Nowadays, due to bad lifestyle and junk food, cases of fatty liver are increasing rapidly, hence it has become very important to recognize its silent signals in time and adopt proper diet.

Often, upon waking in the morning, one feels bloated or extremely tired. These problems are often mistaken for lack of sleep or poor eating habits.  In reality, both of these symptoms can be early signs of a silent illness developing within the body. This condition is called fatty liver disease, which can damage the liver for years without any major symptoms.

What is fatty liver disease?

Fatty liver is called a silent killer because its symptoms are so common. Feeling lethargic in the morning, having low energy levels throughout the day, and experiencing heaviness or bloating after eating are some of its early signs. According to Priya Paliwal, Chief Dietician at Shri Balaji Action Medical Institute in Delhi, "Fatty liver develops slowly and unnoticed, and by the time it's detected, it's often too late."

Fatty liver occurs when excess fat accumulates in the liver cells. There are several major causes: metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Why are fatigue and bloating considered silent signals?

The liver is the body's main source of energy and digestion. When fat builds up in the liver, metabolism slows down . This leads to poor digestion and the accumulation of toxins in the body. This is why fatigue persists even after a full night's sleep, and a bloated stomach is felt. A mild pain or heaviness under the ribs is also felt. When fatty liver disease becomes severe, it can lead to problems like fluid retention in the abdomen, increased yellowness of the skin and eyes, and swelling of the legs.

Prevention and lifestyle changes

The problem of fatty liver is serious, but this disease can also be cured by taking proper precautions.

• Exercise for 30 to 45 minutes every day.
• Consuming whole grains, green vegetables and adequate water.
• Avoid junk food, sweets, refined flour and alcohol.
• Keeping weight under control.

If you are experiencing persistent fatigue and bloating for 2-3 weeks or if you notice problems like abdominal swelling, jaundice, blood in vomit, then immediately get a liver function test (LFT) and ultrasound done.

Photo Credit: Magnific

What to eat in fatty liver?

1. Green vegetables like spinach, broccoli, bottle gourd, ridge gourd, cabbage. Fruits like papaya, apple, lemon and amla.
2. You can eat healthy fats which include soaked almonds, walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds etc.

 PC: Herzindagi