Causes, Symptoms, and Ayurvedic Insights

A healthy liver naturally contains some fat, but when the fat content exceeds 5–10% of the liver’s weight, the condition is termed Fatty Liver Disease or Hepatic Steatosis. This condition involves the buildup of triglycerides and other lipids within liver cells, often resulting in an enlarged and inflamed liver.

In some cases, fatty liver is accompanied by inflammation and liver cell damage, known as steatohepatitis. Fortunately, fatty liver is typically a reversible condition—with positive lifestyle, dietary, and behavioral changes, liver health can be restored.

Types of Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver is broadly categorized into two types:

  • Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD): Caused by excessive alcohol intake.

  • Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Occurs in individuals who drink little to no alcohol and is often linked to other metabolic disorders.

Some individuals may have fatty liver without any noticeable symptoms or complications, while for others, it can progress into more serious liver conditions.

fatty liver

How Fatty Liver Affects the Body

In fatty liver disease, the healthy liver tissue becomes increasingly infiltrated by fat. This slows down fat metabolism, making it harder for the liver to break down stored fat. As a result, affected individuals may struggle with weight gain or find it difficult to lose weight, even with a healthy lifestyle. Interestingly, one does not need to be overweight to develop fatty liver.

Common Causes of Fatty Liver

Several factors can contribute to the development of fatty liver, including:

 

 

  • Chronic alcohol consumption

  • Obesity and increased body weight

  • Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes

  • Elevated blood triglyceride levels

  • Rapid weight loss

 

  • Genetic predisposition

  • Certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids, tamoxifen)

  • Pregnancy

  • Cancer treatments like chemotherapy

  • Metabolic conditions such as glycogen storage disorders

Ayurvedic Perspective on Fatty Liver

In Ayurveda, the liver is considered a Pitta-dominant organ, essential for digestion, detoxification, and overall vitality. Fatty liver disease, according to Ayurvedic principles, arises from imbalances in the doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

When the liver becomes overwhelmed by toxins such as alcohol, fats, or processed food, it begins to overwork and overheat, leading to inflammation and disrupted metabolism. Balancing the Pitta dosha through herbal remedies, detoxification, and dietary changes helps restore liver function and improve overall health.

Signs and Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver is often a silent condition, with few to no symptoms in its early stages. As the disease progresses, some of the following symptoms may occur:

  • Discomfort or pain in the upper right abdomen

  • Persistent fatigue or weakness

  • Unexplained weight loss or poor appetite

  • Enlarged liver or spleen (detected through examination)

  • Swelling in the abdomen (ascites)

  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

  • Nausea

  • Dark patches on the skin, particularly under the arms or neck

  • Mental confusion or difficulty concentrating

fatty liver