Fatty-liver-diseases
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Is Fatty Liver Disease Hereditary?

Introduction

According to research, fatty liver, especially nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), may be influenced by heredity. The liver aids in toxin elimination, energy storage, and food digestion. The largest organ in the body is this one.

When fat accumulates in the liver, fatty liver disease develops. Fatty liver disease comes in two varieties:

  • Disease of the nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL)
  • Fatty liver disease caused by alcohol

Fat accumulation from NAFL can cause liver damage that is comparable to that caused by excessive alcohol use. But when it comes to NAFL, the individual does not drink too much.

This article covers the question of whether fatty liver is inherited and describes further causes, signs, and therapies of fatty liver disease.

Although the inheritance pattern is uncertain, families may pass on an elevated risk of developing NAFLD from generation to generation. The chance of developing this complicated condition is influenced by lifestyle, environmental variables, and variations in several genes.

Symptoms

Fatty liver disease is sometimes referred to by doctors as a silent disease. This is because, even as the illness worsens, a person may not exhibit any symptoms.

Fatty liver disease, however, can cause the liver to expand. When this happens, the upper right side of the abdomen—the space between the hips and chest—may experience pain or discomfort.

Early signs and symptoms may include:

  • appetite loss
  • feeling ill or throwing up
  • fatigue and weight loss

Fatty liver disease is sometimes referred to by doctors as a silent disease. This is because, even as the illness worsens, a person may not exhibit any symptoms.

Fatty liver disease, however, can cause the liver to expand. When this happens, the upper right side of the abdomen—the space between the hips and chest—may experience pain or discomfort.

Risk factors and causes

Fatty liver disease’s exact cause is unknown. But genetics might be involved.

A World Journal of Gastroenterology article claims that certain genes can raise a person’s risk of getting NAFLD by as much as 27%.

The chance of having NAFLD can be raised by certain medical conditions.

These consist of:

  • Being obese or overweight
  • Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and metabolic syndrome are a collection of illnesses and traits associated with obesity.
  • Resistance to insulin

If a person’s blood triglyceride level is greater than 150–199 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), experts consider it to be high.

Hepatitis C infection, abrupt weight loss, and some drugs, such as glucocorticoids and diltiazem, are less frequent causes of fatty liver disease.

Drinking too much alcohol might lead to alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Alcohol is broken down and eliminated from the body via the liver. When alcohol decomposes, toxic substances are released that can injure liver cells and induce inflammation.

Does fatty liver run in families?

NAFL has been shown to run in families. If any of a person’s relatives have NAFL, their chances of getting the disorder are increased.

This does not, however, imply that the individual will become NAFL.

With an increasing incidence, NAFL is the most prevalent form of chronic liver disease in the globe. The majority of experts think that a combination of environmental and genetic variables contributes to the condition’s development.

The occurrence of inheritable variants of NAFL has been confirmed by recent research. One in particular might result from a mutation in the ABHD5 gene.

The possibility that genetic testing could predict an individual’s risk of having NAFL is still being investigated. This could be a reality soon, according to researchers. This may also aid in controlling the condition’s rising global incidence.

Genetics plays a role in the development of NAFL and other diseases it may induce, according to researchers.

Risk elements

Numerous disorders and situations can increase your risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, including:

  • Obesity or fatty liver disease in the family.
  • The body doesn’t produce enough growth hormones when there is a growth hormone shortage.
  • High cholesterol
  • Elevated blood triglyceride levels.
  • Insulin resistance.
  • Metabolic syndrome.
  • Obesity, particularly if the excess fat is concentrated around the waist.
  • Syndrome of polycystic ovaries.
  • Apnea due to obstruction in sleep.
  • Diabetes type 2.
  • Hypothyroidism is another name for an underactive thyroid.
  • Hypopituitarism, or an underactive pituitary gland.

These groups are more prone to have NASH:

  • Individuals above 50.
  • Individuals who have certain genetic risk factors.
  • Those who are obese.
  • Those who have high blood sugar or diabetes.
  • Individuals who have high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and a big waist as signs of metabolic syndrome.
  • Without a clinical assessment and testing, it is difficult to distinguish between NASH and NAFLD.
  • What additional factors contribute to fatty liver?

In addition to heredity, other medical disorders, nutritional circumstances, and digestive system characteristics can all have a role in the development of NAFL.

