What are the Grades of Fatty Liver?
What is Fatty Liver?
Fatty Liver, also called Hepatic Steatosis, is a condition in which there is an excess fat buildup on the liver. These deposits interfere with the normal functioning of the liver and slow down the production of insulin or bile needed for the body. In extreme cases, your liver can undergo permanent scarring and, eventually, liver failure, leading to a life-threatening and irreversible condition called Liver Cirrhosis.
What are the Two Types of Fatty Liver Disease?
There are two types of Fatty Liver disease -Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver and Alcoholic Fatty Liver disease.
1. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFD):
This is a condition in which fatty liver doesn’t happen because of alcohol. NAFD can be of two types – Simple Fatty Liver, in which the fat accumulation is harmless and Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), in which the Liver inflammation can lead to Cirrhosis or Cancer.
2. Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease:
This condition is also called Alcoholic steatohepatitis, in which the primary reason for Fatty Liver is the consumption of excessive alcohol. In the process of breaking down the alcohol in the body, toxic substances are released, which damage the liver cells and cause inflammation.
What are the Grades of Fatty Liver?
Fatty Liver disease has four different grades or stages, which are associated with different symptoms and risks.
1. Grade 1 (Steatosis):
This is called a Simple Fatty Liver, in which the excess fat cells cover the liver, but pose no harm.
2. Grade 2 (NASH):
This is a slightly dangerous condition in which inflammation is noticed in the liver. However, this can be cured in the early stage, and as the stage progresses, it might be irreversible. Patients with Grade 2 Fatty Liver may experience dull pain on the right side of their abdomen.
3. Grade 3 (Fibrosis):
In this stage, some of the healthy liver tissues are replaced with fibrous tissue that can lead to partial functioning of the organ.
4. Grade 4 (Cirrhosis):
This is a dangerous stage in which the size of the liver shrinks and is filled with clumps of liver cells. This irreversible stage progresses into complete liver failure over a period of time.
How Do You Identify Fatty Liver?
Fatty Liver is diagnosed with physical screening tests and blood check-ups. Previous medical history is also taken into consideration. While many patients with Simple Fatty Liver may not have any symptoms, in advanced stages, this condition can pose certain health complications like:
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Jaundice
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Ascites and Edema
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Severe Pain
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Hepatitis
Is Fatty Liver Risky?
A Simple Fatty Liver in its early stages is benign and may not pose major risks. However, advanced Fatty Liver can pose serious health risks, including:
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Diabetes.
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Jaundice.
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Gastrointestinal Bleeding.
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Liver Cirrhosis.
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The Liver failure.
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Liver cancer.
Extreme causes of Liver Cirrhosis is quite dangerous and can ultimately lead to death.
Top 9 Effective Home Remedies for Fatty Liver:
There are many natural remedies for fatty liver that use simple, everyday ingredients. Following them, along with the prescribed medication, can bring in positive outcomes and speed up the results of your treatment:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the best home remedies to cure fatty liver, thanks to its amazing detoxification properties. ACV works by flushing out the harmful toxins from your liver, which disrupt its functioning. A study reveals that Apple Cider Vinegar can cause weight loss and a significant reduction in the lipid profile levels in the blood. It can also reduce inflammation and promotes the overall health of the liver.
What You Need:
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Apple Cider Vinegar – 1tbsp.
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Warm water – 1 Cup.
How To Take:
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Add ACV to a cup of warm water.
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Drink it every day in the morning.
Precautions:
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Too much ACV can lead to stomach burns. Careful with the quantity!
2. Lemon:
Lemon is another best natural remedy for alcoholic Fatty Liver. A study has revealed astonishing benefits of lemon for reducing the harmful effects of this disease. It is known that lemon has a hepatoprotective impact on the alcohol-induced fatty liver and helps in bringing down the lipid profile levels. Also, it is rich in Vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that can prevent free radical damage to the liver cells.
What You Need:
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Lemon – Half.
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Water – 1 Cup.
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Honey – 1 tbsp (Optional).
How To Make:
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Extract the juice of half a lime.
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Add some water and honey.
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For best benefits, drink it early in the morning.
Side Effects:
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Lemon juice may cause acidity. So, if you have a sensitive stomach, stay away from it!
3. Turmeric:
Turmeric is one of the best Indian home remedies for fatty liver. It contains a chemical called Curcumin which can protect liver cells from NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease) when taken in recommended doses . The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of this ingredient can bring down the inflammation of liver cells and prevent oxidative stress by combating free radicals.
