Difference between Fatty Liver and a Healthy Liver
It is not confined to adults or alcoholics; more youngsters are affected by fatty liver.
A fatty liver is often diagnosed at advanced stages.
It does not show visible symptoms at early stages.
Healthy liver versus Fatty liver-
A healthy liver contains minimal fat.
A fatty liver is accompanied by high fat build-ups, involving at least 5% of liver cells.
A healthy liver processes fats/fatty acids and synthesizes triglycerides.
The triglycerides are exported into the bloodstream as VLDL (very low-density lipoproteins).
These are utilized to supply and store energy.
The fatty liver is unable to export or process fat molecules, causing their accumulation in the liver.
How does a healthy liver get converted to a fatty liver?
It is caused by an imbalance between the fat influx and efflux in the liver.
The risk factors include-
- Diet (excess fat and carbohydrate supply) –
A diet rich in carbohydrates and ultra-processed food causes an increase in fat content and sugars.
- Obesity –
People with excessive body weight and fat constantly release fatty acids into the bloodstream.
- Insulin resistance-
It reduces the body’s response to insulin, increasing the release of fatty acids into the bloodstream.
- Alcohol – It alters fat breakdown in the body. It may lead to over-accumulation.
What may be the early warning signs of fatty liver?
- Persistent fatigue
- Dull pain or feeling of fullness in the upper right side of the abdomen
- General weakness
The signs that may indicate advanced liver disease:
- Jaundice
- Dark urine
- Pale stool
- Easy bleeding
- Swelling of the abdomen or legs
- Confusion or memory issues
- Warm-red palms
How to treat fatty liver?
Fatty liver can be managed or reversed depending on the severity of the condition.
The common measures include:
- Managing weight
- Balancing diet
- Regular exercise
- Managing chronic health conditions
Can ursodeoxycholic acid be helpful in fatty liver disease?
UDCA is not an established treatment for fatty liver.
It is a hydrophilic bile acid.
It is used to treat cholestatic liver disease or biliary conditions.
It alters the composition of the toxic bile pool in the liver and stimulates bile flow.
At Aprazer Healthcare, we manufacture a wide range of gastroenterology medicines.
We are a generic drug manufacturer and exporter, supplying drugs globally.
Focused on hepatobiliary care, our portfolio includes medicines for liver and gastric care.
Our flagship products include –
Udikast – Ursodeoxycholic acid
It is used to dissolve cholesterol gallstones or treat cholestatic liver disease.
Mesalzer – Mesalamine
It is an anti-inflammatory medicine.
It is used to treat mild to moderate IBD and ulcerative colitis.