Sometimes we're so focused on the fat we can see, that we forget about the fat in and around our vital organs. When we gain weight, it doesn't just stick to our thighs or belly. It can also get deposited in our organs, especially the liver. We all understand the importance of a healthy liver to remove toxins from our body. But, we often think that only alcohol, hepatitis viruses, and certain medications impact liver function. Did you know that fatty liver is actually the most common liver disease in America? It is now the most common liver disease resulting in the need for a liver transplant!
There are many conditions associated with fatty liver as well including:
High cholesterol
Elevated blood pressure
Diabetes
Insulin resistance
Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Gallbladder disease
Low testosterone
Hypothyroidism
All of these conditions are also highly associated with...OBESITY!
how do you know if you have fatty liver disease?
Most people with fatty liver disease have normal lab results and no symptoms. Some people have elevated liver enzymes now or in the past. Elevated AST and ALT levels, especially if the ALT is greater than the AST often indicates fatty liver. Fatty liver is also often seen incidentally during an ultrasound or CT scan. The only true way to diagnose fatty liver disease would be through a liver biopsy.
am I at risk for fatty liver disease?
You should ask your primary care doctor or pillarMD doctor about fatty liver if you have any of the following risk factors.
Increased waist circumference
Elevated triglycerides
Drink sugar sweetened beverages or eat foods with high fructose corn syrup
Diabetes or prediabetes
if i already have fatty liver, what do I do now?
If your doctor has identified either elevated liver enzymes or fat deposits in your liver on imaging, they will likely monitor your lab results every few months and consider further testing. You will want to check for other causes of liver disease and make sure to avoid alcohol and medications that can further affect your liver.
The best treatment for fatty liver disease is weight loss. Since high carb diets lead to elevated triglycerides which contribute to fatty liver, we suggest a lower carb diet.
Some medications might improve fatty liver including vitamin E, metformin, and the GLP-1s. Ask your pillarMD doctor if you're interested.
wait, if my liver is fat, shouldn't I avoid eating fat?
Many studies show that dietary fat does not translate to fat deposits in the liver. But, high sugar or high carb items do result in elevated triglycerides (a type of cholesterol) that easily causes fatty liver. So, feel free to eat fat, but try to always eat healthy fats like olive oil, lean meats, and nuts.
pillarMD plan
Ask your doctor if you have signs of fatty liver
Limit sugar sweetened beverages and processed foods that contain high fructose corn syrup
Lose weight with a lower carb/high healthy fat diet
Avoid alcohol and medications that are metabolized by the liver
Update your vaccines including hepatitis A and B vaccines
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