Fatty liver disease is an unrecognized pandemic, with almost 25% of the world’s population affected. It generally doesn’t exhibit obvious signs until enough damage has been done. BUT your body IS always trying to send you signals. So knowing the early signs of fatty liver problems is the first step towards taking back your health. This guide will clarify some of the important signs, including the shocking signs of fatty liver on your face, what it feels like when your body is healing, and, most importantly, debunking the messages that your liver is trying to tell you.
Your liver is working on its behalf every single day, processing every morsel and sip, discarding toxins and regulating every physiological process that keeps you healthy. When it’s profoundly burdened with fat, your liver is whispering (before it screams). The only remaining question is, are you listening?
What is Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD & NASH)?
Before exploring the warning signals, let’s take a moment to grasp what we are actually talking about. Fatty liver disease comes in two variations, the relatively common version, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), and its ugly stepsister, Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). Let us put it this way: You can envision your liver cells becoming increasingly full of fat droplets similar to a goose liver being made into foie gras. This fat isn’t just taking up space; it is disrupting one of the liver’s 500+ tasks our body does every day. Research published in The Natural History of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease shows how the progression from simple fatty liver, to inflammation, to scarring and ultimately liver failure, can occur without intervention.
The bright side is that your body is always trying to tell you what is going on. You just need to know what to look for.
The 10 Most Common Signs of Fatty Liver Problems
1- Extreme Fatigue and Tiredness
This kind of fatigue and tiredness is not “I need another cup of coffee” tired. A liver that is constantly dealing with fat does not provide our bodies with energy, and every ounce of your body is exhausted. It is like feeling tired from the moment you wake up, after eight hours of sleep, even if you decide to wake up earlier in order to feel more energized. You are walking through molasses every moment of your day.
Some describe this as feeling like their internal battery does not fully recharge when they sleep. If you find yourself asking the question “Why am I tired all the time?” but getting plenty of sleep, your liver might be calling for help.
2- Discomfort or pain in the upper right abdomen
To be more specific, this means a dull ache just under your right rib cage—that is where your liver is located. As fatty liver gets progressively worse, the liver can become bigger and put stress on the capsule surrounding it, which is thin and flexible enough to allow some things to move through as it does its job. This leads to a sense that many people have described as feeling “full” or feeling a constant, persistent discomfort in the area.
Unlike sharp, stabbing pains, this discomfort is oftentimes described as a heaviness, almost as if someone is pressing on that spot. Some people notice this discomfort more when they bend over to pick something up or when they take a deep breath.
3- Unexplained Weight Gain or Trouble Losing Weight
Your liver is the metabolic engine of your body. When fat builds up in your liver, it cannot properly process food for nutrients and regulate your blood sugar. This metabolic dysfunction often manifests as stubborn weight gain, especially in the midsection, or an annoying inability to lose weight, even when actively trying.
If you have been eating good foods and exercising, and the scale has not budged, particularly in your stomach, this may be a sign of fatty liver that many people do not recognize.
4- Cognitive Impairment and Brain Fog
When your liver isn’t able to properly filter toxins from your blood, those toxins can interfere with your brain’s functioning. A recent research study, published in Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s Disease and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, describes an intriguing link between liver health and brain health.
People often notice difficulty concentrating, forgetting simple things, and a sense of thinking through a fog. Others describe this as just not being quite themselves mentally.
5- Elevated Blood Tests (Liver Enzymes ALT/AST)
Sometimes the first clue comes from a routine blood test at your yearly check-up. Suppose the liver enzymes are elevated, and the results are higher than normal – ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase). In that case, this means that there is injury and/or inflammation to your liver cells.
Your doctor may mention that your ALT and AST numbers are “a little high” in passing, as if it is no big deal. If this is the case, it’s typically your liver’s first sign of distress. There’s nothing wrong with you otherwise, but don’t ignore obvious signs of fatty liver disease simply because you feel fine.
6- Skin Changes: Itching and Spider Angiomas
Your skin is often a reflection of what is happening inside of you. With fatty liver, you may start to experience persistent itching without any unmistakable rash or skin condition. This can happen because when the liver cannot process toxins sufficiently, they can end up circulating in your bloodstream.
You may also develop small spider vein-like blood vessels on your skin – mostly on your chest or shoulders, but also on your face. These “spider angiomas” can develop under the influence of hormonal changes and liver dysfunction.
The Surprising Signs of Fatty Liver on the Face
Here are the signs of fatty liver that may be staring back at you in the mirror:
7- Yellowish Tone or Jaundice (Icterus)
This serves as a sign that is often more serious. Suppose you notice even a slight hint of yellow in the whites of your eyes, or ideally, your skin. In that case, you should know that your liver is severely compromised and is unable to process bilirubin, a waste product produced when the body breaks down red blood cells. This substance is normally cleared from the body.
If you notice yellow discolouration in your skin and/or eyes, please consult a healthcare provider.
8- Dark Spots or Patches (Hyperpigmentation)
As mentioned previously, Insulin Resistance is the primary/main driver of fatty liver disease. This transient developmental condition/skin condition is called “acanthosis nigricans” and is characterised by dark, velvety skin patches that often appear on the neck, armpits and sometimes on the face.
