Patient's question:
I went to the hospital to get a physical check-up yesterday, which is an annual health examination. The detailed check covered my entire body. After the examination, the doctor told me I have fatty liver. This surprised me greatly, because I'm not a heavyset person. I'm 5 feet 3 inches tall and weigh 220 pounds. How could I get fatty liver? The doctor advised me to go on a diet. However, there may be severe symptoms of fatty liver.Doctor's answer:
Fatty liver is a product of endocrine disorders in the liver's lipid decomposition metabolism, while also being a blood-losing disease factor that exacerbates liver damage. This is an expansion of a mutual cause-and-effect, vicious cycle. An increase in fat within cells leads to fat degeneration and swelling of liver cells, pushing the nuclei to shift away from the center. The decomposition of fat is carried out in mitochondria, while the loading and unloading of fat outside the cells primarily occur through the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The accumulation of fat within liver cells further exerts pressure on mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum, reducing their function and subsequently interfering with the decomposition metabolism of other nutrients, hormones, and vitamins. Once symptoms are noticed, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly, while also paying close attention to self-care. Increase the intake of vegetables and fruits, and avoid stimulating foods.