What is Grade 1 Fatty Liver and How Can It Be Reversed?

Did you know that if you have prediabetes, diabetes, or high blood pressure, you could be at risk for a variety of consequences, including liver damage, without ever knowing it?

"It's startling to learn that people may not notice symptoms of liver damage until it's advanced to the point where it can't be reversed," says  Consultant, Internal Medicine at Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research.

According to the National Health Portal, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease affects 9-32 percent of India's population (NAFLD).

Fatty liver disease is a condition that affects the liver.

When the body is unable to effectively metabolise fat, it accumulates in the liver, causing fatty liver disease.

Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD) and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) can both occur in people who consume excessive amounts of alcohol (NAFLD).

"The liver in a healthy person normally includes some fat, which it breaks down and transforms into energy. It's only when the deposited fat reaches 5-10% of the liver's weight that it becomes a problem."

NAFLD is made up of two different conditions:

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) is a condition in which fat accumulates in the liver but there is little or no inflammation.
• Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a condition in which excess fat in the liver promotes inflammation and scarring, leading to liver cirrhosis.

Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease is the accumulation of fat in the liver as a result of excessive alcohol use, which can start after just a few days of frequent drinking.

How can you know if you have fatty liver?

Due to the lack of identifiable symptoms, the disorder is difficult to identify unless liver damage is discovered during tests for other medical conditions.

Blood Tests to Consider

Liver function tests (LFTs) evaluate the liver's function and the production of enzymes and proteins like albumin. Low levels of albumin in the blood, for example, could suggest that the liver isn't working properly.

If blood tests reveal liver damage, a particular form of ultrasonography called elastography (Fibroscan®) may be recommended. This can reveal the amount of liver damage and fat accumulation.

What is the grading system for fatty liver disease?

Radiologists usually assign fatty liver classes (I, II, III) based on visual differences.

What is fatty liver of grade 1?

In the early stages of fatty liver, the fat is stored outside the liver and does not interfere with its function.

People with grade I fatty liver have no symptoms and are usually diagnosed as a result of routine ultrasounds or health screenings for other illnesses.

"Because grade I fatty liver is a moderate type of the disease, we urge that patients start exercising and monitoring their diet, abstain from alcohol, and limit their intake of fatty foods.

Is fatty liver of grade 1 curable? Is fatty liver of grade 1 reversible?

Yes, grade I fatty liver can be reversed if you make the appropriate dietary modifications and exercise at least five times per week.

What should a person with fatty liver grade 1 eat?

You should consume a high-fiber diet that contains green vegetables, whole fruits (rather than just the juice, which lacks fibre), and salads on a regular basis. Replace all refined foods and white carbohydrates, such as refined flour (maida), white rice, and white bread, with whole grain/whole wheat flour, brown rice, legumes, and nuts.

What is the treatment for fatty liver of grade 1?

Fatty liver disease of grade 1 indicates the onset of liver disease, which can be addressed if you maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise.

Lowering weight: Studies show that losing 10% of your body weight will reduce liver fat and inflammation, as well as reduce liver scarring. Rapid weight reduction, on the other hand, might be harmful, which is why you should discuss your weight loss plan with your doctor.

 Include vegetables, beans, and legumes in your fatty liver grade 1 diet plan. Focus on substituting healthier foods for unhealthy and fatty foods. To stave off hunger, use olive oil instead of mustard or canola oil and snack on fruits and nuts in between meals.

Managing diabetes: To avoid a surge in blood sugar levels, diabetics should plan their diets in cooperation with a diabetes educator. Check your blood sugar levels and keep track of them as directed. "If you don't want to poke yourself all the time, you can choose for continuous glucose monitoring, which involves a little circular device being placed into your shoulder. The gadget monitors your blood sugar levels and generates a report of your results, which should be reviewed every two weeks by your general care physician or an endocrinologist."

There are no drugs specifically designed to treat grade 1 fatty liver. Grades 2 and 3 of fatty liver necessitate prompt treatment because they are the more dangerous types