Understanding Fatty Liver Disease

Posted on August 19th, 2025

We used to think of cirrhosis and fatty liver disease as diseases of alcoholics. However, in more recent years, Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has become the most common form of liver disease. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease occurs mainly in overweight and obese individuals who consume little or no alcohol. In nonalcoholic fatty liver disease too much fat builds up in the liver as a consequence of unhealthy diet.

In the United States, fatty liver disease affects an estimated 30% of the population. It is often called a "silent" condition, because most people don’t experience symptoms as the disease progresses. For this reason, we must be vigilant.

There are two main types of fatty liver disease:

• Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
• Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

While some people may feel fatigued or mild abdominal discomfort, many will have no symptoms as all. In more advanced cases, symptoms may include:

• A sensation of fullness in the upper abdomen
• Nausea
• Appetite loss
• Weight loss

NAFLD is particularly concerning because it increases the risk of liver cancer.

What Does the Liver Do?

The liver, the body's largest internal organ, performs many vital functions such as:

• Metabolism
• Digesting food
• Storing energy
• Filtering toxins from the blood – detoxification

A small amount of fat in the liver is normal, but when fat makes up 5–15% of its weight, it is classified as fatty liver disease.

Types of Fatty Liver Disease

1. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Occurs in people who consume little or no alcohol. It’s linked to:

• Obesity
• Insulin resistance
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood fats (especially triglycerides)

2. Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Risk increases with:

• More than 1 drink/day for women
• More than 2 drinks/day for men

Both types cause similar damage to the liver. There is NO amount of alcohol that is considered healthy (we used to think so, however, now we know better).

Common Symptoms

While many people with fatty liver disease have no symptoms, signs and symptoms may include:

• Fatigue or weakness
• Loss of appetite or nausea
• Pain or fullness in the upper right abdomen
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes)
• Abdominal or leg swelling
• Mental confusion (in severe cases)

Causes and Risk Factors

NAFLD and NASH (Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis) are associated with:

• Obesity or being overweight
• High blood sugar or insulin resistance
• High cholesterol or triglycerides
• Certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids, acetaminophen, some cancer drugs)
• Hepatitis C and other viral infections
• Rapid weight loss
• Toxin exposure
• Being middle-aged or older (though children also develop NAFLD)

Obesity is the most significant risk factor. It's estimated that:

• 2 in 3 obese adults – have fatty liver disease.
• 1 in 2 obese children - have fatty liver disease. The incidence of fatty liver disease among children is rising, with rates more than doubling in some cases.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Fatty liver is typically diagnosed through:

• Blood tests (elevated liver enzymes)
• Imaging (ultrasound, MRI)
• Sometimes, a liver biopsy

Treatment focuses on lifestyle changes:

• Weight loss: Aim to lose approximately 10 % of body weight over a year
• Manage blood sugar and cholesterol
• Eliminate alcohol
• Stop medications contributing to liver fat, when applicable

Currently, no medications are approved specifically for NAFLD or NASH. In severe cases, such as cirrhosis, a liver transplant may be required.

Health is a daily choice. Everything we do to improve our health keeps us away from the devastating symptoms and damage to our bodies.

Diet for Fatty Liver

Foods to Include:

• Healthy fats: Olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds
• Omega-3s: Fatty fish (salmon, sardines), flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts
• Spinach and asparagus helps to increase Glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that plays a vital role in detoxification.
• Antioxidants: Sunflower seeds, almonds
• Liver-supporting vegetables: Artichokes, arugula, dandelion greens
• Green tea: Rich in catechins, may aid weight loss

Dietary Approaches:

• Mediterranean diet: Rich in whole foods, healthy fats, and lean proteins
• Low-carb and low-fat variations: May improve insulin sensitivity and liver health
• Intermittent fasting: Emerging evidence supports metabolic benefits (consult your doctor)

Foods to Avoid:

• Alcohol and excessive caffeine
• Processed foods, sugar, refined grains or refined oils
• Non-organic produce heavily treated with pesticides
• Factory-farmed animal products
• Exposure to harmful chemicals and medication (endocrine disruptors, acetaminophen)

Supplements to support Liver Health

Always consult a healthcare provider before starting supplements.

Liver supporting supplements and foods:

• Vitamin E & C: Antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress
• Vitamin D: Supports metabolic and immune health
• Anthocyanins: Found in berries; combat fat accumulation
• Green tea extract: Helps to reduce fat absorption
• Garlic: Supports fat metabolism
• Ginger: Anti-inflammatory and supports glucose regulation
• Probiotics & Prebiotics: Improve gut health and reduce liver fat
• Cinnamon, Curcumin, and Quercetin: Help reduce inflammation and support metabolic health
• Specially formulated Liver Support Supplements such as:
• Liver GI Detox by Pure Encapsulations
• Liver Cleanse by Thorne

Here is a link to receive 20% off High-Quality Supplements

· https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/vitallife

Liver Detox

For some individuals, a medically supervised liver detox or cleanse may help support liver function particularly if there are underlying blood sugar issues and toxin exposure.

Risks and Complications

The major long-term risk of untreated fatty liver disease is cirrhosis, where healthy liver tissue turns into scar tissue.

Complications may include:

• Fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites)
• Esophageal vein rupture (life-threatening bleeding)
• Liver cancer
• Confusion
• End-stage liver failure (liver transplant)

Approximately 20% of people with NASH develop cirrhosis.

In Conclusion

Fatty liver disease is one of the fastest-growing health concerns in both adults and children. The good news? With early lifestyle changes—including diet, exercise, supplements, and professional medical guidance—it can often be reversed or slowed.

Your health is built one choice at a time. Start today with better nutrition, movement, and mindful choices.

For anyone in the state of Washington, we invite you to take the next step toward better liver health with our personalized Telemedicine Health Consultation. Our holistic, lifestyle-based approach will help you create a plan that works for your body.

👉 Contact us to Book your Telemedicine Appointment here – available exclusively to Washington residents.