Fatty liver disease is the most common and prevalent form of liver disease. The liver is the largest organ of the human body, and when fat starts building up, it can lead to more severe conditions like liver damage and, worse, even cirrhosis. High fat in the liver can also lead to other health problems like diabetes, kidney disease, and even high blood pressure. The early warning signs of a non-alcoholic fatty liver are bloating, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss, to name a few. However, while many doctors might offer you medication after an appointment, it's vital to connect with a reputed gastro-liver specialist in Kolkata if you are experiencing declining health.
The Causes Are Unclear, But The Body Gives You Clues
Some doctors are still unclear about why people who drink little to no alcohol have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, it has been assumed that poor lifestyle choices might be the reason behind NAFLD. People with obesity and type 2 diabetes have a higher chance of developing NAFLD. A cluster of other conditions, like insulin resistance, hypertension, high cholesterol levels, and excess abdominal fat, are responsible for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Symptoms Of Fatty Liver Disease
While fatty liver disease might be common and a leading disease among adults, people develop symptoms after many years. Without any routine screening, it is highly unlikely that one would be able to diagnose fatty liver disease. That's why a yearly examination with blood work in the best liver hospital in Kolkata is important for early diagnosis and intervention in treating and managing NAFLD.
Diagnosis Of Fatty Liver Disease
Routine blood work or liver tests done on a yearly basis is the only way to diagnose non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. If the liver tests show elevated levels of enzymes, or if you are obese or overweight, then the gastro-liver specialist in Kolkata can further advise you to get an ultrasound done. The imaging results will show the amount of liver damage. Based on the severity of the liver damage, you may be guided by the specialist towards the right treatment.
Lifestyle Changes Are Mandatory
There is no magic pill that can reduce the fat in your liver and help you regain your health. Lifestyle changes are the secret to liver health. You need to follow a proper diet low in carbs and high in healthy fats to reduce the amount of fat the liver accumulates. If you are leading a sedentary lifestyle, then walking might help. Patients who are obese are advised to lose weight to reverse this condition. Get dietician help from our clinic in both Beleghata and Dhakuria.
With a non-alcoholic fatty liver, you just have fat in your liver, but there is no liver damage or inflammation. This condition can cause pain and liver enlargement, which typically does not cause liver damage. However, NASH is a severe form of NAFLD, as one is most likely to face liver inflammation along with a fatty liver, which might lead to liver damage and scarring of the liver. Untreated NASH can lead to liver cirrhosis, which, again left untreated, leads to liver cancer.
Final Words
The good news is that over time, the liver can repair itself and reverse the damage, and a non-alcoholic fatty liver is curable with the right diet and exercise. So, the next time you are booking an appointment with the stomach pain doctors in Kolkata, ensure that you get the liver tests done and leave no stone unturned to avail of the right treatment.