Fatty Liver - Symptoms, Grade, Causes, Complications, Prevention

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Fatty liver meaning


Fatty liver disease or hepatic steatosis, or diffuse hepatic steatosis, is a common condition associated with the occupancy of excess fat in the liver cells. The liver is the most frequent location for fat build-up since it plays a crucial role in the metabolism of fats. Usually, the liver contains some amount of fat, but when the deposition reaches or exceeds 5% of the liver cells (hepatocytes), it is treated as unhealthy. 


Researchers predict that in the next one to two decades (10–20 years), fatty liver disease leading to cirrhosis will outnumber liver transplants caused by hepatitis C and excessive alcohol consumption. Depending on the cause and extent of the accumulation, fatty changes can range from mild and reversible to severe, leading to irreversible damage and liver cell death. 


One can frequently avoid or even reverse fatty liver disease through modifications in their lifestyle if the patient is at the early stages of fatty liver.

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Types of Fatty Liver Disease

The types of fatty liver disease can be categorised as follows:

  1. Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
  2. Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD)


Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)


It is an increasingly recognised fatty liver disease where fat builds up in the liver without excessive alcohol intake. It can lead to significant damage over the years. This condition is further divided into four stages. 


The non-alcoholic fatty liver disease stages are as follows:

  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver (NAFL)
  • Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) 
  • Fibrosis
  • Cirrhosis 


Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver (NAFL): It is also known as a simple fatty liver condition characterised by fat deposition in the liver without significant inflammation or harm to the liver cells. This may result in abdominal discomfort or pain due to hepatomegaly (enlarged liver).


Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): This is a severe form of NAFLD condition characterised by fat accumulation, inflammation, and damage in the liver. NASH has the potential to advance to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer; it is important to note that NASH can be a coexisting condition with other liver diseases such as chronic hepatitis C. 


NASH is categorised into two types:

  • Primary, which is linked to obesity and diabetes without excessive alcohol consumption. 
  • Secondary, which is induced by drugs or toxins. 


Fibrosis: Fatty liver fibrosis is a condition characterised by the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the liver and adjacent hepatic blood vessels due to prolonged inflammation in the liver.


Cirrhosis: Fatty liver cirrhosis is the most advanced stage and emerges after prolonged inflammation, causing the liver to contract, develop permanent scarring, and become nodular in appearance. This damage is irreversible and can result in liver failure and risk of liver cancer. 


Most individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease typically exhibit the initial phase of the condition, known as simple fatty liver or steatosis, while only little progress to the more severe stages. The development of fibrosis or cirrhosis may take several years to occur.


Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated frequently with metabolic syndrome, characterised by obesity, diabetes, and hyperlipidaemia. As per a research study report, around 80% of individuals diagnosed with metabolic syndrome also present with NAFLD. 


Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD)


Alcoholic fatty liver disease, also called alcoholic steatohepatitis, is one of the Alcoholic Liver Disease (Alcoholic Related Liver Disease - ARLD) conditions caused by excessive consumption of alcohol (≥ 40g in males, ≥ 20g in females) and is often a result of the metabolic effects caused by consuming moderate to high quantities of ethanol (alcohol). Ingesting such amounts of alcohol can lead to the development of fatty liver due to its impact on the body's metabolism.


In the consumption of alcohol, the liver metabolises most of it to eliminate it from the system. However, this breakdown process generates toxic compounds that can harm liver cells, trigger inflammation, and compromise the body's inherent defences. 

 

Alcoholic fatty Liver Disease typically improves upon cessation (stoppage) of alcohol intake. However, if alcohol consumption continues, it can lead to severe liver problems.

 

The alcoholic fatty liver disease stages are as follows:

  • Alcoholic Fatty Liver or Steatosis
  • Alcoholic hepatitis
  • Alcoholic cirrhosis


Alcoholic Fatty Liver or Steatosis: It is a common condition caused by alcohol-induced fatty liver. In this condition, the liver enlarges, which may or may not cause noticeable symptoms. Discomfort or pain can arise in the upper right area of the abdomen.


Alcoholic hepatitis: It is a condition characterised by inflammation of the liver, resulting in symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice.


Alcoholic cirrhosis: This is the advanced stage where the liver cells develop fibrous scar tissue. 


