What is Fatty Liver? Causes, Signs & How to Control Naturally

What is Fatty Liver?

Fatty Liver, also known as Hepatic Steatosis, is a condition where extra fat builds up inside your liver cells. Some fat in the liver is normal, but if it crosses 5%–10% of the liver’s weight, it can harm liver function. This condition is silently growing worldwide due to poor diet and inactive lifestyles.

Types

1️⃣ Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

NAFLD is the most common type and is not linked to heavy drinking. Instead, it is caused by poor lifestyle, obesity, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, insulin resistance, or Type 2 diabetes. NAFLD can progress to a more serious stage called Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) — which involves inflammation and liver cell damage.

2️⃣ Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD)

When you drink too much alcohol, your liver works extra hard to break it down. During this process, harmful byproducts damage liver cells and encourage fat buildup. If drinking continues, it can lead to liver inflammation, cirrhosis, or liver failure.

How Does Fatty Liver Develop?

Here’s how fatty liver builds up over time:

🔸 Poor Eating Habits: Diets high in junk food, sugary drinks, refined carbs, or fried items increase fat deposits.
🔸 Obesity: Extra body weight means excess fat gets stored everywhere, including your liver.
🔸 Diabetes & Insulin Resistance: When your body can’t handle sugar well, the liver converts excess sugar into fat.
🔸 Excess Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol directly damages liver cells and weakens their fat-processing ability.
🔸 Sudden Weight Loss: Crash dieting or extreme fasting can shock your liver, causing abnormal fat storage.
🔸 No Physical Activity: A sedentary life slows your metabolism — less fat is burned, and more is stored.

Signs You May Have Fatty Liver

Fatty liver often remains silent. But you might notice:
✔ Persistent tiredness and low energy
✔ Discomfort or mild pain in the upper right abdomen
✔ Feeling bloated or heavy
✔ Unexplained weight loss
✔ Loss of appetite or nausea
✔ Sometimes, mild jaundice if the liver is stressed

How it Diagnosed?

Doctors usually diagnose fatty liver through:
🔬 Blood Tests: Checking liver enzymes (SGPT, SGOT)
🩻 Ultrasound or CT Scan: To see fat buildup
🧪 Liver Biopsy: In serious cases, to assess damage level

Can Fatty Liver Be Reversed?

Yes! The good news is that Fatty Liver Disease is reversible, especially if detected early. Small lifestyle changes and discipline can reduce liver fat naturally.

Practical Remedies to Manage Fatty Liver

👉 Eat more fiber-rich foods — whole grains, leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
👉 Include good fats like nuts, seeds, and olive oil — avoid trans fats.
👉 Control carbohydrate intake — say no to refined sugar and white bread.
👉 Stay hydrated and cut down on soft drinks and alcohol.
👉 Walk daily for 30–40 minutes, try yoga or light exercises.
👉 Keep body weight in check with gradual, healthy weight loss — avoid crash diets.
👉 Get regular health check-ups and track your liver function if you have diabetes or cholesterol issues.

Possible Complications of Untreated Fatty Liver

If you ignore, it can lead to:
❌ NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis) — inflammation and scarring
❌ Liver Fibrosis — severe scarring
❌ Cirrhosis — irreversible liver damage
❌ Liver Cancer in extreme cases

That’s why early awareness and care are crucial!

✅ Take Expert Guidance for Healthy Liver

👉 Book your online consultation today and take your first step towards better liver health.

If you think you’re at risk or want to control liver problems naturally, it’s always better to talk to an expert. Vedic Upchar’s experienced Ayurvedic doctors can guide you with safe, personalized solutions to heal your liver naturally.