Fatty liver can disrupt the liver's ability to produce proteins essential for maintaining fluid balance in the body.
Fatty liver, also known as hepatic steatosis, is a common health condition characterised by the accumulation of excess fat in the liver cells. While the liver normally contains some fat, when it exceeds 5-10% of its weight, it can lead to fatty liver disease. One of the ways fatty liver manifests is through swelling or enlargement of certain body parts.
Fatty liver is primarily caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as a high-fat diet, sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, or certain medical conditions like diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The liver's ability to process fat becomes impaired, leading to its accumulation and potential enlargement.
"Recent study suggests Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (ALD) is responsible for around 50% of all chronic liver disease cases in India, while Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is estimated to affect up to 30% of the population," said Dr Krishanu Banik, Consultant-Gastroenterology, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, Kolkata.
An enlarged or distended abdomen, commonly referred to as a "pot belly," can be one of the most noticeable indicators of fatty liver. Excess fat accumulation in the liver can cause hepatomegaly, leading to an increase in abdominal size and discomfort.
Also read: Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Causes And Treatment
Fatty liver can disrupt the liver's ability to produce proteins essential for maintaining fluid balance in the body. As a result, fluid may accumulate in the lower extremities, leading to swollen legs and ankles.
As per a journal, fluid retention due to fatty liver can also manifest as puffy or swollen eyes, especially in the morning.
Detecting fatty liver in its early stages is crucial for preventing potential complications. If left untreated, fatty liver can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver fibrosis, and ultimately, cirrhosis, which is irreversible scarring of the liver. Early detection allows for lifestyle changes and medical interventions to halt or reverse the progression of the disease.
To diagnose fatty liver, doctors may use a combination of blood tests, imaging techniques like ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans, and liver biopsy if necessary. If fatty liver is detected, the primary focus of treatment is addressing the underlying causes, such as adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing associated conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Also read: Fatty Liver Disease: Expert Explains Risk Factors And Prevention Tips
Preventing fatty liver involves adopting a healthy lifestyle. This includes consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, limiting saturated fats and sugary foods, maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise, and moderating alcohol intake or avoiding it altogether.
Swelled body parts, particularly an enlarged abdomen, swollen legs, ankles, and puffy eyes, can serve as indicators of fatty liver.
Recognising these signs and seeking medical attention promptly can lead to successful intervention and lifestyle changes, helping to safeguard liver health and overall well-being. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, and adopting a healthy lifestyle is the key to a healthy liver and a healthier you.
All possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers’ discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.