What You Need:
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Turmeric – 1 Pinch.
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Water – 1 Glass.
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Lemon – 1 tbsp (Optional).
How To Make:
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Boil some water and add a pinch of Turmeric.
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You can even a dash of lemon juice.
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Serve it warm.
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Consume it first thing in the morning for best results.
Side Effects:
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Turmeric can cause overheating in the body and lead to boils. Do not consume in excess.
4. Indian Gooseberry:
Indian Gooseberry or Amla is the best Ayurvedic remedy for fatty liver. Being a rich source of Vitamin C, antioxidant fruit helps in cleansing the liver of toxins and protects it from further damage. According to a study, Amla contains a photochemical called Quercetinm which can reduce oxidative stress on the liver cells and protect the organ from alcohol-induced fatty liver disease . Amla also has many enzymes that can curb fat cells and promoting better digestion.
What You Need:
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Amla – 2 or 3 Medium Sized.
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Water – 1 Glass.
How To Take:
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Cut Amla into small pieces and discard the seeds.
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Blend them with some water and extract the juice.
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Dilute this juice in one glass of warm water.
Side Effects:
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Excessive intake of Amla can lead to acidity and stomach disorders.
5. Cinnamon:
Cinnamon is one of the most effective natural remedies for fatty liver disease. A research was conducted to prove the efficacy of Cinnamon, in which 1.5 gms of this spice was given to patients for 12 weeks, who have shown reduced insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia (too many lipids in the blood). The strong anti-inflammatory properties of this agent bring down the inflammation of the liver caused due to excess alcohol consumption.
What You Need:
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Cinnamon Sticks – 2 or 3.
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Water – 1 Glass.
How To Take:
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Add a few Cinnamon sticks to boiling water.
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Wait for 2-3 minutes and strain the liquid.
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Serve it hot and drink this tea early in the morning for the best benefits.
Side Effects:
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Cinnamon can cause the burning sensation when had in excess.
6. Milk Thistle:
One of the herbal home remedies for treating fatty liver is Milk Thistle. Also called Silymarin, this herb has Hepatoprotective effects which benefits patients sufferings from the condition. A 2014 study suggests that Milk thistle can inhibit free radicals that lead to toxicity with its powerful antioxidants and flavonoids. Also, Milk Thistle helps in the production of enzymes that detox the liver. However, you must take the advice of a doctor before consuming it.
NOTE: Milk Thistle is available in the form of capsules and powder. Use as recommended by an expert.
7. Flax Seeds:
Flax seeds are not only good for digestion but also offer protection from fatty liver. According to a study, Flax seeds have shown improvement in patients suffering from NAFLD by reducing weight, blood lipid levels, insulin resistance and inflammatory tissues. Also, Flax seeds are a rich source of fatty acids that combat oxidative stress on cells and lower hepatic damage. No wonder why it is considered as one of the best home remedies for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
How To Take:
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Flax seeds can be consumed in the form of powder or whole seeds.
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You can have them with water or sprinkle some on your salads for enhancing taste and health benefits.
8. Green Tea:
Green tea is a healthy beverage and also the best natural cure for fatty liver. According to a study, green tea was found to be effective in reducing liver enzymes and inflammation in the organ, when combined with other supplements. Experts attribute this to the high amount of polyphenols and flavonoids in green tea, which reduce oxidative stress and overall fat content in the body.
What You Need:
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Green Tea – 1 bag.
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Water – 1 Cup.
How To Make:
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Boil 1 cup of water
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Dip a green tea bag and let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
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Remove the bag and consume the liquid while it is hot.
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You can add some lemon or honey for taste and added benefits.
Caution: Limit your intake to just 2-3 cups per day, as the excess amount can lead to gastrointestinal problems.
9. Dandelion Tea:
Dandelion is a commonly found garden weed that has yellow flowers. Recent studies show that Dandelion tea can treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease induced by a high-fat diet. This is because Dandelions contain powerful bioactive compounds that can lower cholesterol levels in the body. Also, certain antioxidants like betacarotene present in this agent can reduce cell damage. Other studies reveal that dandelion has anti-inflammatory chemicals which can reduce inflammation in the liver. This is why it is considered to be one of the home remedies to reduce fatty liver.
