Ask a doctor - What causes fatty liver?

Fatty liver also known as hepatic steatosis happens when too much fat builds up in your liver cells Now there are two main types alcoholic fatty liver disease AFLD and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease NAFLD AFLD as the name suggests is linked to heavy alcohol use over time When you drink a lot your liver prioritizes breaking down alcohol over processing fats which can lead to fat accumulation NAFLD on the other hand is more common and can happen to people who don 39 t drink much alcohol at all This one is often tied to lifestyle factors like being overweight or obese having high cholesterol or high triglycerides and having type 2 diabetes These conditions mess with how your body handles fats and when there 39 s an excess the liver stores it So what 39 s the deal with liver function tests LFTs in all of this Well these tests help your doc check how well your liver is working They look at levels of certain enzymes and proteins in your blood that can signal if something 39 s off If your LFT results show abnormalities it could mean your liver is having trouble due to all that fat buildup But here 39 s the thing having a fatty liver doesn 39 t always mean you 39 ll have symptoms Some folks go about their lives without even knowing they have it But for others it can lead to issues like fatigue pain in the upper right abdomen or even more serious stuff like liver inflammation or scarring The good news is fatty liver can often be managed or even reversed with lifestyle changes That means eating a healthy diet low in saturated fats and sugars getting regular exercise and cutting back on alcohol if that 39 s a factor for you Your doc might also recommend medications to help control things like cholesterol or diabetes if you need it So if you 39 re concerned about your liver health it 39 s worth chatting with your healthcare provider They can run those liver function tests and help you figure out the best plan to keep your liver in tip-top shape

Q. What causes fatty liver?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Fatty liver, also known as hepatic steatosis, happens when too much fat builds up in your liver cells. Now, there are two main types: alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

AFLD, as the name suggests, is linked to heavy alcohol use over time. When you drink a lot, your liver prioritizes breaking down alcohol over processing fats, which can lead to fat accumulation.

NAFLD, on the other hand, is more common and can happen to people who don't drink much alcohol at all. This one is often tied to lifestyle factors like being overweight or obese, having high cholesterol or high triglycerides, and having type 2 diabetes. These conditions mess with how your body handles fats, and when there's an excess, the liver stores it.

So, what's the deal with liver function tests (LFTs) in all of this? Well, these tests help your doc check how well your liver is working. They look at levels of certain enzymes and proteins in your blood that can signal if something's off. If your LFT results show abnormalities, it could mean your liver is having trouble due to all that fat buildup.

But here's the thing: having a fatty liver doesn't always mean you'll have symptoms. Some folks go about their lives without even knowing they have it. But for others, it can lead to issues like fatigue, pain in the upper right abdomen, or even more serious stuff like liver inflammation or scarring.

The good news is, fatty liver can often be managed or even reversed with lifestyle changes. That means eating a healthy diet low in saturated fats and sugars, getting regular exercise, and cutting back on alcohol if that's a factor for you. Your doc might also recommend medications to help control things like cholesterol or diabetes if you need it.

So, if you're concerned about your liver health, it's worth chatting with your healthcare provider. They can run those liver function tests and help you figure out the best plan to keep your liver in tip-top shape.

Read Answer

Q. Hello Doctor, from past 3 weeks I have too much dandruff problem and it cause hair loss will you suggest any best solution for this?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Dealing with excessive dandruff leading to hair loss can be frustrating, but there are effective ways to address this issue. Here's what you can do:

1. Switch to a Gentle Shampoo: Opt for shampoos specifically designed for dandruff, containing ingredients like ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, coal tar, or selenium sulfide. Use these shampoos regularly to reduce dandruff buildup.

2. Scalp Massage: Gently massage your scalp while shampooing to help remove flakes and improve blood circulation, which can promote healthier hair growth.

3. Avoid Hot Water: Wash your hair with lukewarm water instead of hot water, as hot water can dry out your scalp and worsen dandruff.

4. Balanced Diet: Ensure you're eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for healthy hair and scalp, such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and B vitamins.

5. Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate dandruff problems. Practice stress-relief techniques like meditation, yoga, or regular exercise to help manage stress levels.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: Consider using diluted apple cider vinegar as a rinse after shampooing. It can help restore the scalp's pH balance and reduce dandruff.

7. Consult a Dermatologist: If the issue persists despite trying home remedies or over-the-counter solutions, seek advice from a dermatologist. They can provide a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific scalp condition.

Remember, consistency is key when dealing with dandruff. Give these remedies some time to work, as immediate results might not always occur. It's essential to find what works best for your scalp, so don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate improvements.

Taking care of your scalp health not only addresses dandruff but also aids in reducing hair loss associated with this issue. Feel free to incorporate these tips into your routine and observe how your scalp responds. If the problem persists or worsens, seeking professional guidance is always recommended.