty liver is characterized by the presence of fat in the liver but little or no inflammation or liver cell injury. Simple fatty liver seldom progresses to the point of causing liver damage or problems.
- Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), in which there is inflammation, liver cell destruction, and fat in the liver. Fibrosis, or scarring of the liver, can result from inflammation and liver cell injury. Cirrhosis or liver cancer can result from NASH.
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Alcoholic fatty liver disease is caused by excessive alcohol use. The majority of the alcohol you consume is broken down by your liver and excreted from your body. However, the act of breaking it down might produce hazardous compounds. These drugs have the potential to harm liver cells, cause inflammation, and decrease your body’s natural defenses. The more alcohol you consume, the more harm you do to your liver. The first stage of alcohol-related liver disease is alcoholic fatty liver disease. Cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis are the following phases.
Symptoms of Fatty Liver
There are four different stages fatty liver can have and accordingly they have different symptoms as well. Below are the four stages:
- Simple fatty liver – Excess fat has accumulated in the liver. If it does not develop, simple fatty liver is typically safe.
- Steatohepatitis – In addition to excess fat, there’s also inflammation in the liver.
- Fibrosis – Chronic liver inflammation has resulted in scarring. However, the liver can continue to operate correctly.
- Cirrhosis – Scarring of the liver has grown common, reducing its capacity to function. This is the most severe and irreversible stage.
Both AFLD and NAFLD appear in the same way. However, the fatty liver does not always create visible symptoms. However, you may feel weary or have discomfort or pain in the upper right side of your abdomen.
Some persons with fatty liver disease experience problems, such as scarring of the liver. Liver fibrosis is the scarring of the liver. Cirrhosis is a potentially fatal disorder that can induce liver failure if you acquire significant liver fibrosis.
The liver damage due to cirrhosis is permanent. That’s why it’s so important to prevent it from developing in the first place.
Cirrhosis may cause symptoms such as:
- abdominal pain
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- weakness or fatigue
- nausea
- itchy skin
- yellow skin and eyes
- easy bruising or bleeding
- dark-colored urine
- pale stools
- fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites)
- swelling (edema) of your legs
- web-like clusters of blood vessels under your skin
- breast enlargement in men
- confusion
It is critical to follow your doctor’s suggested treatment plan to help prevent this disease from developing and creating issues.
Also, check the Mediterranean Diet plan for better health
Foods to Avoid on a Fatty Liver
Fried or salty foods

Too much fried or salty food increases calorie consumption and can lead to obesity, which is a major cause of fatty liver disease.
Adding additional spices and herbs to a meal is an excellent method to flavor meals without adding salt. People can also bake or steam things rather than fry them.
Added Sugar

People with fatty liver disease, particularly NAFLD, should avoid or restrict added sugars, according to the AGA’s Clinical Practice Update. These may contribute to elevated blood sugar levels and liver fat accumulation.
Sugar is frequently added by manufacturers to confectionery, ice cream, and sweetened beverages such as soda and fruit drinks. Sugar is also included in processed meals, baked products, and even store-bought coffee and tea.
Avoiding other sweets, such as fructose and corn syrup, can also help reduce liver fat.
Meat

A review article from 2019. According to Trusted Source, eating saturated fat increases the amount of fat surrounding organs, particularly the liver.
Saturated fats are abundant in beef, pig, and deli meats. The AGA recommends that people with fatty liver disease avoid these foods as much as possible.
Lean meats, fish, tofu, and tempeh are also acceptable replacements. However, wild, oily fish may be the greatest option because it contains omega-3 fatty acids as well.
Refined grains

White bread, white pasta, and white rice all contain processed and refined grains. Fiber is removed from these highly processed grains, which can elevate blood sugar levels when the body breaks them down.
A 2015 research of 73 persons with NAFLD revealed that those who consumed fewer refined grains had a decreased risk of metabolic syndrome, a combination of risk factors that increases the chance of a variety of health problems.
People can substitute potatoes, lentils, or whole wheat and whole grain substitutes for refined grains.
Alcohol

It is a key contributor to liver disease. Alcohol has a negative impact on the liver. The chemical reaction that happens when it attempts to break down alcohol damages cells, resulting in inflammation, cell death, and fibrosis. Excessive alcohol intake over time causes liver cirrhosis, which can lead to issues such as vomiting blood, jaundice, excess fluid accumulation in the body, and even liver cancer. Limit your alcohol consumption. Even if you drink, be sure you don’t go above the prescribed limits. Eliminating alcohol totally is most likely optimum.