These dark patches are not merely cosmetic; they are a visible sign of fatty liver issues and associated metabolic dysfunction, which may raise considerable concern.
9- Puffy Eyes and Dark Shadows
The inability of the liver to process toxins and manage fluid balance effectively may also contribute to peculiar swelling around the eyes, which can present as puffy eyes and dark circles, and may not be reduced by extra sleep, or contribute to the fullness experienced around the eye, so as to make one look and feel more tired.
This swelling and strange appearance on the face may simply be the liver telling the individual that it is struggling with its associated detoxification duties.
10- Visible Spider Veins (Telangiectasia)
Those tiny red or purple blood vessels that appear on your upper chest, cheeks or nose aren’t just changes associated with natural aging. They may also suggest that the liver is not metabolizing hormones correctly in order to prevent these vascular changes.
Signs of Liver Detox Working
The great thing about fatty liver disease is that it’s often completely reversible. The liver is incredibly resilient, and when nourished and supported appropriately, it has a fantastic ability to regenerate and heal. Here are some signs of fatty liver improvement that’s happening:
Increased Sustained Energy
This tends to be the first noticeable positive change. As liver function improves, you will feel as if someone has turned the lights back on. That constant fatigue will start to lift, and you will wake up feeling refreshed, for the first time in ages.
Improved Mental Clarity and Mood
The brain fog will start to lift, much like the morning mist clears off the lake. You will find yourself thinking more clearly, remembering more, and feeling emotionally steady. These are significant signs of fatty liver improvement and have a positive impact on your quality of life.
Reduced Cravings, Particularly for Sugar and Carbohydrates
A healthy liver is better suited to regulate blood sugar levels. As your liver improves, those intense cravings for sweets and refined carbohydrates will reduce. Food becomes fuel for your body rather than consuming your thoughts.
Healthy and Sustainable Weight Loss
When your liver returns to processing fats correctly, the stubborn weight, especially around your midsection, will start to come off more easily. The scale will finally begin to move in the appropriate direction, and clothes will fit a bit better.
Normalising Blood Markers
The best proof of it all will come from follow-up blood work. Elevated liver enzymes (ALT and AST) should begin to return to normal reference ranges. Evidence from the Lifestyle Interventions for NAFLD study suggests that maintaining a consistent diet and exercise routine can positively impact markers of NAFLD and overall liver health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to cure a fatty liver?
There are no “fast cures”, the best approach is to remove added sugars and refined carbohydrates completely. Incorporate regular aerobic and resistance exercise, and lose 5-10% of your total body weight. Remember, it is about consistency, not speed and quick fixes.
Are there any specific foods I should avoid?
Yes. It is imperative to avoid the following top offenders: sugary drinks (soda, juice), highly processed, fried foods, white bread, pasta, or rice, and too much alcohol. These foods contribute to the problem as they are literally feeding it.
What are the best foods I can eat for a fatty liver?
Stick to whole foods. This includes coffee (shown to be protective), green leafy vegetables, fatty fish (salmon), nuts (especially walnuts), avocados, and olive oil. These foods support the natural healing processes of the liver.
When should I see a doctor?
Suppose you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, which are persistent, such as abdominal pain, extreme fatigue, or jaundice. Or if you’ve had blood testing that shows that you have elevated liver enzymes. Consult your doctor to see what is going on and develop a plan for diagnosis and treatment. Don’t wait until you find out that your signs of fatty liver have gotten worse.
Recommended Products to Support a Healthy Liver
Disclaimer: You should consult your health care provider before starting any new supplement. They are to be taken as a supplement, not as a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.
Milk Thistle Supplement
Popular herb (silymarin) usage as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. There has been research studies on the liver support side of the herb.
Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements
Good quality fish oil can support a decrease in liver fat and inflammation.
Vitamin E Supplements:
Some studies indicate Vitamin E can improve liver health in non-diabetic adults with NASH, however check with your doctor to be aware of the potential risks involved with high levels.
Green Tea Extract (EGCG)
Green tea has one of the highest levels of antioxidants and may have a positive effect on decreasing future accumulation of liver fat (in moderation).
A high-quality protein shake (pea or whey)
If you are looking for weight loss & supporting muscle mass while restricting caloric intake for a while. Again, you don’t want a high sugar protein drink.
Listen to Your Body and Take Action
The signs of fatty liver are your body asking for help, not dictating. Your liver is exceptionally resilient and has the ability to heal itself. Believe me, whether you have the little red flag signs or the more obvious symptoms, knowledge is power and taking action is healing.
Everything you do, no matter how small – choosing water every day instead of Coke, taking a 15-minute walk, adding extra vegetables to your plate – is a gift to your liver. Signs you’ll see the detoxification of fatty liver working will be forthcoming; generally, much quicker than you initially imagine.
Your liver has been working for you for your whole life; now it is time to work for your liver.
Your liver health is a journey; knowledge is your first step. Have you found any of these symptoms? I would love to hear your story or questions in the comments! Let’s encourage each other on the path to better health! Please remember to share this post with those who can benefit from or need to hear this message. 💚
Please help get the word around about the signs of fatty liver by sharing this post on Facebook, Twitter LinkedIn or Instagram. Someone you know may need this information today.
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Disclaimer:
This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or healthcare plan. The information provided is based on personal research and experience and may not apply to everyone
