The Facts on Fatty Liver
Fatty Liver is the most common chronic liver disease in the Western world and it is most commonly detected in people aged between 30 to 50.(1)
There are 2 types – Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). In both types, the cells of the liver become ‘Fatty’. Fatty Liver disease is potentially a reversible condition(2), however if left unmanaged it can lead to more severe liver disease.
NASH (Non Alcoholic Steatohepatitis) develops when alongside fat, inflammation of the Liver is more apparent and can progress to much more severe complications including scarring of the Liver. In its most severe forms of progression, cirrhosis and in some instances Liver failure can occur, meaning that this condition may lead to end-stage liver disease.(2) Fatty Liver also carries an increased risk of developing diabetes or becoming more prone to heart attack or stroke(3)
Symptoms sometimes include fatigue and pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen (namely, around the liver). In many cases there may be no strongly associated symptoms and specific testing is needed for diagnosis.
Investigations leading to confirmed diagnosis include:
- Standard testing via a GP
- Electrolyte/ Liver Function Test (E/LFT) This looks at liver enzymes, which may be raised in the presence of fatty liver but not in every case
- CRP (C-reactive protein) when elevated indicates inflammation present but is not specific to fatty liver
- Liver Ultrasound will detect the presence of fatty liver
- Liver Biopsy may be required in some cases to assess the extent of damage to the liver and rule out other pathologies
Risk Factors (1) (3) (4)
- Being overweight or obese
- Poor diet high in fructose
- Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, Insulin Resistance and/or Metabolic Syndrome
- Cardiovascular disease including high cholesterol
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Underactive thyroid
- Toxin exposure
- Alcohol intake
How Naturopathy Can help
The Liver has over 500 known functions.(5) Naturally, Naturopaths are aware of its vital role in good health and vitality.Fatty Liver Disease is potentially a reversible condition(2) and much can be done using a naturopathic approach to improve overall heath as well as Liver health specifically
A Naturopath can help to:
- open the dialogue to assist with consulting with your GP if FLD is suspected, including referral requesting your GP authorises specific tests or referral directly for tests (E/LFT and CRP) if required
- once the diagnosis is confirmed assist with questions and concerns
- give Nutrition advice with prescribed diet
- prescribe nutrients to treat deficiencies associated with poor liver function and where there may be increased demands for specific nutrients
- prescribe herbal medicines with clinical evidence to support their use specifically in the treatment of fatty liver
- support digestive health and improve liver function
- weight management
- prevention strategies to help to ensure that the condition does not worsen
- further investigations and/or co-management to ensure diabetes, insulin resistance, cardiovascular health, thyroid conditions and PCOS are also identified and if so, managed with tailored treatment
- support with alcohol cessation where required
- arrange for further functional testing if desired, these tests are only available privately via a naturopath to provide additional relevant information e.g. Liver Detoxification Profile
If you have Fatty Liver or suspect that you might, we encourage you to pursue better health and feel reassured, knowing that much can be done to achieve better health outcomes.
A BLOG by: JEN STRACHAN – Naturopath, Nutritionist & Medical Herbalist – Bachelor of Naturopathy, Full Member of Naturopaths & Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA), Yoga Teacher – Level 1, 350 Hours
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References:
- Hechtman, Leah (2012). Clinical naturopathic medicine (Revised ed). Elsevier Australia, Chatswood, N.S.W
- Liu ZL, Xie LZ, Zhu J, Li GQ, Grant SJ, Liu JP. Herbal medicines for fatty liver diseases. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 8. Art. No.: CD009059. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009059.pub2.
- https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0030/835635/gastro-nafld.pdf – https://www.health.qld.gov.au/global/copyright-statement
- https://www.gesa.org.au/resources/patients/fatty-liver-disease/ – http://cart.gesa.org.au/membes/files/Consumer%20Information/Fatty%20Liver.pdf
- Weatherby, Dicken (2004). Signs and Symptoms Analysis from a Functional Perspective. Weatherby & Associates, LLC
