5 ways to check Fatty Liver at home, according to Harvard trained Gastroenterologist

Fatty liver disease develops when fat accumulates in the liver tissue, without producing noticeable symptoms during its initial stages. Early detection of this condition at home, enables people to stop serious health problems from developing. Saurabh Sethi MD Gastroenterologist, trained at Harvard and Stanford, reveals these 5 signs of Fatty liver that someone can check at home..

According to Dr Sethi, the first sign of fatty liver disease manifests through unexplained weight gain in the abdominal area, which does not correspond to changes in total body weight. The accumulation of fat in the liver causes midsection weight gain, which leads to insulin resistance, because the liver fails to handle fats correctly. The liver functions as the body's fat metabolism center, so when it becomes overloaded with fat, it starts to store fat in the abdominal area. A growing waistline without changes in diet or exercise habits, requires medical evaluation for liver health assessment.

The condition of fatty liver disease often starts with persistent tiredness that continues even after getting enough sleep. The liver functions as the body's energy metabolism center, but fat accumulation in this organ reduces its ability to deliver energy to the body. The liver experiences chronic fatigue which doctors often miss, because it indicates poor toxin removal and liver stress. Fatigue caused by fatty liver disease persists beyond rest periods, so patients should monitor their ongoing tiredness as a possible sign of liver strain.

The liver exists beneath the right rib cage, so fatty liver inflammation or swelling produces a dull ache or discomfort in this specific region. The discomfort from this condition produces a dull sensation, which creates pressure or fullness, but does not produce stabbing or sharp pain. The discomfort becomes more pronounced after eating, or engaging in physical activities. The presence of persistent discomfort indicates that the liver has become enlarged and inflamed because of fat accumulation, while losing its operational efficiency. The combination of this symptom with other indicators, will help doctors identify fatty liver disease during its early stages.See More: Early fatty liver warning signs you can detect at home: 5 key symptoms, myths, and lifestyle tips from a Harvard-trained doctor​

The liver exists beneath the right rib cage, so fatty liver inflammation or swelling produces a dull ache or discomfort in this specific region. The discomfort from this condition produces a dull sensation, which creates pressure or fullness, but does not produce stabbing or sharp pain. The discomfort becomes more pronounced after eating, or engaging in physical activities. The presence of persistent discomfort indicates that the liver has become enlarged and inflamed because of fat accumulation, while losing its operational efficiency. The combination of this symptom with other indicators, will help doctors identify fatty liver disease during its early stages.

Skin and hair changes

A fatty liver disease produces noticeable effects on the body's exterior through its impact on skin and hair appearance. The following symptoms appear when a person has a fatty liver:

Dryness and discoloration along with itchy skin

Acne or unusual rashes

The skin and eyes develop a yellowish discoloration, which becomes visible in advanced stages of the disease.

The condition leads to hair thinning and hair loss.

The liver's inability to remove toxins and regulate hormones properly, leads to these noticeable changes in skin and hair health. The accumulation of toxins in the body, leads to skin inflammation and causes patients to experience itching. The body develops yellow discoloration when bile processing becomes impaired. When liver problems occur without other apparent reasons, patients should investigate new skin issues and hair loss. as potential indicators of liver damage.

The digestive system shows signs of fatty liver disease through nausea, and decreased appetite. The liver's digestion support function deteriorates when fat accumulates in the liver, which results in stomach discomfort and nausea following light meals. People with fatty liver disease experience loss of appetite and nausea, without showing other stomach problems. The liver's impaired function in nutrient processing and toxin elimination, leads to these delicate symptoms. Medical evaluation for liver health becomes necessary, when patients experience unexplained loss of appetite, or recurring mild nausea together with other warning signs.

However, Dr Sethi is quick to point out that it is not only fat that causes fatty liver. He says, “High fructose foods and poor-quality oils are the real offenders, while healthy fats like olive oil, avocados, and nuts actually support liver health. ” This occurs because the body uses these beneficial fats to fight inflammation, while obtaining vital substances needed for liver recovery. The prevention and treatment of fatty liver requires people to select healthy fats instead of processed oils while controlling their consumption of sugary foods.

Liver health is extremely important

Even though fatty liver is fairly common, it is a serious medical condition that can lead to many compications. So, make sure you keep it under control

Exercise is not just great for how you look from the outside, but also how you feel from the inside

Keep your liver healthy through a good diet and exercise

Adapting healthy habits, like eating nutrients-rich diets, exercising, 8 to 9 hours of sleep, is the first step towards healthy living. A balanced diet low in refined sugars and saturated fats can help reduce fat buildup in the liver. Including fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports liver health and weight management.

Keep your liver healthy by taking good care of it

Keep your liver healthy by following a healthy diet

Our bodies are an intricate system, that needs fuel in the form of nutritious food to work properly. Hence, what goes inside has to play a great role in our overall health and especially essential organs such as liver.