INTRODUCTION
When a liver problem strikes, it comes with a lot of complications and other symptoms. A fatty liver, one of the most common liver problems that people face, is often accompanied by hepatomegaly, or an enlarged liver. As the liver is one of the most vital organs in the balanced functioning of the human body, being responsible for flushing out toxins and keeping the body clean, liver diseases can prove to be fatal. Along with taking medicines and following a treatment plan, you can make some lifestyle changes and use some tips to deal with hepatomegaly with fatty liver. Here are some of those tips, but let’s first begin by taking a look at what hepatomegaly is all about and how it manifests itself at different stages of fatty liver.
HEPATOMEGALY: WHAT IT MEANS?
Hepatomegaly is the medical name of a condition called enlarged liver, which often accompanies the problem of fatty liver. In hepatomegaly, the liver swells up and inflames beyond the normal size and hinders the functioning of the liver while increasing the risk of other imbalances in the body.
HEPATOMEGALY WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF FATTY LIVER
Fatty liver is a medical condition in which the buildup of fat cells in the liver increases and surpasses the normal amounts. It is of this condition that hepatomegaly is a common symptom; the way in which this symptom manifests depends on the intensity of the fatty liver. Here is what they look like:
● Hepatomegaly with fatty liver grade 1: At the grade 1 level, fat cells make up about 5-33% of the overall weight of the liver. It is not too dangerous and can still be reversed through lifestyle changes. Hepatomegaly at this stage is uncommon but can also be rectified easily in case it develops.
● Hepatomegaly with fatty liver grade 2: At the grade 2 level, fat cells make up about 34-66% of the overall weight of the liver. At this point, the problem is at moderate intensity and needs medical treatment to be cured.
5 TIPS TO HELP YOU DEAL WITH HEPATOMEGALY WITH FATTY LIVER
When mild hepatomegaly with fatty liver arises as a concern, certain tips can be inculcated into the daily routine and lifestyle for its ratification or management. The tips used for the management of hepatomegaly will also help deal with fatty liver and have two-fold benefits.
Let’s take a look at what these tips are:
#1 EXERCISE REGULARLY TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT
One of the most common reasons for the development of a fatty and enlarged liver is excessive body weight or obesity, as the increased amount of fat cells makes its way to the
liver. To bring back the size of the liver to normal, burn the extra fat cells by exercising regularly.
#2 EAT A HEALTHY AND BALANCED DIET
What you eat reflects on what your body goes through and can even be used to treat a disease or heal your body if something goes out of whack. If you have a fatty and enlarged liver, you need to adjust your diet to make sure you don’t eat something that will worsen the situation and eat those food items that will help the body recover. In this particular ailment, it is wise to avoid eating food products that contain a lot of carbs and fats. Eat those foods that are healthy and have anti-inflammatory elements, antioxidants, insulin-sensitizing, and other beneficial properties. Include leafy greens and fruits in your diet.
#3 TAKE OMEGA-3 SUPPLEMENTS
While it is generally advised to avoid fats, some are essential and beneficial for optimal health. Taking Omega-3 supplements can help you with a fatty and enlarged liver. Though you can include food products rich in Omega-3 in your diet, supplements can work more quickly to help you recover. According to a study conducted by medical health experts in the year 2016, Omega-3 supplements can help improve the level of good cholesterol and decrease the level of bad cholesterol while also reducing the percentage of liver fat.
#4 TRY MEDICINAL HERBS AND SPICES
Certain herbs and spices like Turmeric and Milk Thistle can help with liver health by targeting fat cells in the liver and preventing the buildup of new ones. You can buy medicines containing these herbs or make concoctions out of them at home itself.
#5 LIMIT ALCOHOL INTAKE
One of the common reasons for a fatty and enlarged liver is alcohol consumption. If you have a fatty and enlarged liver and you drink alcohol, you should avoid consuming alcohol, as it makes the problems worse and promotes the growth of fat cells in the liver. It also leads to the destruction of liver cells, which can lead to other liver-related problems.
CONCLUSION
Hepatomegaly with fatty liver is a serious medical condition and requires proper treatment. Along with following a treatment plan, using these tips can help you recover faster and improve overall health along with that of the liver.