Fatty Liver Disease: What You Need to Know and Why It Matters
Fatty liver disease, also referred to as steatotic liver disease, is one of the most prevalent and often silent health conditions affecting millions of individuals globally. It occurs when excess fat accumulates in the liver cells. While it’s normal for the liver to contain a small amount of fat, an excessive buildup can disrupt its vital functions, leading to inflammation, scarring, and, in severe cases, liver failure.
What Causes Fatty Liver Disease?
There are two primary types of fatty liver disease:
1. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): This type occurs in individuals who consume little to no alcohol and is often associated with conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
2. Alcoholic fatty liver disease: This is directly caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
The progression of fatty liver disease is typically gradual. The initial stage, known as non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), involves fat accumulation without liver damage. If inflammation and damage occur, it is termed non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Over time, NASH can progress to cirrhosis, a severe condition characterised by liver scarring and significant functional impairment.
Symptoms and Risks
Surprisingly, many people with fatty liver disease remain asymptomatic in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Fatigue
- Abdominal discomfort
- Unexplained weight loss
If left untreated, fatty liver disease can lead to complications such as liver failure and an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes.
The Good News: Fatty Liver Disease Is Manageable
In many cases, fatty liver disease can be reversed, particularly if diagnosed early. Treatment primarily involves lifestyle changes. Here are key strategies:
- Weight loss: Losing as little as 5% of your body weight can significantly reduce liver fat.
- Healthy diet: Adopting a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats is beneficial.
- Regular exercise: Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine.
- Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and alcohol: These contribute to liver fat accumulation.
For those with alcohol-related fatty liver disease, complete abstinence from alcohol is crucial. Managing underlying conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol is equally important.
Lifestyle Tips for Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
To manage NAFLD effectively, consider these practical steps:
- Lose weight gradually.
- Eat a nutrient-rich diet.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol.
Supportive Supplements for Liver Health
Certain supplements may assist in managing fatty liver disease. Sfera Milk Thistle Complex and Sfera Berberine offer targeted support:
Sfera Milk Thistle Complex
- Milk thistle: Lowers blood sugar, improves insulin sensitivity, and reduces diabetic complications and fatty liver.
- Choline: Reverses fatty liver, especially in choline-deficient individuals, and supports hepatitis recovery. It also aids amino acid metabolism, gene expression, and methylation.
- Turmeric: Alleviates symptoms of NAFLD, reduces liver fat, and supports weight loss.
- Artichokes: Improve liver health by reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol, and enhancing liver enzyme levels.
- Dandelion: Helps prevent and treat liver conditions, including acetaminophen-induced liver injury (AILI) and NAFLD.
Sfera Berberine
Berberine, a plant alkaloid, is increasingly recognised for its potential in managing fatty liver disease. Its benefits include:
- Reducing hepatic fat storage.
- Enhancing glucose and lipid metabolism.
- Improving insulin sensitivity.
- Possessing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Modulating the gut microbiome, which plays a role in NAFLD development.
- Protecting against liver fibrosis, a severe NAFLD complication.
Conclusion
Fatty liver disease is a serious condition, but it’s not insurmountable. Early detection, lifestyle modifications, and supportive interventions can make a significant difference. Your liver works tirelessly for you; taking steps to care for it today can lead to a healthier tomorrow.
REFERENCES
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441992/
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/fatty-liver
https://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/full/v22/i30/6890.htm
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/256102126_Herbal_medicines_for_fatty_liver_diseases
Antunes C, Azadfard M, Hoilat GJ, et al. Fatty Liver. [Updated 2023 Jan 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-.
Koperska A, Wesołek A, Moszak M, Szulińska M. Berberine in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-A Review. Nutrients. 2022 Aug 23;14(17):3459. doi: 10.3390/nu14173459. PMID: 36079717; PMCID: PMC9459907.