The extent of liver damage increases proportionally with the amount of alcohol consumed. Alcoholic fatty liver disease represents the initial phase of liver damage resulting from alcohol consumption, followed by alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis as progressive stages of alcohol-related liver disease.

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Prevalence of Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver (hepatic steatosis) is a common hepatic condition in developed nations and is among the most common causes of cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer worldwide, becoming a prominent factor contributing to illness and death related to liver conditions.

  • As per a study reported in 2021, It was estimated that around 25% of the global population has Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. 
  • As per a research report, the prevalence of fatty liver disease (NAFLD) ranges from 80% -90% in adults with obesity, 30%-50% in individuals diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, 90% or higher in patients with hyperlipidaemia, 3% to 10% in paediatric populations, and can reach as high as 40% to 70% among children who are obese. 
  • The incidence of NASH is expected to increase by up to 56% in the next decade, as per a 2020 research report, indicating a rise in the number of cases where individuals develop inflammation and damage in the liver due to fatty deposits. 
  • The occurrence of liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma, caused by NAFLD will likely rise alongside the increasing rates of obesity on a global scale. 
  • An observational study found that the prevalence rates of steatosis (fatty liver) were 46.4% among heavy drinkers consuming more than 60 grams of alcohol daily. Additionally, among heavy drinkers who were also obese, the prevalence of steatosis was even higher, reaching 94.5%. 
  • Females experience a more rapid and severe progression of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) at lower alcohol consumption levels than males. This might be due to variations in alcohol processes in the liver, the production of cytokines, and the breakdown of alcohol in the stomach across men and women.

Fatty Liver causes

Fatty liver disease causes in the liver can arise from the following:

  • Hyperlipidaemia
  • Liver cell damage


Hyperlipidaemia: Excessive fat surpassing the liver's capacity to metabolise it. The following are the conditions that cause hyperlipidaemia:

  • Obesity 
  • Diabetes
  • Inherited hyperlipidaemia


Liver cell damage: Due to liver cell impairment, the liver fails to break down or process the accumulated fat. The following are the causes of liver abnormality:

  • Starvation
  • Chronic illnesses 
  • Alcoholic liver disease (most prevalent)
  • Protein calorie malnutrition
  • Acute fatty liver during late pregnancy 
  • Reye’s syndrome
  • Hepatotoxins 
  • Drug-induced liver cell injury
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Fatty Liver symptoms

The fatty liver disease symptoms typically present as asymptomatic or with minimal symptoms, and the condition is typically detected incidentally during routine blood tests. In the instance of experiencing alcoholic fatty liver symptoms and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease symptoms, one may perceive fatigue or experience uneasiness in the upper right region of the abdomen, potentially caused by liver inflammation.


The early symptoms of fatty liver disease might include:

  • Loss of appetite (hunger)
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of weight
  • Feeling low energy


Non-alcoholic Fatty liver or alcoholic fatty liver disease can progress to serious conditions such as liver hepatitis or liver cirrhosis. The symptoms for such conditions are as follows, but not limited to:

  • Increased body temperature
  • Yellowing of the skin (Jaundice) 
  • Skin itching
  • Oedema in lower legs or feet
  • Bloating
  • Confusion
  • Portal hypertension
  • Intestinal bleeding
  • Renal failure
  • Abdomen fluid build up
  • Enlarged spleen 
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Fatty Liver symptoms in females

Fatty liver disease is more prevalent in women due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and the transition into menopause. The progression of this condition is gradual, and the initial stages may not exhibit noticeable symptoms. As it advances, the following are the fatty liver disease symptoms in females:

  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal uneasiness
  • Oedema in the legs or abdomen


Women at risk of fatty liver disease must undergo routine medical examinations with their healthcare professionals to facilitate early identification and intervention.

Acute Fatty Liver of pregnancy

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a rare and critical condition occurring in about 5 out of 100,000 pregnancies that poses a significant risk to the health and lives of both the mother and foetus. It is primarily characterised by liver dysfunction (acute), and it usually occurs during the later stages of pregnancy. This condition requires immediate medical attention and intervention due to its potentially serious complications. 


Acute fatty liver of pregnancy criteria includes the presence of liver dysfunction (acute) after 20 weeks of gestation period with supportive laboratory and clinical findings.

