Fatty Liver
Recent surveys have
shown fatty liver to be much more common than previously recognized. It affects
about 23% of adult Americans and is the frequent cause of abnormal liver blood
tests in the US. It can develop into more advanced liver diseases, such as
inflammation (hepatitis), fibrosis, and cirrhosis. 90% of obese subjects were
found to have a fatty liver and 16% had fibrosis and cirrhosis (Braillon, 1985).
This usually silent liver condition sneaks up and cause life-threatening health
problems years down the line.
Miami Holistic Center offers the following comprehensive support program
for Fatty Liver:
3. Nutritional Supplementation
4. Healing Foods Consultations
5. Acupuncture
Almost all the
organs of the body contain some fat. A normal liver contains about 5% fat. When
the amount of fat (lipids) in the liver exceeds 10%, healthy liver cells are
replaced by fat cells. This condition is known as "Fatty Liver," which causes
squeezing of the blood, lymph vessels, and bile ducts, and enlarging the liver.
Known causes of fatty liver are alcohol consumption, obesity, diabetes,
chemicals, drugs, malnutrition, and Vitamin A toxicity (The Merck Manual).
The rest of the liver is made up of cells called hepatocytes. The rupturing of
fat hepatocytes can produce inflammation. This leads to the death of liver cells
and the formation of fatty cysts and/or scar tissue. The progression goes from:
fatty liver, inflammation, and chaos in microcirculation, cell death, scar
tissue, and finally to liver failure.
The liver is the main organ responsible for fat metabolism, glycogen storage for
energy, and formation of new cells. If the amount of fat exceeds what the body
requires, the fat accumulates in the liver. If the amount of carbohydrates
exceeds what the body requires, the excess is converted into fat, which then
also accumulates in the liver. The prevalence of fatty liver is the result of a
diet high in sugar, animal fats, and alcohol, as well as a sedentary life style.
Fatty liver occurs in alcoholics (see ''Alcoholic Liver Disorders") and in
non-drinkers. Until recently, it was believed that in non-alcoholics, a fatty
liver was a consequence of being overweight or diabetic. However, new scientific
studies have identified it as a separate disease with potentially serious
consequences. It is now believed that 10-20% of non-drinkers that have a fatty
liver will develop cirrhosis.
As the function of the liver is impaired, several conditions can occur:
• Toxic body: due to decreased cleansing and detoxification.
• Diabetes: due to reduced formation and storage of glycogen.
• Gastrointestinal disorders: due to slowed bile formation and secretion.
A person with a fatty liver does not necessarily seem ill. In fact, commonly
there are no symptoms. It can be present even when there is no evidence of
abnormalities on physical examination. Fat accumulation is a gradual process
that occurs over many years. Eventually, the liver becomes enlarged and can
cause a vague discomfort in the right upper abdomen. Severe fatty infiltration
of the liver can result in symptoms of weakness, anorexia, nausea, and abdominal
discomfort.
It is most important to treat the condition before it can progress into
a more serious form.
To begin undergoing services at Miami Holistic Center for fatty liver
support, please select one of the following options:
• Telephone consultation. (786)306-8009
•
Request
Appointment Online for Office Consult