September 25, 2024: Taking the issue of fatty liver lightly can be dangerous. It is a condition that can entrap you in numerous other diseases. Fatty liver increases the risk of conditions ranging from diabetes to heart attacks. Therefore, it’s essential to understand how dangerous fatty liver can be for you and what diseases it can lead to.
Nowadays, many people are troubled by fatty liver problems. If you visit a doctor, they may tell you that 8 out of 10 people have fatty liver. However, treating fatty liver as a minor issue can be hazardous to your health. A poor lifestyle is often considered the cause of fatty liver, including unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise, and excessive alcohol and smoking, which contribute to this condition. Fatty liver is not just a disease; it acts like a spider’s web that ensnares all the organs of our body one by one. Let’s learn how fatty liver affects the functions of the heart, kidneys, and brain.
How Dangerous is Fatty Liver?
According to renowned gastroenterology expert Dr. Surin, if there is more than 5% fat in the liver, you are likely dealing with fatty liver. It is crucial to understand what fatty liver means. The liver contains cells that digest everything you eat, with insulin converting sugar into energy. When there is fat in the liver, insulin has difficulty reaching these cells. As a result, the body has to work harder and requires more insulin, putting extra strain on the pancreas. If the pancreas has to produce excess insulin daily for 5-10 years, it eventually gets exhausted. When insulin fails to enter the cells, the person does not receive the necessary energy.
Fatty Liver Causes Diabetes and High Cholesterol
When the pancreas becomes exhausted and fails to produce insulin, you may develop diabetes. Therefore, diabetes is considered a liver disease. When the liver is filled with fat, cholesterol levels in your blood begin to rise. Some people start taking medications to lower cholesterol.
Increased Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke from Fatty Liver
But why does cholesterol in the blood increase? When your liver is overloaded with fat, that fat enters the bloodstream. This fat circulates in your blood, and when it accumulates in the arteries, they begin to harden. This can lead to hypertension. If this fat accumulates in the heart, it can cause a heart attack. If it builds up in the brain, it raises the risk of a stroke. If fat accumulates in the gallbladder, it can lead to the formation of stones. Similarly, if there is fat in the kidneys, kidney function is affected. Therefore, fatty liver is the root cause of various diseases in the body.
How to Keep the Liver Healthy?
To maintain a healthy liver, it is recommended to exercise for at least one hour daily. This keeps the liver functioning properly and the body healthy. To promote liver health, consume fiber-rich foods and include green vegetables in your diet. Always eat slightly less than your appetite. Stay away from alcohol and cigarettes, as they negatively impact the liver.