Weighing around three to three and a half pounds, the liver is the second largest organ in the body. Its bodily function is very crucial and has multiple functions, such as:
- Extracting vitamins and nutrients from the food we eat
- Distributes energy and nutrients throughout the body through the blood
- Helps fight infections
- Cleanses and detoxifies the body from toxins and other harmful factors
A liver function test helps check if you have fatty liver (https://gastrohealth.com.sg/condition/fatty-liver/), a medical condition that occurs when there is too much fat buildup in the liver. This condition can cause the liver to swell and become damaged.
Fatty liver is categorised into two types:
- Alcoholic fatty liver
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Alcoholic fatty liver. This condition happens to individuals who consume alcoholic beverages heavily. Excessive consumption of alcohol can cause the liver to become inflamed and break down cells. If left untreated, the condition can advance to alcoholic cirrhosis, which scars and shrinks the liver. Alcoholic fatty liver disease does not usually show any symptoms. When it does, a person may experience the following:
- Appetite loss
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Pain in the abdomen
- Vomiting
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is caused by other factors. It is further subdivided into two types:
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFL)
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) is a less severe form of NAFLD. This condition may not cause the liver to swell or get damaged, but individuals may feel pain due to liver enlargement.
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a severe form of NAFLD, although rare. This form of NAFLD causes the liver to swell and become damaged, which results in scarring, shrinkage, and hardening of the liver (cirrhosis). It can also lead to liver cancer and liver failure.
All types of fatty liver rarely show any symptoms, unless the condition has progressed to liver cirrhosis or a more severe disease. In this case, these symptoms can occur:
- Abdominal pain
- Appetite loss
- Extreme fatigue
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
- Swelling of abdominal area and legs
Risk factors that influence development of fatty liver
There are various risk factors that could influence the development of fatty liver. This include:
- Asians or Hispanics
- Being obese or having high fat levels in the belly
- Having been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea
- Having certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
- Taking medications that can cause fatty liver, such as amiodarone, diltiazem, tamoxifen, or steroids
- Women who have undergone menopause completely
Diagnosing fatty liver
One way to know the health of the liver is to undergo liver function tests. These are blood tests that check the liver’s function and confirm the presence of a disease or liver damage by measuring the levels of enzymes and proteins present in the blood.
Liver function tests can:
- Detect liver infections
- Determine the severity of a disease
- Diagnose liver diseases
- Monitor disease progression
- Observe possible side effects that may be caused by medications
Here are the common tests included:
- Alanine transaminase (ALT)
- Aspartate transaminase (AST)
- Bilirubin
- Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT)
- L-lactate dehydrogenase (LD)
- Prothrombin time (PT)
Preparing for a liver function test
Your doctor may request you to fast prior to your liver function test. If you are taking any medications that can affect the results of the test, you may be asked to stop taking this days before your scheduled blood test.
What to expect during a liver function test
The liver function test is done by drawing blood using a tiny needle that is inserted into a vein located in your arm’s bend. A small tube collects the blood as the needle draws it out. You will feel a sting as the needle pierces through your flesh. You may also feel a bit of pain or discomfort once the needle is taken out. The blood samples are then examined in a laboratory. The results of your liver function test is then used by your doctor to diagnose your condition and plan for treatment.
Fatty liver prevention
Fatty liver is a condition that can be avoided from happening. To do this, doctors recommend to follow a healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips to prevent fatty liver:
- Avoid or limit alcohol consumption
- Eat a diet that is filled with vitamins and nutrients
- Eliminate or avoid food that are high in refined carbohydrates, saturated fats and trans fats
- Keep blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and trigylceride levels at a healthy level
- Manage a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly, try to commit at least 30 mins each day
Recommended diet for fatty liver disease
The best way to combat or prevent fatty liver disease is having a healthy diet. Having a healthy body can prevent and lower the risk of developing fatty liver and other medical conditions. Below are suggestions on how you can adjust your lifestyle and steer clear of this condition:
- Avoid eating shellfish that are undercooked or raw — This may contain bacteria that can cause you to get sick once consumed.
- Load up on fibre — Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are foods that are rich in fibre. This can help your liver function.
- Keep a balanced diet — A balanced diet can ensure that your body gets enough vitamins and minerals that can aid your liver to function well. A mediterranean diet is usually recommended to help treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Drink lots of water — Water keeps the body hydrated and flushes out toxins, which helps the liver.
- Skip processed foods — Processed foods contain a lot of unhealthy fats, salts, and preservatives that can weaken the liver.
Summary
Fatty liver disease is a condition that affects the liver when it accumulates excess fats. This can be due to several factors, such as heavy consumption of alcohol or practising an unhealthy lifestyle of eating foods that are high in fats and calories, as well as not getting enough exercise.
Fatty liver disease can be asymptomatic. If you suspect that you may have this condition, you should consult with a medical professional specialising in liver treatment and ask about undergoing a liver function test.
Gastrohealth Clinic – Dr Bhavesh Doshi | Gastroenterologist | Colonoscopy Singapore
6A Napier Rd, #03-370 Gleneagles Hospital Annexe Block, Singapore 258500
+65 6355 5773