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7 Myths and truth about fatty liver (fat in the liver)

Anonim

Liver steatosis, also known as fat in the liver, is a common problem, which can arise at any stage of life, but which occurs mainly in people over 50 years of age.

In general, it does not cause symptoms and can have several causes, the most common of which are the consumption of excessive alcoholic beverages and metabolic changes, such as abdominal obesity, diabetes and insulin resistance, and, therefore, its treatment is done with changes in diet, physical activity and control of diseases such as diabetes and high cholesterol.

However, if left unchecked, or if it develops to an advanced degree, it can be serious and pose risks to the correct functioning of the liver. Below are the main doubts regarding this problem.

1. Is fat in the liver dangerous?

Yes, because, in general, it is silent, and if the proper care recommended by the doctor is not taken, it can evolve and cause more severe inflammation in the liver, which over the years increases the chances of developing cirrhosis and insufficiency of the organ.

2. Can thin people have liver fat?

Yes, this problem can arise even in thin people, especially those who do not eat healthy or have problems such as diabetes and high cholesterol.

In addition, losing too much weight quickly can also cause liver fat due to changes in metabolism, especially in people who have had stomach reduction surgery.

3. What are the causes of liver fat?

The main factors that increase the risk of developing liver fat are excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, high cholesterol, being over 50, malnutrition, use of medications such as glucocorticoids, and diseases of the liver, such as chronic hepatitis and Wilson's disease.

4. It is normal to have fat in the liver and not experience symptoms.

Truth. Usually this problem only causes symptoms in the more advanced stages, when the liver can no longer function properly. See the most common symptoms.

Thus, it is normal for a patient to discover this disease only when going for a blood test or ultrasound to assess other health problems.

5. There is no medicine to fight fat in the liver.

Truth. Generally, specific medications are not used to combat this problem, and their treatment is done with changes in diet, regular practice of physical activities, elimination of alcohol consumption, weight loss and control of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol.

6. I have fat in my liver, so I can't get pregnant.

Lie. Pregnancy is possible, however, it must be planned and monitored by the gastro physician or hepatologist. In the mildest degree, fat in the liver does not normally hinder pregnancy, as long as the woman follows a balanced diet.

However, there may be restrictions depending on the degree of the disease and the existence of other health problems, such as being overweight, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, making it necessary to talk to the doctor to treat the disease and reduce the risk of complications during this period.

In addition, it is possible to develop acute liver steatosis during pregnancy, a serious condition, which must be treated quickly.

7. Can children have fat in their liver?

Yes, especially children who have obesity and diabetes or a high risk of developing diabetes, because excess weight and blood sugar cause changes in metabolism that favor the accumulation of fat in the liver.

The main part of the treatment is food, so see what the diet for liver fat should look like.

7 Myths and truth about fatty liver (fat in the liver)