This treatment works: Cure fatty liver
Anyone who suffers from fatty liver and wants to get rid of the disease should try to break down the excess fat in the liver. What helps depends on the cause of the fatty liver. We explain what to do.
A fatty liver can often be cured – provided the cause is identified and eliminated in good time. The disease is usually caused by obesity as a result of an unhealthy diet and too little exercise. Or by drinking too much alcohol. These factors often work together to cause the liver cells to become fatty.
Fortunately, this process is reversible: if the liver is relieved, it can get rid of the pathological fat deposits. Depending on the trigger, those affected must do so
ensure a healthier diet and exercise more
abstain from alcohol.
Drinking as little alcohol as possible also makes sense for people with non-alcoholic fatty liver. On the one hand, because the liver can recover better if it is not additionally burdened with alcohol. On the other hand, because not drinking alcohol can help you lose weight.
In the case of alcoholic fatty liver, it is also advisable to pay attention to a healthy diet and regular exercise. Diet also plays a role for alcoholics for other reasons: Many lack nutrients, such as folic acid and thiamine (vitamin B1). Your diet should be designed to provide all the important nutrients. If necessary, doctors prescribe additional dietary supplements to remedy the deficiency.
What else helps against fatty liver?
Anyone suffering from fatty liver has almost complete control of the treatment themselves: medical measures that have been proven to help against fatty liver do not yet exist.
Various agents have already been tested, for example the synthetically produced bile acid ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA for short) or the diabetes drug metformin. But these don’t seem to help. Dietary supplements such as vitamin E or omega-3 fatty acids have also not proved effective in previous studies.
However, that does not mean that those affected are on their own. If you need to change your diet, your doctor can give you tips or prescribe nutritional advice.
They can also join a sports group to consistently accommodate more exercise in everyday life. The World Health Organization recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week.
A few brisk walks or bike rides are sufficient. Alternatively, at least 75 to 150 minutes of intensive physical activity should be on the weekly schedule, for which more strenuous sports such as jogging are suitable.
If alcohol dependence is the reason for the fatty liver, those affected can get professional help with the cessation. Most towns and communities have various counseling services for people with addictions.
Employees of the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) can help with the search, which can be reached on 0221 892031. Alternatively, those affected can find help on the Internet, for example in the addiction help directory of the German Head Office for Addiction Questions (DHS).
