Fatty liver disease is a chronic health condition that causes fatty deposits to become trapped in the liver. It’s commonly seen in people who follow an unhealthy diet and in long-term, heavy alcoholics – sometimes as much as 90% of cases – but this isn’t the only thing that can be behind a fatty liver.
It’s a serious health condition that gets in the way of how your liver is able to process toxins, and long-term undiagnosed or untreated fatty liver can lead to a complete shut-down of the liver.
If you show any of the signs or you’re at an increased risk because of any of the causes mentioned on this list, you should make an appointment with your doctor so that the proper tests can be run and the condition can be managed.
Here are the top 8 most common causes of a fatty liver that you should know.
1. Alcoholism
There are two main types of fatty liver disease: The first one is caused by environmental factors, most of which are mentioned on this list. The second type of fatty liver disease is specifically caused by the excess consumption of alcohol, and it’s seen in as much as 90% of all long-term heavy drinkers.
Fatty liver disease because of alcoholism will eventually lead to the total shutdown of the liver, but there are a considerable amount of warning signs before you get to this point, including changes in urination, changes in skin tone and swelling of the liver.
Fatty liver disease is one of the most common potentially fatal consequences that you can experience if you’re a hard drinker, and any symptoms of it should be taken seriously and reported to your doctor the moment you spot it as a symptom.
Any of the potential symptoms of fatty liver disease should never be ignored.