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Digestive Health
Question #16358
3 days ago
14

fatty liver reason - #16358

Aisha

I am really worried about my health because I just got diagnosed with fatty liver. My doctor said it's kinda common these days but didn't really explain the fatty liver reason, which left me kinda confused. What's strange is I've never really had issues with my weight, and I eat what I thought was a pretty normal diet. I mean, sure, I indulge in pizza and burgers occasionally, but who doesn’t? Anyway, I've been feeling more fatigued than usual and also having this weird discomfort in my upper abdomen. Like, sometimes it just feels heavy. I read a bit online about fatty liver reason but it feels like everyone has a different take. I also learned that it could be related to alcohol or diabetes, but I’m not a drinker and my blood sugar was normal last time I checked. Just feels scary that keeping an eye on fatty liver reason seems so crucial now! I really want to get to the bottom of it... like, could it be because of stress or something? Or maybe genetics? I'm also curious if there are specific lifestyle changes other than diet to help with this situation? Any insights on fatty liver reason and how to deal with it would help a lot!

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Doctors’ responses

Fatty liver, or hepatic steatosis, is indeed increasingly common and can be caused by a range of factors beyond just obesity or an unhealthy diet. In your case, since you’re not overweight and eat a relatively normal diet, it’s important to consider other contributing elements. The condition can arise from a sedentary lifestyle, insulin resistance, certain medications, genetic predisposition, or even due to an imbalance in gut microbiota. While less common, stress and hormonal imbalances can also play a role. It’s good that you’ve checked your blood sugar; however, keep in mind that insulin resistance can be present even if blood glucose levels appear normal. You mentioned not being a drinker, which rules out alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD), leaving non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as a possibility. This type is more linked to metabolic factors. To manage this, lifestyle changes are key. Even if you’re not overweight, engaging in regular physical activity can help reduce fat accumulation in the liver. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise a week, like brisk walking or cycling, which can improve liver health. Alongside, consider incorporating foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids into your diet—they support liver function. Avoid high fructose corn syrup often found in sodas and processed foods, which can exacerbate liver fat accumulation. Keep an eye on how your body’s reacting by monitoring liver function tests and ultrasound scans periodically, as advised by your healthcare provider. Also, discussing with your doctor whether any medication you’re on might impact liver health could provide additional insight. Genetics can indeed influence NAFLD’s development, contributing to the variability in its prevalence and progression. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques like yoga or meditation may offset some indirect effects stress could have on your liver health. If symptoms persist, or you experience significant discomfort or fatigue, further evaluation by a specialist may be required to rule out more serious liver conditions.

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