Fatty Liver Disease: What It Is, Types and How to Prevent It

 Fatty liver doesn't always present obvious symptoms, but it can trigger serious complications if not detected early. Learn about its causes, signs, and how to take care of yourself.

Fatty liver disease, also known as hepatic steatosis, occurs when fat accumulates in liver cells. While having a small amount of fat is normal, when this vital organ exceeds 5% fat content, it can begin to deteriorate.

According to data from the Chilean Society of Gastroenterology, approximately 30% of the Chilean adult population may be affected by this condition. The biggest problem: many people don't even know they have it.

Why does fatty liver occur?

There are two main forms of this disease:

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): related to poor eating habits, obesity, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Alcoholic fatty liver disease: caused by excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption.

In both cases, excess fat in the liver causes inflammation and can progress to more complex conditions, such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and even cirrhosis. Symptoms of fatty liver: how to recognize them?

One of the biggest challenges with this disease is its silent nature. In its early stages, it usually doesn't cause any discomfort. However, some symptoms of fatty liver that may appear in more advanced stages include:

A feeling of heaviness or pain in the upper right abdomen.
Constant fatigue without apparent cause.
Abdominal bloating.
Nausea or loss of appetite.
Changes in skin color (jaundice) in more severe cases.

Risk factors to consider
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Some factors increase the likelihood of developing fatty liver disease:

Overweight or abdominal obesity.
Type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance.
High cholesterol or triglycerides.
Sedentary lifestyle.
Diet high in sugars and saturated fats.
Excessive alcohol consumption.

How to prevent fatty liver disease? The good news is that fatty liver disease can be prevented and even reversed in its early stages if appropriate measures are taken. Here are some recommendations:

1. Improve your diet
Avoiding ultra-processed foods, fried foods, and sugary drinks is key. It is recommended to:

Increase your consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Incorporate legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats such as olive oil.
Reduce your consumption of red meat and processed meats.
Also, keep in mind that some fruits are not recommended for fatty liver disease when consumed in excess. Fruits like bananas, grapes, and mangoes, due to their high fructose content, should not be eliminated entirely, but rather consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

2. Stay active
Regular exercise not only helps maintain a healthy weight, but it also reduces the accumulation of fat in the liver. Just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day is enough to notice benefits.

3. Monitor your levels
Regular medical checkups to monitor blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure will allow you to detect potential risk factors before they develop into a more serious problem.

Early diagnosis makes all the difference.
Fatty liver disease can be detected through blood tests and abdominal ultrasounds. At Clínica Maitenes Achs Salud, we have gastroenterology specialists who can guide you in the prevention and treatment of this condition.

Fatty liver should not be taken lightly. Although it doesn't always present symptoms, its consequences can be serious if left untreated. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet and regular physical activity, is the best way to prevent it.