A Look at Fatty Liver Disease

Dr. Jessica Rickert in Native Health. Discussion »

Our bodies are a miracle in motion. But its delicate balance can be upset, leaving us unable to function.

Fatty liver disease is on the rise, and this disease does not exhibit symptoms until the liver is very damaged. Why the increase in the past decade? Although the exact cause is unknown, our lifestyle can hasten the damage. What is fatty liver disease? Extraordinary amounts of fat are deposited in the liver, often turning to scar tissue. The liver ceases to function ideally.

What is the liver's function?

Dr. Jessica Rickert

This vital organ filters and removes the poisons form our bodies, aids our digestive system, produces factors for our blood to function, aids in energy storage and produces hormones. Most often, damage to the liver comes from alcohol and other drugs, causing cirrhosis. Hepatitis A, B, C, & E attack the liver; cancer and other tumors can destroy liver tissue; fat can build up in the liver excessively, destroying liver tissue.

Fatty Liver disease is closely associates with obesity, diabetes, poor life style and "metabolic syndrome." There is no known cure. In its early stages, fatty liver can be reversed. Current studies at the Cleveland Clinic have shown significant improvement in liver health when lifestyle changes are made. Weight loss until reaching the ideal weight helps. So does a moderate, daily exercise program. Diabetes must be kept under control. Do not use alcohol or drugs.

Dietary changes help tremendously, and these include not eating "junk food." Carbohydrate consumption must be decreased by eliminating "white foods" from our diet; "white foods" are any foods made with white sugar or white flour. It is wise to eliminate soda, soft drinks, and pop; drink water and lots of it. Fruit juices are fine, in moderation.

Go to AmMedBetterCare.com » for recipe ideas.

There are no drugs to treat fatty liver disease, and liver transplantation remains an iffy proposition. Before it is too late, I urge you to examine your life. With wisdom and commitment, yes! You can make these changes.

Dr. Jessica A. Rickert is a tribal member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. She is the first female American Indian to become a dentist and is a graduate of the University of Michigan. In October 2009, Dr. Rickert was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame. She has a successful dental practice in Interlochen, Michigan.

posted June 29, 2011 6:00 am et