What is Fatty Liver? Debunking 5 Myths About Fatty Liver

The liver, one of the largest internal organs in our body is also one of the most important and delicate organs. Right from filtering toxins to producing bile and transforming carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, and vitamins, the liver performs all the vital functions of our body. This is why our wrong lifestyle habits too can cause consequences that may damage our liver.

Fatty liver is one such condition that can either cause liver failure or permanent liver damage, especially if not timely diagnosed or treated. And, as its name suggests, fatty liver is a condition in which excess fat builds up in the liver.

Here are some myths about fatty liver you shouldn’t believe:

Myth #1: Alcoholics do not suffer from fatty liver

Fact: Alcoholic beverages contain toxins that can cause serious damage to the liver cells.

That said, alcohol is only one of the many causes of fatty liver. Other potential causes include:

• Consumption of a high-fat, high-sugar diet

• Obesity

• Insulin resistance

• Family history of fatty liver illness

Myth #2: Fatty liver is not a serious condition

Fact: Fatty liver is a complex condition that may even lead to a wide range of metabolic problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, renal disease, sleep apnea, liver cancer, etc.

Myth #3: Fatty liver is irreversible

Fact: Alcohol-induced fatty liver can be reversed, especially if the person stops drinking. Because the liver has a remarkable ability to self-heal, certain lifestyle modifications such as weight reduction, regular exercise, consuming a healthy diet and control of blood sugar, etc., can make a big difference in reversing the damage caused to the liver.

Myth #4: The fatty liver can’t be diagnosed

Fact: Tests that are commonly used to diagnose fatty liver include blood tests such as liver function tests (LFT) that measure inflammation of the liver. Also, imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomographic (CT) scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to diagnose the condition.

Myth #5: Only obese people have fatty liver

Fact: While obese people are at greater risk for fatty liver disease, even lean persons can have fatty liver.