Fatty Liver Disease in St. Louis, MO
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Find a ProviderWhat is fatty liver disease?
There are two main types of fatty liver disease: NAFLD or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic fatty liver disease (alcoholic steatohepatitis). Fatty liver disease (FLD) is a disorder where fat forms in the liver cells. This could cause liver inflammation, which can advance to scarring and irreversible damage. If the severity of the disease gets worse, or if it's left untreated, fatty liver disease (FLD) can progress to hepatic cirrhosis and sooner or later liver failure.
It is important to notice the signs your body is sending you and contact a gastrointestinal provider at a Specialists in Gastroenterology location near you. Our experienced providers proudly offer individualized care for fatty liver disease in St. Louis, MO.
What are the symptoms of fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease can frequently display in the body with zero symptoms. Some of the signs that could develop, however, might include:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Enlarged blood vessels just below the skin’s surface
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Oversized breasts in males
- Red palms
- Enlarged liver
- Discomfort in the upper right abdomen
- Feeling satiated in the middle or upper right side of the abdomen
- Abdominal enlargement and puffiness in the legs
What are the causes of fatty liver disease?
There are a few categories of fatty liver disease (FLD) among St. Louis, MO patients, with non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis and alcoholic hepatic steatosis being the most common. The reasons for the non-alcoholic conditions are not known, but they are connected to obesity, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), and elevated levels of triglycerides in the blood. Alcoholic FLD is caused by consuming excess alcohol.
How is fatty liver disease treated?
Treatments will vary depending on the type of hepatic steatosis and how damaged the liver is. It is common for the liver not to be in a critical state and can proceed to function normally. But, if treatment is needed, your Specialists in Gastroenterology GI provider could propose the following:
- Hepatitis A and B vaccinations
- Liver transplant
- Avoiding alcohol (if AFLD is present)
- Losing weight
What is the difference between NAFLD and alcoholic steatohepatitis?
Both NAFLD and alcoholic fatty liver disease could develop into cirrhosis and even liver failure. The main difference between the two is that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is mostly linked to overweight individuals and people with diabetes. Alcoholic steatohepatitis is entirely associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
Specialized care for fatty liver disease
For patients suffering from hepatic steatosis in St. Louis, MO, there is treatment available. Our network of GI providers aims to offer patient-centered treatment that sustains the highest clinical standards. If you suspect or have been diagnosed with this critical condition, call our GI specialists and trust your health to a Specialists in Gastroenterology location in your community.
Fatty Liver Disease FAQs
Are there any types of foods I should avoid if I have fatty liver disease?
If you have been diagnosed with or suspect you might have fatty liver disease, you might want to get started on a new health journey. Some food items you might want to avoid are:
- Sugary foods and drinks (like candy, desserts, soda and juices, etc.)
- Foods high in sodium
- White flour (for example, white bread, white pasta) and white rice
- Red meat (hamburgers, steak, and more)
- Fried food
- Alcohol
What food is ideal to eat if I am diagnosed with fatty liver disease?
Many individuals often consider eating the “Mediterranean diet.” This diet incorporates many fruits and vegetables, whole grains (such as oats, brown rice, and barley), nuts, lean meats (including fish), and healthy fats (like avocados and more). Your GI provider at Specialists in Gastroenterology will be able to help you decide if a revised diet is the right choice.
Is it possible to avoid getting fatty liver disease?
Our team suggests that patients work on maintaining their general health, which, in turn, could help them avoid fatty liver disease. Maintaining an ideal weight or starting to lose weight if considered overweight or obese, getting regular exercise, keeping up with a healthy diet, and watching your intake of alcoholic beverages can help reduce a patient’s chances of getting this liver condition.
What questions should I ask my GI provider if I have been diagnosed with fatty liver disease?
If you are diagnosed with fatty liver disease, you likely have several questions and concerns. Common questions to discuss with your GI specialist are:
- Are my medicines possibly affecting this condition?
- How damaged is my liver, and can this disease be cured?
- Should I lose weight to improve my liver health?
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