Fatty liver symptoms: 4 digestive problems that may signal advanced stages of fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to a range of conditions caused by a build-up of fat in the liver. People who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of NAFLD. The condition gradually progresses and often there aren't any apparent signs to spot the condition during early stages.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis refers to a form of NAFLD – in which the liver is inflamed and damaged due to excess fat cells.

NASH often remains silent and may lead to digestive complications in the advanced stages of fatty liver disease, when up to 75 percent of the liver is functionally inactive, according to health experts. Following are some of the digestive complications to note:

According to the World Journal of Gastroenterology, up to 80 percent of patients with cirrhosis report one or more gastrointestinal symptoms.

“The most common GI symptoms reported include abdominal bloating in 49.5 percent of patients,” noted one body of research published in the journal. Bloating may happen due to a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity. If left untreated, this fluid buildup can lead to abdominal infections.

Read more: Vitamin B12 deficiency reduces RBCs, affects nervous system: Know what are the symptoms associated with it

Most patients with NAFLD are asymptomatic or have vague upper abdominal pain. It is usually a dull or aching pain. Along with abdominal pain, they may also experience nausea and loss of appetite.

Read more: Common cancers that target women

A 2014 research titled 'Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease increases risk for gastroesophageal reflux symptoms' found a positive association between NAFLD and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) signs such as heartburn, regurgitation (when a mixture of gastric juices and sometimes undigested food rises back up the esophagus and into the mouth) and belching.

You may experience a feeling of fullness in the upper right side of the abdomen, along with having trouble digesting and eliminating food. If you experience any of the above mentioned two or more symptoms in conjunction with each other, it is advised to see your doctor. If treatment is delayed, it can lead to further complications like malnutrition and gastric bleeding.

-Choose a healthy plant-based diet -- rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.

-Maintain a healthy weight by exercising regularly and eating a healthy, low-calorie diet.

-Exercise most days of the week. On days you cannot workout, try to increase your step count by going for a walk.

NAFLD is common in people who have obesity and type 2 diabetes. According to studies, one-third to two-thirds of people with type 2 diabetes have NAFLD. Other risk factors include high cholesterol, polycystic ovary syndrome, sleep apnea, underactive thyroid and underactive pituitary gland.

Even though there are many signs related to your digestive health, some signs may reflect in other parts of your body. This includes fatigue, enlarged blood vessels just beneath the skin's surface, red palms and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).

Treatment usually involves following a healthy diet and exercise. Weight loss can help in improvement of risk factors associated with NAFLD. Those who have liver cirrhosis due to NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis), may require liver transplantation.

Alcoholic fatty liver disease can happen from drinking too much alcohol. When you drink alcohol, your liver breaks down most of it, in order to remove it from your body. However, this process can generate harmful substances, which can damage your liver cells, promote liver inflammation, and also weaken your body's natural defenses.

Read more: Pancreatic cancer rising among women; know the symptoms you must never ignore