Although it may not seem as loud as some other organs in our body, the liver plays a key role in keeping us healthy. Like an excellent guardian, it performs its functions without much noise and attention, but when it is threatened, its influence on our well-being becomes obvious. At first glance, fatty liver sounds like something negative, but it is actually our body's natural reaction to changes in diet and lifestyle. If left unchecked, fatty liver can be a problem because it is the result of fat accumulation in the liver and the body's way of trying to protect itself. In the rest of the text, read everything about the concept of fatty liver, what are the symptoms and how to recognize them, how to treat fatty liver and how to eat during liver treatment. Liver function In a world full of complex health challenges, there is one silent alarm - non-alcoholic fatty liver (Steatosis hepatis). The liver is a key gland located deep in the abdomen and plays a number of vital roles. One of its main functions is fat metabolism, which helps regulate cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. It is also crucial for detoxification of the body because it helps eliminate toxins and harmful substances from the body. Blood from the digestive system is filtered through the liver before traveling anywhere in the body. As one of the largest and most important organs in the human body, the liver performs functions essential to maintaining health and vitality. Metabolism – The liver plays a key role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It helps regulate blood sugar levels, breaks down fats and proteins to obtain energy and other necessary substances. Detoxification – The liver helps eliminate toxins, drugs, alcohol and other harmful substances from the bloodstream, converting them into less toxic materials that can be excreted from the body. Bile production – The liver is responsible for the production of bile, the purpose of which is to digest fat. Protein synthesis – The liver synthesizes many proteins including blood clotting (coagulation) proteins. Storage – The liver is a storehouse for various nutrient materials such as glycogen, vitamins and minerals. Cholesterol Regulation – The liver regulates cholesterol levels. Immune function - The liver's role in the immune system is to help fight infections by producing proteins that defend the body against disease. Drug metabolism - The liver breaks down and metabolizes drugs, which affects their effectiveness and duration of action. Bilirubin synthesis - The liver is also responsible for breaking down red blood cells and producing bilirubin. What does fatty liver mean? When the liver becomes overloaded with fat, it causes problems, and there are several factors that contribute to the accumulation of fat around this organ: Improper diet Obesity Diabetes Alcohol Genetics When fat accumulates in large amounts in the liver, it can cause inflammation and damage to its cells. This seriously endangers health and can lead to serious conditions such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. This disease has become very common in the world and affects approximately one person in every 10 people. It is normal for the liver to contain some fat, but if fat makes up more than 10% of the liver's weight, then serious complications can develop. Fortunately, fatty liver can be controlled and treated. Dietary changes, physical activity, and weight loss are often important steps in returning the liver to a healthy balance. Fatty liver - symptoms Fatty liver itself does not produce symptoms, so people often find out about their condition only after medical tests and blood test results. When symptoms do exist, they usually appear later, when more fat has accumulated in the liver or when inflammation has developed. Some of the possible symptoms of fatty liver: Fatigue – Feeling constantly exhausted can be one of the first symptoms of fatty liver. It is the body's way of signaling that something is wrong. The liver is the central organ for storing and regulating energy, so feeling tired can indicate a disturbance in this vital process. Pain – Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen may be the body's defense mechanism. The liver does not have many nerve endings within it, but pain can occur when the tissues around the liver are irritated. This symptom alerts us to the need for further examination and treatment. Flatulence – Increased gas is the result of an imbalance in fat digestion, which occurs when the liver does not produce enough bile. This process illustrates the complexity of the body's organ systems and how their interactions can lead to different symptoms. Loss of appetite – Loss of appetite can be the body's way of responding to changes in liver function. This symptom may indicate the need to change your diet and lifestyle to give your liver a chance to recover. Nausea - In some cases, people with severe fatty liver, especially those who have developed inflammation, may experience symptoms of vomiting and severe nausea. Weight loss – Sudden weight loss for no apparent reason can be one of the symptoms of fatty liver. Jaundice – Although rare in fatty liver, jaundice can be intriguing