What should I do if I have mild fatty liver?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on May 05, 2025
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Mild fatty liver primarily requires dietary adjustments. It is necessary to quit smoking and drinking, and avoid high-calorie, high-fat foods such as greasy, rich dishes, fried foods, and animal organs. It is beneficial to consume light, easily digestible foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Secondly, increasing physical activity is important because exercise can metabolize fats, which positively impacts patients with mild fatty liver. Thirdly, control of blood lipids is crucial. If hyperlipidemia occurs, it should be treated with medication to lower blood lipids. Fourthly, maintain a regular routine and avoid excessive fatigue or staying up late.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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What is fatty liver?

Fatty liver is a pathological condition caused by excessive accumulation of fat in liver cells due to various reasons, which impairs the liver's normal functions. This is a relatively common liver pathology. Patients may experience symptoms like fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and discomfort in the upper right abdomen, primarily treated in the departments of gastroenterology and hepatology. The population at higher risk includes patients with diabetes, alcohol abuse, obesity, and those who have undergone excessive weight loss. Fatty liver can also occur during pregnancy. Patients may experience impaired liver function, and in severe cases, they may develop fatty liver hepatitis or fatty liver cirrhosis.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
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Do fatty livers need to be treated?

Fatty liver refers to the excessive accumulation of fat in liver cells. For mild fatty liver, clinical symptoms are not obvious, and there are not many abnormal indicators during physical examinations. In such cases, one can adjust the diet and increase exercise appropriately to promote the consumption of fat in the body. If there is a significant liver function abnormality, increased transaminases, and symptoms of nausea and vomiting, one can choose to use medications that protect the liver, reduce lipids, and provide antioxidants for treatment. At the same time, it is important to maintain a positive mindset and regularly visit the hospital for follow-up checks. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Huang Gang
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Can fatty liver be contagious?

Fatty liver has many causes, the most common being obesity, as well as alcohol; long-term excessive drinking can cause alcoholic fatty liver. Other causes include malnutrition or long-term excessive use of certain medications, including anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids, which can significantly damage the liver. Drugs used to lower blood lipids can also lead to fatty liver. Fatty liver is caused by these factors, not by an infection from a particular bacterium or virus, so it is not contagious. If you have fatty liver, it is recommended to exercise regularly under the guidance of a doctor. There are no shortcuts; only exercise can eliminate fatty liver.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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What is good to eat for fatty liver?

Patients with fatty liver should focus on a diet rich in high-quality proteins and vitamins. Foods that are rich in high-quality protein mainly include lean meats, fish, shrimp, beans, and eggs. Additionally, fresh vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins, so these foods should be consumed in larger quantities. Furthermore, patients with fatty liver should also pay attention to the mix of coarse and refined staples in their diet, avoiding excessive consumption of refined foods. It is advisable to incorporate some whole grains into the diet, such as oats, corn, and brown rice. Additionally, fatty meats, animal organs, and other fatty foods should be avoided. Meals should be well-balanced and nutritionally diverse, and it is important to abstain from smoking and drinking alcohol, as well as to avoid excessively oily and fatty foods.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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What should be noted for mild fatty liver?

People with mild fatty liver also need to pay special attention to their diet. It is important to consume a light diet and avoid high-calorie and high-fat foods such as fatty meats, fried foods, and animal organs; these should be minimized in the diet and replaced with more fruits and vegetables. Additionally, it is recommended to increase physical activity, as exercise can metabolize fats and has a certain therapeutic effect on patients with fatty liver. Simultaneously, alcohol should be avoided, as it can damage liver cells. If a patient with fatty liver frequently consumes alcohol, it can exacerbate the condition and may also lead to elevated liver enzymes.