According to CNBC, 80 million Americans suffer from fatty liver disease, a build-up of too much fat in the liver cells. It can be caused by drinking too much alcohol, but the Mayo Clinic reports that it can also afflict people in their 40s and 50s who are obese or suffer from type 2 diabetes.
CNBC also reports that many people who suffer from this disease don’t even realize they have it. Here are 7+ symptoms of fatty liver disease and foods you can eat to help control the disease.
Symptoms
1. Fatigue. Unexplained fatigue is one of the first symptoms listed by the Mayo Clinic.
2. Red palms. WebMD reports that fatty liver disease sufferers notice that they have red palms on their hands.
3. Pain in abdomen. Pain and tenderness in the upper right abdomen is something the Mayo Clinic says could be a symptom and should have you seeing a doctor for a diagnosis.
4. Swollen belly. If your belly is swollen without any explanation, WebMD states that you should be checked for fatty liver.
5. Larger breasts. The Mayo Clinic reports that men with fatty liver disease often have larger than normal breasts.
6. Jaundice. WebMD states that some sufferers have a yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes.
If your fatty liver disease is not caused by alcohol, you can do several things to help your body out. One of the top ones is to lose weight and exercise more. If you’re diabetic, you need to be sure that your diabetes is kept under control. By making wise choices with what you eat, though, you can give your body the upper hand.
Foods
1. Coffee. According to the Mayo Clinic, those who drink coffee appear to have less fatty liver damage than those who don’t. Feel free to drink your morning cup of coffee with a guilt-free conscience.
2. Greens. According to Healthline, greens such as spinach, kale, Brussels sprouts and broccoli help you lose weight and may have the added benefit of reducing the fat in the liver.
3. Avocado. Medical News Today reports that avocados are a good source of healthy fats and contain anti-inflammatory properties. Adding them to salads and sandwiches may help reduce your discomfort.
4. Walnuts. Healthline states that walnuts appear to improve liver function. They’re also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
5. Garlic. Besides being a wonderful spice to add to your food, Medical News Today states that garlic appears to help reduce body fat and body weight in people with fatty liver disease.
If you suspect you may have fatty liver disease, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Then, start adding these foods into your diet and exercising regularly and see if you notice a difference.