Fatty liver disease is a condition that occurs when too much fat builds up in liver cells. This can lead to enlargement and swelling of the liver. In severe cases, fatty liver can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. Fortunately, fatty liver disease is reversible.
One of the most valued qualities of the liver is its ability to heal and recover from disease. You can even completely reverse fatty liver disease with early diagnosis and prompt treatment. However, the type of fatty liver you have can determine how long it will take to reverse the disease.
There are two types of fatty liver disease, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, which have different healing timelines and treatment protocols.
Fatty liver disease: an overview
Most people with fatty liver disease are unaware of their liver problem due to vague, nonspecific symptoms, especially in the early stages. Therefore, determining the type and underlying cause of your fatty liver disease is the first step in the reversal process.
Alcoholic fatty liver disease (ALD)
As the name suggests, chronic alcohol consumption or alcohol abuse leads to alcoholic fatty liver disease. Since your liver and kidneys are your body’s main detoxification systems, they are most affected by alcohol addiction.
Additionally, long-term alcohol consumption weakens liver cells, causing significant inflammation and impairing the liver’s ability to function normally.
ALD can cause nausea, vomiting, fever, jaundice, abdominal discomfort and alcoholic cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is the buildup of liver fibrosis, or scar tissue, which eventually leads to liver failure which can be fatal. A person is more likely to recover at each stage if they abstain from drinking alcohol.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
A fuller range of factors, such as fat accumulation due to poor diet, inactivity, genetic susceptibility, or metabolic syndrome-related health conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, may contribute to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
It can be difficult to reverse non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, as there are many potential reasons, none more or less relevant than the others. However, patients with NAFLD need to reduce their overall body weight, eliminate excess body fat, and improve their insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation.
The most extreme variation of NAFLD is nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH. Like alcoholic fatty liver disease, NASH increases the risk of death by exposing to cardiovascular diseases and develops into fibrosis (scarring of liver tissue), cirrhosis, liver cancer or liver failure. It can also lead to premature death if one does not receive a timely liver transplant.
How long does it take to reverse fatty liver disease?
How long it takes for a weakened liver to return to normal depends on your condition, diet, medication compliance, age, and genetics. However, on average, it is possible to reverse fatty liver disease in as little as six weeks. Sometimes an otherwise healthy person can achieve complete reversal of fatty liver disease in less than two months.
Alcoholic hepatitis from alcoholic fatty liver disease is reversible, but there are risks of residual damage. The recovery period will depend on the severity of your alcohol addiction.
It will take at least six months of abstinence from alcohol to recover. Sometimes a liver transplant is needed to reverse or effectively treat the disease. In other cases, anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, and cholesterol medications can help reverse the effects in about nine months to a year.
Note from The Fitness Freak
The recovery timeline depends on the type of fatty liver disease you have, the stage, and whether or not you have other health conditions. An average period of 6 weeks to 2 months is an expected time to recover from fatty liver disease. However, lifelong adherence to a particular diet and lifestyle changes may be necessary to prevent relapses. However, be sure to plan these sessions under the supervision of a qualified dietitian.
Ways to reverse foie gras
Diet
The foie gras diet eliminates refined carbs, artificial flavors, and processed sweeteners like fructose. Instead, he promotes a low-carb diet of foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, as well as fish, nuts, and seeds that consist of omega-3 fatty acids that help you control inflammation levels. Abstaining from alcohol is also crucial in reversing alcohol-induced fatty liver disease.
Medication
There are no specific medications prescribed to treat NAFLD. However, your doctor may suggest certain medications and supplements based on your condition. For prevention against hepatitis A and B, which could damage your liver, you may need vaccinations. In addition, it is essential to receive an annual flu shot.
Natural supplements may be better than medications that increase the load on the liver when treating fatty liver disease, but be sure to consult your doctor before taking any new supplements. You can take amino acids, turmeric, milk thistle and vitamin E.
Rest
Studies show that stress worsens inflammation in the body, leading to increased adverse effects of fatty liver disease. Rest is about getting regular, quality sleep and prioritizing stress-busting activities, like yoga in the morning, watching movies with friends, or doing fun things with your kids on the weekends.
Taking charge of your schedule to devote time to relaxing activities can help reduce inflammation in the body just as much as taking supplements or medications.
Conclusion
Reversing fatty liver disease before it leads to chronic, irreparable liver damage could prevent fatal health events. Remember that complete reversal of fatty liver disease in an otherwise healthy person is between six weeks and two months.
Maintaining a healthy liver is crucial even if you are not currently experiencing liver function issues. A healthier lifestyle will not only help you lose liver weight, but it will also improve your overall well-being. Additionally, it can minimize the risk of developing fatty liver disease and other obesity-related diseases.
