Fatty liver is a condition in which the liver accumulates excess fat, most commonly due to an unhealthy lifestyle. It is important to note that fatty liver can be either alcoholic or non-alcoholic in nature.
Alcoholic fatty liver is caused by excessive alcohol consumption. The liver is responsible for breaking down and removing toxins from the body, including alcohol. When the body is exposed to more alcohol than it can handle, the liver is unable to break down all of the toxins and fat accumulates in the liver. Over time, this accumulation of fat can cause inflammation and lead to scarring of the liver, a condition known as cirrhosis.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is caused by an accumulation of fat in the liver due to other factors, such as an unhealthy diet, obesity, and certain medications. While the exact cause of NAFLD is still unknown, it is believed to be due to an imbalance between the amount of fat the body stores and the amount of fat the body breaks down.
In both cases, fatty liver is a potentially serious condition that can lead to further health complications. If left untreated, it can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, and even liver cancer. It is important to talk to your doctor if you have symptoms of fatty liver, such as unexplained fatigue, abdominal pain, or yellowing of the skin and eyes. Treatment for fatty liver will depend on the underlying cause, but in general, lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol consumption, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly can help improve liver health.