Acute Fatty Liver of pregnancy symptoms

Pregnant women with acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) typically exhibit the following symptoms during their third trimester of pregnancy:

  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Abdominal pain
  • Headache
  • Confusion 
  • Anorexia 


Some patients may also have high blood pressure and protein in their urine, which can be linked to conditions such as Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelets (HELLP) syndrome or pre-eclampsia.

Fatty Liver of pregnancy complications

Acute fatty liver in pregnancy (AFLP) can cause liver failure associated with encephalopathy, coagulopathy, and hypoglycemia.

Fatty Liver grades

Based on the deposition of the fat in the liver cells, the different grades of fatty liver or liver steatosis are as follows:

  • Grade 1 Fatty Liver or Grade 1 hepatic steatosis
  • Grade 2 Fatty Liver or Grade 2 hepatic steatosis
  • Grade 3 Fatty Liver or Grade 3 hepatic steatosis


Grade 1 Fatty Liver: It is also called mild fatty liver or mild hepatic steatosis, where the fat deposition is up to 5%-33%.


Grade 2 Fatty Liver: It is a moderate fatty liver condition where there will be 34% to 66% of fat accumulation.


Grade 3 Fatty Liver: It is a severe fatty liver where there will be more than 66% of fat accumulation in the liver.

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Fatty Liver risk factors

One of the most common risk factors for fatty liver disease is obesity and consumption of alcohol (ranging from 40-80g daily from 10–12 years). With the increasing obesity in the population, there is a rise in the prevalence of fatty liver. In addition to the above, the following are the risk factors for non-alcoholic and alcoholic fatty liver disease, such as:


Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

  • Diabetes mellitus or Insulin resistance
  • Older age
  • Poor dietary habits
  • Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol levels)
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Metabolic Syndrome (hypertension, hyperglycaemia, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels)
  • Infections such as Hepatitis C
  • Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) 
  • Hypopituitarism (deficiency of the pituitary hormones)
  • Exposure to toxins
  • Genetic factors affecting alcohol metabolism
  • Presence of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome


Alcoholic fatty liver disease 

  • Women gender
  • Pre-existing conditions like hepatitis C. 


When compared to men, women have a higher risk of developing alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis from drinking the same amount of alcohol.

Fatty Liver complications

Complications of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)


The severity of the following non-alcoholic fatty liver disease complications is proportional to the severity of the histology stage and grade of liver disease. 

  • Hepatocellular carcinoma
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • End-stage liver disease


Alcoholic Fatty Liver Complications 


Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) complications are both common and rare. Common complications of alcoholic fatty liver disease:

  • Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis 
  • Variceal Hemorrhage
  • Hepatopulmonary syndrome
  • Ascites
  • Hepatic hydrothorax
  • Hepatorenal syndrome
  • Hepatic encephalopathy


Rare complications of alcoholic fatty liver disease:

  • Portal vein thrombosis
  • Portal gastropathy
  • Liver cancer
  • Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy
  • Portopulmonary hypertension
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Fatty Liver diagnosis

The fatty liver disease diagnosis is often made incidentally when routine lab testing reveals abnormal liver function tests or imaging tests that reveal the presence of hepatic steatosis or inflammation of liver cells. The fatty liver diagnostic tests lack specificity and cannot differentiate NASH from NAFLD. 


However, the following are the fatty liver test prescribed by the gastroenterologist or hepatologist to assess the fatty liver condition.

  • Blood tests
  • Imaging tests
  • Liver biopsy tests


Blood tests for fatty liver disease

  • Complete liver profile (LFT) that includes ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, albumin, International Normalized Ratio, etc
  • Fibrosis-4 (Fib-4) 
  • NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS)
  • Commercial fibrosis marker panels such as the Enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) test, Fibro Test
  • Lipid profile
  • Iron levels
  • Insulin resistance test
  • Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index 
  • Homeostasis Model Assessment


In patients with persistently abnormal liver enzymes or a strong family history of cirrhosis, the following are the additional lab tests:

  • Alpha 1-antitrypsin
  • Anti-nuclear antibody
  • Smooth muscle antibody
  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels
  • Ceruloplasmin


Imaging tests for fatty liver disease

  • Ultrasonography
  • Computed tomography
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Radiologic techniques such as Fibro scan associated with ultrasound transient elastography, Acoustic radiation force impulse imaging, Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE)


Liver biopsy tests for fatty liver disease

  • It is a gold standard for diagnosis of chronic hepatitis and fibrosis; however, depending on disease severity, laboratory values and risk factors of the patient, the gastroenterologist would prescribe liver biopsy, as this test is not indicated in patients with normal serum aminotransferases levels.