The following medical issues can raise a person’s risk of acquiring NAFL:

  • Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes
  • Being obese or overweight
  • abnormally high body fat levels, including triglycerides and cholesterol, metabolic syndrome

Avoidance

To lower your chance of developing NAFLD:

  • Consume a nutritious diet. Consume a diet high in whole grains, fruits, veggies, and good fats.
  • Limit portion sizes, alcohol, and simple sweets. Steer clear of sugar-filled beverages such as soda, sports drinks, juices, and sweet tea. Alcohol use should be restricted or avoided since it can harm your liver.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Work with your medical team to lose weight gradually if you are overweight or obese. Maintain your healthy weight by exercising and eating a balanced diet.
  • Work out. On most days of the week, be active. If you have not been exercising regularly, first get your healthcare team’s approval.

Complication

Cirrhosis, or severe liver scarring, is the primary consequence of NAFLD and NASH. Liver injury, such as the inflammation-induced damage in NASH, is the cause of cirrhosis. The liver produces fibrosis, or patches of scarring, in an attempt to reduce inflammation. As inflammation persists, fibrosis expands and enlarges the liver.

If the scarring is not stopped, cirrhosis can result in:

  • Ascites is an accumulation of fluid in the stomach region.
  • Esophageal varices are enlarged veins in the esophagus that have the potential to burst and bleed.
  • Slurred speech, drowsiness, and confusion are symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy.
  • Hypersplenism, or an overactive spleen, can result in insufficient blood platelets.
  • Carcinoma of the liver.

End-stage liver failure is a condition in which the liver is no longer functional.
According to experts, 1.5% to 6.5% of adults in the United States have NASH, while 24% have NAFLD.

How does NAFL appear?

NAFLD patients may have lethargy and stomach aches, but they typically do not have any symptoms. Individuals with liver cirrhosis brought on by NAFLD may exhibit symptoms like:

  • fluid buildup in the abdomen or legs
  • Hepatic encephalopathy (deterioration of cognition)
  • Liver enlargement due to hemorrhage

How can fatty liver be identified?

A combination of tests and physical examinations can be used by a physician to identify fatty liver. This comprises:

Imaging techniques: They can attempt to identify fatty liver by employing techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), or ultrasound.

To determine whether you have any of the risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), such as type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome, they will also inquire about your medical history.

Physical examination: They may check you for physical indicators of cirrhosis, such as muscle loss or an enlarged spleen, and insulin resistance, such as changes in skin color.
Additionally, a physician may order the following tests:

  • Blood tests, to check for elevated levels of the liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), to screen for advanced liver fibrosis, to confirm the diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and to gauge the severity of the condition
  • Only a liver biopsy can provide a definite diagnosis of NAFLD.

People who do not drink heavily can develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is an accumulation of extra fat in the liver that can cause damage similar to that caused by alcohol addiction.

A component of the digestive system, the liver aids in food digestion, energy storage, and the elimination of waste materials, including toxins. The liver typically includes some fat; if the liver contains more than 5 to 10 percent fat, the person is said to have fatty liver (hepatic steatosis).

NAFLD-related liver fat deposits typically don’t cause any symptoms, but they can raise liver enzyme levels that are picked up by standard blood testing. Some afflicted people experience weariness or stomach aches. A physical examination may reveal a small enlargement of the liver.

Many occurrences of cirrhosis with no apparent underlying cause (cryptogenic cirrhosis) are believed to be caused by NAFLD and NASH; at least one-third of individuals with NASH go on to develop cirrhosis. Individuals who have cirrhosis, NASH, or NAFLD are also more likely to get liver cancer.

Although younger people, including children, are also impacted, middle-aged or older adults are more likely to have NAFLD. In addition to NAFLD, it is frequently regarded as a component of the metabolic syndrome, a collection of disorders that also includes obesity, type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes (insulin resistance), high blood fat (lipid) levels, such as cholesterol and triglycerides, and hypertension. However, some or all of the other disorders that comprise the metabolic syndrome may not be present in people with NAFLD, and a person with NAFLD may not have any or all of those conditions.

What to eat if your liver is fatty

The liver is one of the numerous places in the body where fat is stored for insulation and energy. An excessive amount of fat in the liver may indicate fatty liver disease. The primary line of treatment for this illness is dietary modifications.

Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) and nonalcohol-related fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are the two primary forms of fatty liver disease. Acute fatty liver in pregnancy is another type of fatty liver disease that can strike pregnant women. In the early postpartum phase or during the third trimester, this uncommon problem may arise.

The liver is harmed by fatty liver disease, which stops it from eliminating toxins from the blood and creating bile for the digestive tract. A person runs the danger of experiencing further issues throughout their body if their liver is unable to carry out these functions efficiently.

Diet and exercise are important lifestyle factors for controlling non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), according to the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA). For those with ARLD who have acquired cirrhosis, a balanced diet can also help prevent malnutrition. According to research, malnutrition affects up to 92% of cirrhosis patients.

In this article, we recommend several foods to avoid and a few to include in a diet for fatty liver disease.

  • Drinks and foods that promote liver healing
  • An excellent place to start is by eating natural, unprocessed foods that are high in protein, fiber, and complex carbs. These can provide long-lasting energy and a sense of fullness.

Some people decide to stick to particular food regimens, like the Mediterranean diet. Because it reduces processed foods, added sugar, and saturated fats, this diet is especially beneficial for those with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

A nutritionist can assist in developing a personalized food plan that is appropriate for a person’s preferences, symptoms, and current state of health, depending on the type of fatty liver disease they have.

For those suffering from fatty liver disease, the following foods may be particularly beneficial:

Garlic

Garlic
Garlic

A common ingredient in many diets, garlic may help those who suffer from fatty liver disease. Garlic supplements improve the metabolic profile of individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), according to a 2022 review.

Fatty acids with omega-3

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 Fatty Acids

According to a 2020 review of recent studies, individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may benefit from eating omega-3 fatty acids in terms of their BMI, liver fat, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids include the following:

  • Walnuts
  • flaxseed
  • salmon
  • sardines

Coffee

Coffee
Coffee

For many people, having coffee in the morning is a ritual. For those with fatty liver disease, it might offer advantages beyond a quick energy boost.

According to a 2020 meta-analysis, individuals with NAFLD who regularly drink coffee had a considerably lower chance of developing liver fibrosis.

When large amounts of scar tissue accumulate in the liver as a result of chronic or recurrent inflammation or damage, liver fibrosis develops.

Coffee drinking may have a positive impact on the degree of liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients, according to a different 2021 analysis.

A person with fatty liver disease should think about including broccoli in their diet. Eating a range of whole vegetables is beneficial for those with fatty liver disease.

Broccoli helped the liver in mice with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) break down fats more quickly, which decreased their accumulation, according to a 2022 animal study published in The Journal of Functional Foods.

There is still a need for more human subjects research. Nonetheless, preliminary findings regarding the impact of broccoli consumption on the onset of fatty liver disease appear encouraging.

Green tea

Green-tea
Green-tea

The use of tea for therapeutic purposes dates back thousands of years.

Catechin is one of the several antioxidants found in green tea. These antioxidants may help alleviate the symptoms of fatty liver disease, according to research.

Walnuts

Walnuts
Walnuts

Walnuts are particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids and may help those with fatty liver disease, but all tree nuts are a fantastic complement to any diet.

A 2023 review published in the journal Nutrients revealed a strong correlation between nut intake and a lower incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but more study is required.

Whey or soy protein

Soy protien
Soy protein

According to a 2019 review published in the journal Nutrients, soy and whey protein decreased hepatic fat accumulation.

According to one study in the review, obese women who consumed 60 grams (g) of whey protein daily for four weeks saw a 20% reduction in liver fat.

Antioxidants called isoflavones, which are found in soy protein, help lower body fat and increase insulin sensitivity.

What therapies are available for fatty liver?

For NAFL, the primary treatment strategy that medical specialists advise is gradual weight loss. Liver fat, fibrosis and inflammation can all be decreased by losing weight. The quantity of fat in the liver can be decreased by losing at least 3–5% of one’s body weight.

For those with NAFL, regular exercise is also crucial.

NAFL cannot be treated with medicine. Nonetheless, to cure NAFL consequences like cirrhosis, doctors could suggest drugs and other therapies.

Modifications to lifestyle and prevention

To treat fatty liver disease, lifestyle modifications are necessary.

Lifestyle changes could include:

  • avoiding alcohol
  • consuming a balanced diet
  • consuming less calories and engaging in frequent exercise
  • A person may be able to maintain a moderate weight by eating a balanced diet and smaller quantities.

