According to the American Liver Foundation, a fatty liver is present in around 20% of the people. When the amount of fat in the liver exceeds 5–10% of its total weight, the liver is said to be fatty. According to experts, the nation’s rising rate of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a result of the nation’s expanding obesity pandemic. NAFLD is currently the most frequent cause of chronic liver disease in the US, accounting for 75% of cases.
Alcoholic liver disease and NAFLD are two separate types of this disorder.
Unlike non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which can be brought on by a variety of variables like high cholesterol or genetics, alcoholic liver disease is brought on by excessive alcohol consumption and is frequently observed in long-term alcoholics.
Here are six indicators that your liver is toxic:
Excessive Sweating: Your liver is a sizable organ, and it overheats if you overwork it. In turn, the rest of the body gets overheated, making you feel sweaty and hot even when the surrounding environment doesn’t warrant it.
Bad Odor: If you regularly clean your teeth, floss your tongue, and still you have a bad breath, this may indicate more than simply dental issues. Dimethyl sulfide is one of the substances that accumulate in the body and contribute to this condition.
Unexpected weight gain: The liver is responsible for metabolizing body fat. Despite making no major lifestyle changes, you could gain weight whenever it is not functioning at its best.
Yellowing Eyes and Skin: Jaundice is a disorder that is characterized these signs, which is a more well-known sign of liver issues. The chemical bilirubin builds up in the body as a result of the liver’s inability to eliminate it.
Chronic acne: A hormonal imbalance may be the result of the liver’s inability to adequately remove toxins from your body. This change in your present hormone levels subsequently causes acne, which is frequently observed in teens at puberty because their hormone levels are extremely variable.
Red Palms: This is a typical symptom of liver disease in individuals over 50 years of age and is thought to be caused by a shift in the body’s hormone levels. The majority of it is visible on the outside of the palm and extends in the shape of a band from the little finger to the wrist.
Allergies: Your liver is responsible for the production of antibodies which attack allergens in the body. When this production decreases and the body stores allergens, it will, in turn, produce the chemical histamine to mark the allergens for removal. Histamine is responsible for a number of well-known allergy symptoms including headaches, itchiness, sneezing and watery eyes.
What Can I Do About It?
The good news is that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can be managed with the help of a medical professional. Alongside the necessary prescribed medications, the Mayo Clinic recommends the following lifestyle changes to promote better liver health:
- If you are diabetic, ensure that you have proper control of your blood sugar levels
- Lose weight (obesity can contribute to fat levels in the liver)
- Lower your cholesterol levels with a combination o medication, exercise, and a healthy plant-based diet
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
- Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week
- Carefully follow all instructions on over-the-counter medications to avoid putting extra stress on your liver