Fatty Liver treatment

Fatty liver disease treatment, also known as hepatic steatosis treatment, usually involves lifestyle modifications and management of fatty liver disease's underlying causes and associated risk factors such as excess body weight, elevated blood lipid levels, reduced insulin sensitivity, and type 2 diabetes.


Pharmacological interventions (medical and surgical management) for hepatic steatosis treatment should be restricted to individuals who have undergone a liver biopsy confirming the presence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis. They are as follows:

  • Antioxidants (vitamin E therapy)
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Glucagon-like-peptides (GLP1) agonists
  • Statins (to treat dyslipidemia in fatty liver patients)   
  • Bariatric surgery (for morbidly obese patients)
  • Liver transplantation (if the liver is damaged fully)

Fatty Liver Disease prevention

Fatty liver prevention can be done by practising healthy lifestyle habits such as:

  • Losing 5% to 10% of healthy body weight 
  • Exercising regularly
  • Consuming a balanced diet that includes limited intake of salt, sugar, and oils and increased intake of proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables
  • Controlling the existence of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidaemia by taking the prescribed medications
  • Avoiding alcohol consumption
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Fatty Liver vs Normal Liver

The normal healthy liver contains traces of fat; however, if it accounts for more than 5 % of the liver, it is known as fatty liver. The differences between normal liver and fatty liver are as follows.

Elements Normal Liver Fatty Liver
Physical finding (By percussion) The mean size of regular healthy liver is 7cm in women and 10.5 cm in men (normal values) Fatty liver is 2 to 3 cm larger than normal size
Liver shape Cone and dark reddish brown Enlarged and discoloured
Lab values Normal levels of liver function tests Abnormal liver function tests such as ALT, AST, Albumin, Alkaline phosphatase etc.
Symptoms No symptoms Loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain, itchy skin etc

Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver vs Alcoholic Fatty Liver

Both Non-alcoholic fatty liver and Alcoholic fatty liver disease are liver problems which are treatable at the initial stage with the help of lifestyle modifications such as abstinence from alcohol, daily exercise and diet changes. However, the following are the differences between them.

Elements Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Alcoholic Fatty Liver
Steatosis Accumulation of excess fat in the liver due to metabolic abnormalities Accumulation of excess fat in the liver due to the excessive consumption of alcohol (40g in males, 20-30g in females)
Signs and symptoms Fatigue, obesity, abdominal pain, enlarged liver, darkened pigmentation around the neck and joints Jaundice, weight loss, diarrhoea, and portal hypertension
Risk factors Obesity, Type2 diabetes, and hyperlipidaemia Alcohol intake, women gender, preexisting conditions like hepatitis C
Treatment Lifestyle modifications: weight reduction, manage the diseases like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia Alcohol abstinence, Nutritional support, and Glucocorticosteroids for inflammation

FAQs (frequently asked questions on Fatty Liver Disease)

  • Is a non-alcoholic fatty liver dangerous?

    Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is not dangerous if it is in the early stage as it is a mild condition (grade 1) where the fat deposition is less than one-third of the total liver (33%). Therefore, it can be reversible with the help of diet and physical exercise interventions.


    Increased consumption of calories and decreased physical activity result in obesity and increased prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is the most important cause of chronic liver diseases. In addition, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is usually an asymptomatic condition, where many are diagnosed at later stages of fatty liver. Therefore, getting screened at regular intervals plays a vital role in the early detection of non-alcoholic fatty liver, thereby preventing further progressions to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis or cancer.


    If it is not detected at an early stage or grade 1 fatty liver, there will be a further accumulation of fat in the liver cells, resulting in the progression of the disease to grade 2 fatty liver (34-66%). This might be a serious condition where the abnormal amount of liver fat triggers inflammation, leading to scar tissue formation and liver fibrosis. This condition can be managed by treating underlying conditions such as obesity and other metabolic conditions in addition to the consumption of immunosuppressors and changes in lifestyle modifications.


