Fatty Liver. The liver that glows.

This pathology acquired the nickname from the ultrasound image that produces and is used in its diagnosis. It refers to a build up of fat in the liver and approximately 20% of Europeans, North Americans, Asians and South Americans suffer from it.

A man or woman in their forties with an abdomen that is more or less voluminous, would be considered to be at risk of suffering from this pathology; if we also add medical tests that show elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides as well as borderline or slightly high levels of hepatic transaminases, we only need an ultrasound scan to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy or a sample of the liver will show whether or not the liver is in the fibrotic stage or not, or in other words, if the liver is advancing from fatty to cirrhotic or to cancer. Fortunately, this only takes place in a small percentage of cases.

Although the majority of cases are due to the reasons that have been explained above, there are a small percentage of cases that are due to medication or genetic factors.

The majority of symptoms if there were any present, as it is sometimes not the case, would simply be a discomfort on the right side of the abdomen where the ribs end.

No treatment exists presently, only diet, exercise and monitoring risk factors such as obesity, high triglycerides and diabetes if present.

The latest research published by the prestigious ‘Journal of Pineal Research’ and conducted by Spanish and American scientists, showed the possibility of a new treatment through melatonin, which is a compound used to treat sleeping disorders and that has shown positive effects in the reduction of fatty liver in animals.

Other paths of investigation are still open.

On a final note, I would like to say that this pathology is showing up more frequently in children and young people due to poor eating habits and a lack of exercise.

A healthy diet is one that is rich in fruit, vegetables, legumes, cereals, pasta, fish and a small amount of meat, avoiding saturated and trans fats and especially refined sugar.

Fatty liver that is due to alcohol is a completely different matter.

Dr J. Hurtado Martínez
Medical Director of HealthSalus