Foods like garlic, coffee, leeks, asparagus, and probiotics may help stop the development of NAFLD. A person should consume a variety of fruits and vegetables and choose whole grains.

Foods that are heavy in sugar, processed carbs, or saturated fats should be avoided.

NAFLD may occur as a result of simple sweets, red meat, processed foods, and low-fiber foods, according to studies.

Find out more about the foods that people with fatty liver disease should eat or avoid here.

Exercise regularly is also crucial. Try to get in 2.5 hours of activity per week. This ought to be an activity that causes the heart rate to increase, like riding a bike.

Fatty liver disease can be avoided by staying active, keeping a healthy weight, and drinking in moderation.

  • During pregnancy, fatty liver disease
  • One type of fatty liver disease is acute fatty liver in pregnancy.

This type of fatty liver disease will affect about 3% of expectant mothers.

Symptoms may consist of:

Stomach ache, loss of appetite, excessive fatigue, jaundice, and nausea

Any pregnant woman who exhibits these symptoms needs to consult a doctor right away.

Pregnancy-related acute fatty liver can be fatal, so prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

Obesity and overweight are the most prevalent risk factors for fatty liver disease.

The risk of fatty liver disease can be decreased by following a diet and exercise plan to lose weight. This may also be a means to stop the disease’s progression or reverse liver damage.

Doctors find it more difficult to treat fatty liver disease once it has advanced. But because the liver is so adept at healing itself, treatment options could include both medicine and surgery.

Conclusion

There is some evidence that suggests NAFL might run in families. A person may be more susceptible to the illness if they have certain genes.

In its early stages, NAFL usually doesn’t create any symptoms. Fatigue and soreness in the upper right abdomen are possible symptoms if someone has them.

NAFL is usually treated by attempting to lose weight gradually and engaging in regular exercise.

FAQs

Does fatty liver disease have a family history?

It is important to consider family members of children with NAFLD to be at high risk for developing NAFLD themselves. These findings imply that a person’s family history plays a significant role in determining whether they have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It is necessary to research the intricate interactions between genes and the environment in the onset and progression of NAFLD.

Who is at the highest risk of developing fatty liver disease?

Those who are obese. Those who have high blood sugar or diabetes. Those who have high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and a big waist size—all signs of metabolic syndrome.

Is there a family history of liver disease?

Certain individuals are born with hereditary liver illnesses due to mutations, or alterations, in their body’s genes. Children may inherit these gene alterations from their parents. Your liver’s capacity to digest nutrients and eliminate poisons from your blood is impacted by genetic liver disorders.

What is the fatty liver’s primary cause?

Fatty liver disease causes. Fat accumulates in the liver as a result of eating too many calories. Too much fat will build up if the liver does not process and break down fats as it should. If a person has diabetes, obesity, or high triglycerides, they are more likely to develop fatty liver.

Can someone with a fatty liver live a long life?

Although many people with fatty livers never experience liver-related deaths, having a fatty liver raises your chance of developing other illnesses like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer. Cancer and heart disease will claim the lives of a disproportionately high number of those with fatty liver disease.

Which food is the leading cause of fatty liver?

Saturated fat is abundant in red meat and processed meats. Consuming large amounts of these items is known to raise the risk of both liver fat and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, they are linked to some types of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer.

What causes fatty liver to die?

The American Liver Foundation states that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease currently has no known medical cure. Therefore, the greatest strategies to either stop liver damage from occurring or reverse liver disease after it has begun are to consume a good diet and exercise frequently.

What kind of exercise is beneficial for those with fatty livers?

In addition to improving your heart and blood vessels, cardiovascular exercise—such as jogging, dancing, swimming, cycling, brisk walking, and team sports—is very helpful for managing fatty liver.

Reference

  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: MedlinePlus Genetics. (n.d.). https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/non-alcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/
  • French, M. (2023, July 7). Fatty liver: Is it hereditary? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-fatty-liver-hereditary#summary
  • Lovering, C. (2024, May 3). Is fatty liver hereditary? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/is-fatty-liver-hereditary
  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease – Symptoms and causes. (n.d.-b). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354567
  • French, M. (2023b, July 7). Fatty liver: Is it hereditary? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-fatty-liver-hereditary

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