Fatty Liver Treatment

Fatty liver disease is a serious medical condition that can cause liver failure if it is left untreated. Although a person may not have any symptoms or complications from fatty liver, treatments may protect the liver and other internal organs from further damage. According to the Mayo Clinic and the University of California at San Francisco Medical Center, treatments include changes in personal behaviors followed by medical care if necessary.

Weight Loss

• A slow and steady weight loss as recommended by a doctor may reduce damage and complications caused by fatty liver.

Diet

• A doctor may recommend treating fatty liver by changing the patient's diet to include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats and less oils and processed foods.

Exercise

• Even moderate exercise can reduce the symptoms of fatty liver, and can help reduce the risk of related conditions such as heart disease.

Liver Health

• Taking care of the liver's health by using pain relievers sparingly, avoiding alcohol and tobacco and getting vaccinated for hepatitis A and B can reduce fatty liver damage.

Medications

• A person may need to take medications such as statins and prescription niacin to lower his levels of triglycerides and cholesterol that cause fatty liver.

Surgery

• If obese, the patient may need to have weight loss surgery such as stomach stapling or gastric bypass to treat fatty liver disease.