Many people wonder about this because fatty liver disease is becoming more common and poses various risks in modern life. Notably, there is currently no medication that can completely cure fatty liver. The main purpose of medication is to stabilize the condition and prevent it from worsening.
1. Causes and stages of fatty liver
The primary cause of fatty liver is alcohol consumption, but the disease can also occur in people who don’t drink alcohol often. Other causes include:
- Obesity
- High blood cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Genetics
- Rapid weight loss
- Side effects of certain medications
Fatty liver can be classified into three stages:
- Stage 1 fatty liver: This is the mildest stage, where fat makes up 5-10% of the liver’s weight. There are usually no clear symptoms, and it’s often detected through regular health check-ups. This is also the stage with the highest prevalence. Treatment at this stage may not require medication. However, lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and reducing fatty foods are crucial. The condition can gradually improve if a healthy lifestyle is maintained.
- Stage 2 fatty liver: At this stage, fat makes up 10-20% of the liver’s weight. Symptoms may include loss of appetite, indigestion, bloating, nausea, and fatigue. At this stage, it is essential to consult a doctor for proper treatment.
- Stage 3: This is the severe stage, with fat accounting for more than 30% of the liver’s weight. Without timely treatment, it can lead to serious complications like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer. Symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, right upper abdominal pain, and yellowing of the skin or sclera.
What medicine should be taken for fatty liver?
2. What medicine should be taken for fatty liver?
For fatty liver, treatment may involve Western or traditional medicine, depending on the individual case.
2.1 Western medicine treatment
- Vitamins: Vitamin B, C, E help protect liver cells by dissolving excess fat and boosting immunity for the body
- Amino acids: Amino acids such as Arginine, Methionine could be used in treatment of fatty liver. Arginine helps neutralize NH3, thus, detoxifying the liver, reducing fat and restoring liver function.
- Choline-containing medications: This medication is usually prescribed for fatty liver caused by alcohol. These help reduce liver damage and have been proven to be effective in lowering cholesterol levels.
- Statins and fibrates: Important and was proven to be effective for patients with fatty liver and high blood cholesterol
2.2. Traditional medicine treatment
In addition to Western medicine, traditional Eastern medicine is also a popular option for treating fatty liver disease. Eastern remedies such as those targeting damp-heat accumulation, phlegm and damp stagnation, or liver-spleen deficiency are known for effectively supporting treatment. Common herbs used in these remedies include solanum hainanense, phyllanthus, artichoke, and other medicinal plants.
The usual method of preparation is boiling the herbs to make a drinkable solution. Both Western and Eastern medicine have their own advantages and limitations. Western medicine tends to provide faster results and is easy to use but can be expensive and may cause side effects. In contrast, Eastern medicine usually works more slowly but is gentle and has fewer side effects.
The choice of treatment method depends on factors such as age, the severity of the condition, the doctor's recommendations, and the patient's preferences. Regardless of the method, it is important for patients to focus on lifestyle and dietary adjustments. For diet, patients should prioritize high-fiber foods like green vegetables and whole grains, plant-based oils, and plant-based proteins. Avoid high-fat foods, animal fats, foods high in cholesterol, red meat, and stimulants like alcohol, beer, tea, and coffee. Additionally, maintaining regular physical activity and a positive mindset plays an important role in the treatment process.
3. Other Treatments for Fatty Liver Disease
In addition to understanding which medications to take for fatty liver disease, exploring other treatment options is also important. Currently, there is no medication or method that can completely and immediately cure fatty liver disease. However, the condition can gradually improve through a combination of medication, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and timely management of related health issues.
- Weight Loss: Losing weight plays a key role in reducing liver damage and improving insulin resistance. A weight loss goal of 0.5 to 1 kg per week is recommended. For individuals unable to achieve this goal within six months and experiencing progressive fatty liver inflammation, surgical options such as partial stomach removal or gastric bypass surgery may be considered.
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E has been shown to reduce inflammation in patients with non-diabetic fatty liver disease. However, its benefits for patients with diabetes or advanced cirrhosis remain unproven. Vitamin E should not be used by male patients with a personal or family history of prostate cancer, as it may increase the risk. Additionally, daily intake should not exceed 800 IU to avoid a higher risk of mortality.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation in fatty liver patients. However, more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
Choosing medications or other treatments for fatty liver disease should always be done under a doctor’s guidance and supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness.
In conclusion, once diagnosed with fatty liver disease, patients should consult their doctor to determine the most effective medications and select the best treatment plan that aligns with their condition and circumstances.
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