Almost a third of adults in Germany are affected by fatty liver.
It often remains hidden, these signs are possible.
Frankfurt – A fatty liver is the most common liver finding in Germany, millions of people suffer from it.
Up to 30 percent of adult Germans are considered to be affected, as reported by the
Nuremberg Clinic
.
Accordingly, liver diseases are still discussed comparatively little in public.
They lead "a shadowy existence in the public discussion," explains chief physician Alexander Dechêne.
With serious consequences, because rapid recognition of a liver disease such as fatty liver is important because it can lead to serious illnesses.
But the symptoms are often non-specific and a fatty liver is still usually only associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
The medical situation at a glance:
Fatty liver as a silent danger: differentiation and symptoms at a glance
The reason why fatty liver is often associated with alcohol consumption is that it can definitely play a role.
If a lot of alcohol leads to a strong accumulation of special fats (triglycerides) in the liver cells, this is referred to as alcoholic fatty liver.
According to the
Federal
Ministry of Health , this often does not manifest itself with any special symptoms, but some sufferers complain of nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.
If the fatty liver is alcohol-related, the fat can regress if you do without it.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver is therefore more problematic.
According to the German Liver Foundation
, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFL) is
the number one fatty liver diagnosis.
The symptoms are non-specific, which is due to the fact that there are no pain sensors in the liver, as there are in other organs.
According to the foundation and the Federal Ministry of Health, the following signs can occur:
thirst and flatulence
Severe fatigue
fatigue
sleep disorders
Pressure or fullness in right upper hand
Health: Why is fatty liver so dangerous?
The problem of a fatty liver is above all the secondary disease that can trigger the storage of fat.
The best known of these are liver cirrhosis and liver fibrosis.
A study by researchers at the Hannover Medical School has now revealed that those affected by fatty liver are more likely to develop liver cancer.
A fatty liver also has serious effects on heart health.
Bad habits can destroy your liver
Bad habits can destroy your liver
Fatty liver: what are the causes and risk factors?
The increasing number of people affected by fatty liver is often associated with an unhealthy lifestyle.
A lack of exercise and an unhealthy diet are frequently mentioned risk factors.
Overall, the following causes are emphasized:
Causes of fatty liver |
|---|
Too little movement |
High calorie diet |
severe overweight (obesity) |
Metabolic disorders (such as insulin resistance) |
type 2 diabetes |
Metabolic syndrome |
Source: Federal Ministry of Health |
A study also concluded that people who eat a healthy diet can also be affected by fatty liver.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have determined that there are specific genetic mutations behind this.
Fatty liver as a silent danger: What role does diet play?
“There is no pharmacologic therapy to treat NAFL.
The basic building block of the therapy lies in the lifestyle change," says the
Federal Center for Nutrition (bzfe)
.
This includes, for example, regular exercise.
According to the Federal Center, a 45-minute walk three to five times a week has a very positive effect on the metabolism.
A study found that exercise can also have positive effects on liver damage.
Diet also plays an important role.
Diet and fatty liver: Which foods experts recommend
The focus is on reducing the daily calorie intake and eating a balanced diet.
Carbohydrates should be significantly reduced on the menu.
Because: Above all, the carbohydrates fructose, glucose and sucrose are associated with the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver.
There are foods that can help regenerate the liver.
In addition, according to
bfze
, preference should be given to complex carbohydrates, such as:
vegetables
fruit
nuts
whole grain cereal products
legumes
Editor's note:
The information given in this article does not replace a visit to a doctor.
Only experts can make the right diagnosis and initiate appropriate therapy.
The intake of medication or dietary supplements should be discussed with a doctor beforehand.
(slo)