    If the fat accumulation is more than two third of the liver (>66%), it is a serious condition known as grade 3 fatty liver that would lead to liver cirrhosis. This stage can be managed with lifestyle changes and treating underlying health conditions. In severe cases, the patient might need a liver transplant.

  • Is alcoholic fatty liver dangerous?

    Alcoholic fatty liver is not dangerous if it is detected early, and it can be reversible with lifestyle modifications such as alcohol abstinence. Consumption of alcohol can lead to the build-up of fat in the liver, and it will be asymptomatic in many patients until it progresses to alcoholic hepatitis or alcoholic cirrhosis.


    Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) is the early stage of alcoholic-related liver disease; however, if it is not detected early, it could progress to further stages, such as alcoholic hepatitis or alcoholic cirrhosis, where these stages can be serious.


    An early stage of mild alcoholic hepatitis can be reversible with the help of permanent alcohol abstinence. Therefore, timely screening plays a vital role in the early diagnosis of alcoholic fatty liver, especially in people who consume excess alcohol. 


    In severe alcoholic hepatitis, there would be inflammation of liver cells, which further interferes with liver functions, leading to complications such as jaundice, increased heart rate, thrombocytopenia (decrease in blood platelet count), hepatic encephalopathy, etc. This stage can be managed by a liver transplant with post-surgical permanent alcohol abstinence, immunosuppressive agents and nutrition therapy; however, a liver transplant is an option for patients at a very serious stage where there is no other option to survive. 

     

    Alcoholic cirrhosis is the most severe stage of alcoholic liver disease, where the liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue which interrupts liver normal functions, leading to jaundice, muscle wasting, weight loss, fatigue, etc . This condition can be managed with protein supplements, immunosuppressive agents and nutrition therapy. Liver transplants can be done in patients based on Child-Pugh or the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scoring system and who have severe complications despite alcohol abstinence.

  • How to reduce Fatty Liver?

    Fatty liver is a disease condition that occurs due to the deposition of fat in the liver tissues, leading to inflammation of the liver, resulting in normal steatosis, alcohol-induced liver disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver. 


    This condition can be reversed by following lifestyle modifications such as abstaining from alcohol, reducing weight by exercising regularly, consuming a diet rich in proteins and fibres, etc. A late diagnosis of the initial stages of fatty liver can lead to liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. This is an irreversible stage where pharmaceutical and surgical interventions such as liver resection or liver transplantation might cure fatty liver disease.

  • Is grade 1 fatty liver curable?

    Yes, grade 1 fatty liver, considered a mild condition or mild hepatic steatosis, can be cured if the patient consistently follows a proper hepatic steatosis diet and exercise regimen. No specific medications are available for treating grade 1 fatty liver. 


    However, grade 2 and grade 3 fatty liver are more severe forms of the condition and require appropriate medical treatment.  

  • How to check fatty liver disease?

    These are the following tests to check or identify fatty liver such as

    • Blood tests
    • Imaging procedures such as Magnetic resonance elastography, Transient elastography (Fibro scan), scan and  Ultrasound
    • Liver biopsy. 

  • What is the fastest way to cure a fatty liver?

    Fatty liver can be cured at a quicker pace when it is at initial stages. Making lifestyle modifications, adopting healthy habits such as regular exercise, a balanced hepatic steatosis diet, and weight management are essential in preventing and treating non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In alcoholic fatty liver disease, abstaining from alcohol can aid in curing alcoholic induce fatty liver .

  • Can fatty liver grade 2 be cured?

    Yes, it is curable, but it depends on early detection and severity of the disease; grade 2 fatty liver has moderate inflammation with a fat percentage of 34% to 66%; it becomes dangerous if it is not treated and progresses to grade 3, leading to severe complications, Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in curing it. 

  • How to reverse fatty liver?

    Fatty liver can be effectively reversed when detected early. Therefore, early detection is crucial for effective reversal, and the chances of recovery depend on the timing of disease identification. Maintaining weight by eating healthy food effectively prevents and reverses liver damage at early stages. The progression of fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can be slowed down, and, in some cases, certain aspects, such as steatosis (accumulation of fat) and early-stage fibrosis (scarring), can be reversed by achieving weight loss and effectively managing associated health conditions. 


