Fatty liver

[Mark243]

Hello,

Recently I had a Ultrasound sound scan and full blood count. My results are fatty liver and something raised in my blood that is also to do with my liver. My Doctor asked if I was a big drinker because the raised blood reading is seen in big drinkers and alcoholics. When I said I do not drink at all, he said that is good because the raised blood is due to your fatty liver. My Doctor asked me to watch my diet and try and lose weight. I said OK. I should have asked my Doctor more questions but didn't.

My questions to the forum is. Do I have non alcoholic fatty liver and will it get worse, also what can I do to improve my liver function.

Thank you.

[Bolly]

In answer to your question "what do I do to improve my liver function" you do what the doctor ordered.

1) you continue not to drink alcohol and you don't drink fizzy drinks or drinks loaded with sugar.

2) you eat a healthy diet

3) you take regular moderate exercise.

4) you lose weight

For the diet, I would suggest you cut out added sugar. That means natural sugars such as fructose and lactose and starchy vegetable,s are OK in moderation. But you don't eat any processed foods with processed sugars, so that not just sweets biscuits and cakes but things like ketchup and breakfast cereals and baked beans with sugar etc.

[Mark243 in reply to Bolly]

Thank you for your reply about the eating side of things. Thanks again.

[kenn73]

Bolly is entirely right. There are no short cuts. If you want to stay healthy do as you've been told. Remember its you health, your life. Onward and upward!

[briccolone]

presuming the high figure is raised GGT which prompted the ultrasound? an indicator of fatty liver. do you have symptoms? useful to keep a record of these things for next time you get results so you can see any improvement. diet/exercise all helps.

good luck

[Mark243]

Thanks for your replies. What prompted the Ultrasound was pain I was getting under my right ribs and bloating/discomfort in my upper abdomen. My Doctor thought it was my gallbladder but that was fine. I do not know what part of my liver blood was raised but he seemed happy enough when he knew I was not a heavy drinker. I fully understand it will be a slow process and thought there would have been a lot of information on the internet but there is nothing. No fact sheets etc. Thanks all again.

[Hidden]

Dear Mark

Thank you for joining the Health Unlocked community and posting your questions.

The Trust does have information on Non-Alcohol Related Fatty Liver disease (NAFLD) and diet on our website. There is information and downloadable publications in the following sections:

Diet: britishlivertrust.org.uk/li...

NAFLD: britishlivertrust.org.uk/li...

If you have fat in your liver then we would recommend keeping to a healthy balanced diet that is low in fat and sugar and taking regular exercise. If your blood results were raised then it would be advisable to have the blood test repeated after a few weeks to check that it is returning to normal.

If you would like paper copies of the publications or have any questions at all then please do feel free to contact our offices on 01425 481320 or by email to [e-mail]

Best wishes

Carol

[chynablue]

Hi Mark,

I have fatty liver disease, too. Here's some links to info that I found helpful:

liverfoundation.org/aboutth...

patients.gi.org/topics/fatt...

Here's some info my doctor printed for me:

List of risk factors that may contribute to fatty liver

Many factors and conditions can put you at increased risk for fatty liver:

-Certain medications

-Gastric Bypass

-High cholesterol

-High levels of triglycerides in blood stream

-Malnutrition

-Obesity -Type 2 diabetes

-Metabolic Syndrome

-Wilson's disease

-Rapid Weight loss

-Toxins/ Chemicals ie pesticides

Treatment of Fatty Liver Through Lifestyle and Dietary Changes:

Along with your doctor and dietitian you can make lifestyle and dietary changes that will help you control symptoms of fatty liver.

1. Lose weight

2. Control diabetes

3. Choose healthy foods, unsaturated fats and foods high in fiber and antioxidants

4. Exercise daily for a total of 30-40 minutes

5. Decrease total cholesterol

6. Do not drink alcohol

7. Monitor medications

Healthy Dietary Guidelines:

CHOOSE: Healthy, low-fat protein foods such as lean chicken and turkey, fish and shellfish

--low-fat and skim milk and dairy products

--fresh fruit and vegetables

--whole grain breads, cereals, pasta and brown rice

--monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats

AVOID: Fatty and processed foods all fried foods

--most fast foods

-creams, sauces, gravies and high cal dressings --bakery goods, cakes, pies and cookies

--high fructose corn syrup and candies

--alcohol and soft drinks

Follow a low fat, low cholesterol, low sodium diet consuming no more than 2,300 mg sodium per day

I hope that helps a bit

[Mark243]

Thank you all for your replies and links. It is much appreciated. I am starting an exercise plan and diet. The links listed will help as well.

I am due another blood test, but my GP says in 3 months time. I am also concentrating on lowering my Cholesterol. Mine is high at 7.1 so am on statins for this.

Thanks again to you all for your support.