Fatty liver disease, although not normal, is a buildup of fat in the cells of your liver. The disease is not a cause but rather a symptom of an underlying health condition requiring treatment. In most cases you can reverse or cure this disease. To do so takes vigilance on your part. To remain healthy, you must have a desire to do what it takes: regular doctor visits, eating healthy foods and avoiding bad habits.
Step 1
Visit your doctor regularly. Fatty liver disease usually produces no symptoms. It takes a routine physical exam to discover it. Elevated liver enzymes in the blood indicate this condition.
Step 2
Go for further testing. CT scans and MRIs are medical imaging tests your doctor may order to rule out other possible health problems while confirming a diagnosis of fatty liver disease. These tests will show if there is fat in the liver. A liver biopsy is another option, requiring a small sample of your liver that is sent to a laboratory to check for both inflammation and scarring.
Step 3
Rule out your risk factors. Curing fatty liver disease requires treatment of the underlying cause or risk factor. The most common causes include alcoholism and obesity, although high cholesterol, medications and malnutrition may contribute as well.
Step 4
Join an alcohol support group. In cases when fatty liver disease is due to alcohol abuse, quitting this habit may cure your fatty liver. Severe cases of alcoholism may require time in a rehabilitation center, while joining a support group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, may be enough to help you stop drinking.
Step 5
Talk to your doctor about a weight-loss plan. In cases of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, the most common cause is obesity. Your doctor can devise a weight-loss plan for your personal needs or suggest a registered dietitian who can help you. Making small changes once a week can add up and over a period of time can reverse the disease.