  • Is alcoholic hepatic steatosis reversible?

    In individuals with alcohol-related fatty liver refraining from alcohol may reverse hepatic steatosis. The steatosis typically resolves within two weeks of discontinuing alcohol intake.


    Abstaining from alcohol is crucial for improving survival and is the fundamental aspect of long-term management in individuals with alcoholism and fatty liver .

  • Why is AST higher than ALT in alcoholic liver disease?

    ALT (alanine transaminase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) are liver enzymes that usually elevate when a liver abnormality occurs. However, in the case of alcohol-induced liver disease, there will be higher AST levels in comparison to ALT. This is due to AST mitochondrial damage, resulting in increased mAST in serum and B6 depletion in the liver, leading to a decrease in ALT levels.

  • How to detoxify fatty liver?

    It is possible to support liver detoxification by including the following foods in the diet:

    • Fatty fish and nuts containing omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and prevent fat accumulation.
    • Cruciferous vegetables and spices, particularly turmeric, aid in eliminating toxic compounds from the body.
    • Leafy greens are beneficial for managing weight, diabetes, and hypertension.
    • Having coffee helps reduce the risk of liver cancer.
    • Olive oil improves insulin sensitivity and helps reduce fat buildup in the liver.
    • Whole grains assist in lowering sugar storage in the liver.

  • Is milk good for fatty liver?

    Yes, the consumption of milk is good for fatty liver patients. Fatty liver (NAFLD) exhibits a strong association with metabolic abnormalities, such as insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Dairy protein, milk products, and whey protein (high in casein) may have the potential to lower metabolic disorders. 


    A study found that people aged 50 years and above who consumed more dairy protein had a lower chance of developing fatty liver (NAFLD) than those who consumed less dairy protein. 

  • What foods help to cure a fatty liver?

    Adopting hepatic steatosis diet practices which can have preventive and therapeutic effects. These include reducing overall caloric intake, increasing consumption of soy protein and whey protein, and incorporating supplements of monounsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, certain dietary components and lifestyle factors. These include choline-rich foods, coffee, green tea, fruits, vegetables, nuts, garlic, fish, olive oil, whole grains and moderate alcohol consumption. 

  • Is green tea good for fatty liver?

    Yes, green tea is good for reducing non-alcoholic liver disease. Green tea consists of flavonoids (an antioxidant) that help decrease oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. 


    As per a research study, consumption of green tea for 12 weeks has shown significant reductions in ALT (alanine transaminase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) levels.

  • How to treat fatty liver?

    There is no approved pharmaceutical treatment exists for fatty liver disease. The management of NAFLD should address the connected conditions of excess body weight, elevated blood lipid levels, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.

    With weight loss efforts and controlling comorbidities like diabetes and high blood pressure, the negative effects of NAFLD can be lowered and potentially improved. Reduction of alcohol consumption will help to decrease alcoholic fatty liver disease.

  • Is chicken good for fatty liver?

    Yes, consuming lean chicken is good for fatty liver. Fatty liver occurs due to increased consumption of saturated fats and low fibre and protein intake. Therefore, lean chicken will be a great source of protein insufficiency. 

  • What not to eat with fatty liver?

    In general, consuming a diet that is high in calories, particularly those derived from trans fats, saturated fats, cholesterol, and fructose-sweetened beverages, can contribute to the accumulation of fat around internal organs (visceral adiposity) and the buildup of fat in the liver, leading to the liver inflammation.


    The following are examples of foods to avoid with fatty liver such as red meat, processed meat, baked and fried foods, sodas, snack foods, full-fat cheese, and sweets. 

  • How to treat fatty liver during pregnancy?

    The only treatment for acute fatty liver during pregnancy is delivering the foetus, irrespective of gestational age, through normal or cesarian within 24 hours of diagnosis. This results in preventing hepatic complications and dysfunction. The foetal status, probability of success with labour induction and maternal coagulation status determines the mode of delivery.

  • Is a grade 2 fatty liver reversible?

    Yes. It is reversible. Although it must be understood that there’s no specific treatment or medications for this ailment. Instead risk factors must be managed which could include lifestyle changes such as alcohol cessation, maintenance of a healthy weight, exercising regularly. 

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