FATTY LIVER

Introduction:

Fatty liver disease (FLD), also known as hepatic steatosis and steatotic liver disease (SLD), is a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver. Often there are no or few symptoms. Occasionally there may be tiredness or pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. Complications may include liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and esophageal varices

Types:

Simple fatty liver :

Simple fatty liver, in which fat deposited in the liver but little or no inflammation or liver cell damage occurs. It does not enough to cause liver damage or complications.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition in which inflammation and liver cell damage and fat deposition are seen in the liver. This can cause fibrosis, or scarring of the liver. leading to cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Alcoholic fatty liver disease, also called as alcoholic steatohepatitis

Alcoholic fatty liver disease occurs due to heavy alcohol use. Liver metabolizes most of the alcohol content. But the process of breaking it down can generate harmful substances. These substances can damage liver cells, promote inflammation, and weaken the body’s natural defenses. Alcoholic fatty liver disease is the earliest stage of alcohol-related liver disease. The next stages are alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP)

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver during pregnancy. It is a rare but serious pregnancy complication. The exact cause is unknown, although genetics may be a reason. When AFLP develops, it usually appears in the third trimester of pregnancy. If left untreated, it poses serious health risks to the mother and child.

Stages:

Fatty liver can progress through four stages:

Simple fatty liver: There is a buildup of excess fat in the liver. Simple fatty liver is largely harmless if it does not progress.

Steatohepatitis: In addition to excess fat, there is also inflammation in the liver.

Fibrosis: Persistent inflammation in the liver causes scarring. However, the liver can still generally function normally.

Cirrhosis: If scarring of the liver becomes widespread, impairing the liver’s ability to function then it is irreversible and it is the most severe stage

Grades:

Based on the deposition of the fat in the liver cells, can be graded as follows:

Grade 1 fatty liver: It is also called mild fatty liver or mild hepatic steatosis, where the fat deposition is up to 5%-33%.

Grade 2 fatty liver: It is a moderate stage of fatty liver condition where there will be 34% to 66% of fat accumulation.

Grade 3 fatty liver: It is a severe stage of fatty liver where there will be more than 66% of fat accumulation in the liver.

Signs and symptoms:

Abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Yellow discolouration of skin and eyes
Easy bruising or bleeding
Dark coloured urine
Pale stools
Fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites)
Swelling (edema) of legs
Web-like clusters of blood vessels under the skin
Breast enlargement in men
Confusion

Risk factors:

Obesity
High-fat diet
High alcohol intake
Diabetes mellitus

Complications:

Hepatic encephalopathy
Liver cancer
Portal hypertension
Internal bleeding
Hepatorenal syndrome

Treatment protocol:

Yoga therapy

Asanas:

Surya namaskara, bhujangasana, shalabhasana, setu bandhasana, pawanmuktasana, mandukasana, shashankasana, paschimottanasana, naukasana, gomukhasana, ardha matsyendrasana and dhanurasana

Pranayama:

Kapalbhati pranayama

Mudras:

Apana mudra and musti mudra

Acupuncture:

ST-40, ST-36, SP-6, SP-9, SP-4, LIV-13, LIV-14, GB-26, GB-24, UB-20

Hydrotherapy:

Hip bath, enema, foot bath and full immersion bath help to cleanse the liver. Cold abdominal pack helps to reduce the inflammation. Gastrohepatic pack is beneficial

Manipulative therapy:

Deep tissue massage and salt glow massage to the abdomen.

Chromotherapy:

Yellow colour treats medical conditions of the stomach, liver and intestines. It can repair the scar tissue. Yellow rays have an alkalizing effect that strengthens the nerves. Chromothermoleum helps in liver detoxification.

Diet therapy:

Green leafy vegetables, indian goose berry, straw berry, cranberry, blueberry, grapes, grapefruit, beetroot, almond, spinach, broccoli and lemon. Apples are the best food in this condition.

Herbal therapy:

Turmeric, ginger, amla, aloevera, milk thistle, dandelion root, licorice, bhringraj, neem, punarnava and wheat grass