What are the complications of untreated fatty liver disease?

The Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Strategy™ By Julissa Clay the program discussed in the eBook, Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Strategy, has been designed to improve the health of your liver just by eliminating the factors and reversing the effects caused by your fatty liver. It has been made an easy-to-follow program by breaking it up into lists of recipes and stepwise instructions. Everyone can use this clinically proven program without any risk. You can claim your money back within 60 days if its results are not appealing to you.

What are the complications of untreated fatty liver disease?

Untreated fatty liver disease can lead to several serious complications, especially as it progresses through various stages. These complications can affect not only the liver but also other aspects of health, increasing the risk of systemic diseases and life-threatening conditions. The most significant complications of untreated fatty liver disease, whether it’s non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD), are as follows:

1. Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH):

In many cases, untreated NAFLD progresses to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a more severe form of the disease. NASH involves inflammation of the liver in addition to fat buildup and is associated with liver cell damage.
NASH can further lead to fibrosis (scarring of the liver), which impairs liver function. This stage is much more dangerous than simple fatty liver and significantly increases the risk of further complications.

2. Fibrosis:

Fibrosis is the formation of scar tissue in the liver as a response to ongoing inflammation. While early-stage fibrosis may not cause severe problems, as it advances, the scar tissue begins to replace healthy liver tissue.
Progressive fibrosis reduces the liver’s ability to function, which can lead to a further buildup of toxins and affect overall health.

3. Cirrhosis:

Cirrhosis is the most severe form of liver scarring and represents the late stage of liver disease progression. At this stage, the liver is extensively scarred and no longer able to function effectively.
Complications of Cirrhosis include:
- Liver Failure: As cirrhosis worsens, liver function declines, leading to liver failure, where the liver can no longer carry out its essential tasks, such as detoxifying the blood, producing proteins, and regulating hormones.
- Portal Hypertension: Scarring in the liver obstructs blood flow, causing high pressure in the veins that supply the liver (portal hypertension). This can lead to varices (enlarged veins) in the esophagus and stomach, which may rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding.
- Ascites: Cirrhosis can cause fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, known as ascites, which can lead to discomfort, difficulty breathing, and increased risk of infections like spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP).
- Hepatic Encephalopathy: Due to the liver’s impaired ability to detoxify, toxins such as ammonia can accumulate in the blood, leading to hepatic encephalopathy, a condition that affects brain function and causes confusion, disorientation, and even coma.

4. Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma – HCC):

Untreated fatty liver disease, particularly if it progresses to cirrhosis, significantly increases the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer.
Even without cirrhosis, NASH itself increases the risk of liver cancer. The combination of chronic inflammation, liver cell damage, and fibrosis creates an environment where cancer cells can form and grow.

5. Liver Failure:

End-stage liver disease or liver failure is a critical consequence of untreated fatty liver disease. As the liver becomes severely scarred and damaged due to cirrhosis, it loses its ability to perform vital functions.
Symptoms of Liver Failure: Include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), confusion, extreme fatigue, and an inability to fight infections. Liver failure can be fatal without a liver transplant.

6. Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases:

Fatty liver disease, especially NAFLD and NASH, is closely associated with cardiovascular diseases. People with fatty liver disease are at a higher risk of developing:
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries): Fatty liver disease is linked to metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries, potentially leading to heart attack and stroke.
- Heart Disease and Heart Failure: The metabolic disturbances and systemic inflammation associated with fatty liver disease contribute to the development of heart disease, which is a leading cause of death in people with NAFLD.

7. Type 2 Diabetes and Insulin Resistance:

Fatty liver disease is strongly associated with insulin resistance, a key feature of type 2 diabetes. If left untreated, the insulin resistance linked to fatty liver disease can worsen and lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.
People with both fatty liver disease and diabetes have a higher risk of liver complications, as poorly controlled blood sugar levels can accelerate liver damage.

8. Kidney Disease:

NAFLD is linked to an increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Liver dysfunction can impact kidney function over time, leading to a gradual decline in kidney performance and, in severe cases, kidney failure.
People with cirrhosis are at risk of developing hepatorenal syndrome, a form of acute kidney failure that occurs in individuals with advanced liver disease.

9. Metabolic Syndrome:

Metabolic Syndrome is a cluster of conditions that includes obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Fatty liver disease is both a component and a consequence of metabolic syndrome.
Untreated fatty liver disease can worsen metabolic syndrome, leading to further complications such as increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

10. Obesity and Weight Gain:

Fatty liver disease, particularly NAFLD, is strongly associated with obesity. Untreated fatty liver disease may exacerbate weight gain and make it harder for individuals to lose weight due to the metabolic disturbances caused by liver dysfunction.
Obesity worsens insulin resistance, promotes further fat accumulation in the liver, and increases the risk of developing more severe liver disease.

11. Gastrointestinal Bleeding:

As cirrhosis progresses, complications such as varices (enlarged veins) can develop in the esophagus or stomach due to increased pressure in the portal vein. These varices can rupture, leading to gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

12. Gallstones and Gallbladder Disease:

Fatty liver disease is associated with a higher risk of developing gallstones and gallbladder disease. Gallstones can block bile ducts, leading to pain, infection (cholangitis), or inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).

Conclusion:

Untreated fatty liver disease can lead to a wide range of serious complications, including liver inflammation (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. It also increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease, all of which significantly affect overall health. Early detection and management of fatty liver disease through lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, and weight loss, are essential to preventing these complications and improving long-term health outcomes.

Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Strategy