Fatty Liver Disease in Northwest Arkansas
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Find a ProviderWhat is fatty liver disease?
There are two primary categories of fatty liver disease (FLD, also called hepatic steatosis): alcoholic FLD and non-alcoholic FLD. Fatty liver disease is a condition in which fat develops to an unhealthy degree in the liver's cells. This may create liver inflammation, otherwise known as hepatitis, which might, in turn, advance to scarring and permanent damage. If the intensity of the condition advances, or if it's left untreated, fatty liver disease can progress to hepatic cirrhosis and eventually liver failure.
It is important to notice the symptoms your body is conveying to you and connect with a GI specialist at GI Alliance of Arkansas. Our expert doctors offer individualized care for fatty liver disease in Arkansas.
What are the symptoms of fatty liver disease?
Hepatic steatosis may often manifest in the body with zero apparent symptoms. Some of the symptoms that could appear, however, might include:
- Red palms
- Enlarged breasts in men
- Oversized blood vessels just below the skin’s surface
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Fatigue
- Abdominal enlargement and swelling in the legs
- Expanded liver
- Discomfort in the upper right abdomen
- Feeling full in the center or top right side of the abdomen
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Nausea
What are the causes of FLD?
There are several classifications of liver disease in Arkansas patients, with non-alcoholic and alcoholic FLD being the two major forms. The causes of the non-alcoholic conditions are not well-known, but they are associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, hyperglycemia, and enhanced levels of triglycerides in the blood. Alcoholic FLD is triggered by consuming excessive alcohol.
How is fatty liver disease addressed?
Treatments for FLD differ based on the category of the hepatic steatosis and how much scarring is present in the liver. Often, the liver is not at a crucial state and remains performing as normal. However, if treatment is appropriate, your GI physician at GI Alliance of Arkansas might advise the following:
- Liver transplant
- Reducing weight
- Minimizing alcohol use (if alcoholic fatty liver disease is present)
- Hepatitis A and B vaccinations
What is the difference between NAFLD and alcoholic steatohepatitis?
Both non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic fatty liver have the potential to progress to cirrhosis and possibly liver failure if not treated. The principal variation among the two is that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is usually associated with overweight people and those with diabetes. Alcoholic fatty liver disease is exclusively connected to excessive alcohol intake.
Find effective treatment for fatty liver disease
There are treatment options available for patients living with fatty liver disease in Arkansas. Our network of gastroenterologists aims to offer patient-centric care that meets the highest medical criteria. If you think or have been diagnosed with this serious condition, schedule an appointment with our gastrointestinal specialists and entrust your treatment to GI Alliance of Arkansas.
Fatty Liver Disease FAQs
What foods should you avoid if you have fatty liver disease?
If you have been diagnosed with or suspect you could have fatty liver disease, you’re likely interested in embarking on a new wellness journey. Common foods and beverages you may want to cut from your diet if you have fatty liver disease include:
- Fried foods
- Red meat (beef, pork, and others)
- Sugary foods and drinks (like candies, cake and cookies, soda and juices, and others)
- White flour (for example, white bread, white pasta, and white rice)
- Foods high in sodium
- Alcoholic beverages
What foods are ideal to eat if you have fatty liver disease?
Those with fatty liver disease often consider following the “Mediterranean diet.” The Mediterranean diet includes a lot of fruits and veggies, whole grains (such as oats, brown rice, and barley), lean meats (such as chicken, turkey, and fish), various nuts, and healthy fats (including avocados, peanut butter, olive oil, and more). Your gastroenterologist at GI Alliance of Arkansas can help you determine if a change in diet is ideal for your health.
Is there a way to prevent fatty liver disease?
We suggest that patients concentrate on nurturing their long-term health, which, in turn, may help avoid the development of fatty liver disease. Losing weight (if overweight), exercising regularly, consuming a wholesome diet, and minimizing alcohol consumption can lessen the risk of fatty liver disease.
What questions should you ask your gastroenterologist if you are diagnosed with fatty liver disease?
If you are diagnosed with fatty liver disease, it’s normal to have questions and/or worries. A few questions to discuss with your GI provider might include:
- Will I need to lose weight to improve the health of my liver?
- How damaged is my liver?
- Can the damage to my liver be reversed?
- Are any of my daily medications possibly impacting my fatty liver disease?
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