Fatty Liver Disease in Denver, CO
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Find a ProviderWhat is fatty liver disease?
There are two major types of fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis: non-alcoholic (NAFLD) and alcoholic steatohepatitis (alcoholic fatty liver disease). Fatty liver disease is a condition whereupon fat forms in the liver cells. This can cause hepatitis (liver inflammation), which could, in turn, advance to scarring and irreparable damage. If the intensity of the disease advances, or if it's left untreated, FLD can advance to liver cirrhosis, medically known as hepatic cirrhosis, and eventually liver failure.
It is key to acknowledge the signals your body is giving you and connect with a GI specialist at Denver Digestive Health Specialists. Our skilled specialists proudly offer patient-focused care for fatty liver disease in Denver, CO.
What are the symptoms of fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis) might often manifests in the body with no symptoms. A few of the signs that can come along, however, may include:
- Tiredness
- Oversized breasts in males
- Red palms
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Feeling satiated in the center or top right side of the abdomen
- Enlarged blood vessels just beneath the skin’s surface
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Discomfort in the upper right abdomen
- Expanded liver
- Abdominal enlargement and swelling in the legs
What are the causes of FLD?
There are some classifications of fatty liver disease among Denver, CO patients, with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver disease (FLD) being the primary two. The causes of the non-alcoholic conditions are not well-known, but they are linked to obesity, metabolic syndrome, high blood sugar, and increased lipid levels in the blood. Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) is triggered by consuming an extreme amount of alcohol.
How is fatty liver disease treated?
Treatments vary depending on the type of hepatic steatosis and how affected the liver is. Generally, the liver is not at a critical state and proceeds performing as normal. Nevertheless, if treatment is appropriate, your gastrointestinal physician at Denver Digestive Health Specialists could recommend the following:
- Hepatitis A and B vaccinations
- Avoiding alcohol (if AFLD is present)
- Liver transplant
- Reducing weight
What is the difference between NAFLD and alcoholic steatohepatitis?
Both non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver (alcoholic steatohepatitis) may develop cirrhosis and potentially liver failure. The main difference between the two is that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is commonly associated with overweight people and those with diabetes. Alcoholic FLD is solely associated with large volumes of alcohol consumption.
Find effective therapy for fatty liver disease
For clients living with fatty liver disease in Denver, CO, hope and treatment are accessible. Our network of GI physicians aims to supply patient-centered treatment that maintains the highest medical standards. If you suspect or have been diagnosed with this serious condition, call our GI specialists and entrust your care to Denver Digestive Health Specialists.
Fatty Liver Disease FAQs
What types of foods should you avoid eating if you have fatty liver disease?
If you have been diagnosed with or suspect you might have fatty liver disease, you are likely seeking ways to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Types of foods you may want to avoid if you have fatty liver disease are:
- White flour (for example, white bread, white rice, and white pasta)
- Sugary foods (including candies, desserts, soda, juices, and others)
- Red meat (such as hamburgers and steak)
- Foods with added salt
- Fried foods
- Alcoholic beverages
What foods can be ideal to eat when you have fatty liver disease?
Those with fatty liver disease often consider eating what is called the “Mediterranean diet.” This diet consists of many vegetables and fruits, whole grains (barley, quinoa, oats, brown rice, etc.), a variety of nuts, lean meats, and healthy fats (avocados, peanut butter, olive oil, and more). Your gastroenterologist at Denver Digestive Health Specialists can help you determine if a new diet is the right choice for you.
Is there a way to avoid fatty liver disease?
We encourage our patients to focus on nurturing their long-term health and wellness, which could help prevent the development of fatty liver disease. Maintaining an appropriate weight, losing weight if overweight, getting regular exercise, following a nutritious diet, and minimizing the consumption of alcoholic drinks can lessen the risk of fatty liver disease.
What questions should you ask your physician if you are diagnosed with fatty liver disease?
If you receive a diagnosis of fatty liver disease, you likely have questions, concerns, and fears. Questions to ask your gastroenterologist can include:
- Are any of my medicines possibly contributing to this condition?
- How much damage has occurred to my liver and can it be reversed?
- Can weight loss improve my liver health?
Reviews
Dr. Siegal (and his team) are medically and professionally wonderful. I've known for decades and highly recommend.
Very professional and great staff. All very nice and helpful.
Dr. New was great. After a short wait in the waiting room, he called me and escorted me to the exam room himself. The visit was like having a pleasant conversation. He had no computer and took no notes. He was attentive and did not interrupt me once. We had a good discussion regarding the possible diagnoses and formulated a plan for testing as well as therapeutic options. As a physician, I greatly appreciate his approach which unfortunately seems rare in most medical offices these days. We have only had one visit, but I think I made the right choice in coming to see him. Highly recommend!
Doctor Siegel is a very good doctor! He allows time for you to explain your health issue and he listens to what your saying. He also gives ample time to examine you and then answer all your questions! He has a great team that works with him and I am grateful that I have found him as my health partner! Thank you Dr. Siegel and to Michelle!
I am 41 years old and was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis and Psoriasis all at the age of 15 years old. My mother was amazing, she took me to Mayo Clinic, Cedars Sinai and found the best GI doctors she could. My mom was ahead of the curve, she did not believe nor listen to the GI doctor who said that diet was not that big of a deal and lifestyle, it was all about medication medication.. she got me a dietician, a nutritionist also a doctor who had Crohn's Disease himself which was amazing and such a help going through all of that at a young age... Well from 23 years old to 41 years old i controlled all of my diseases with my diet and my lifestyle, hospitalized many many times but i would never allow surgery on my stomach... i took Asacol like 30 pills daily then humira, remicade stelara and some others all of them before 25 and hated the side effects.. so all these years i have not found a GI that spoke about foods and diet and all of that until i met DR. SIEGEL.... wow when i met him i honestly felt like I finally have someone who studies and is up to speed on all the new treatments for my diseases. He is by far the best GI i have ever been to and also he is amazing with bed side talk and relating to the patient... We actually are trying some medication and i cannot believe no side effects and it has improved areas i did not believe was even possible anymore, i just accepted a certain level and was good with it.. Since seeing him i have seen more data and research on foods (thank god for my mother I have been eating this diet my whole life) and i really feel amazing and i am going to share all of this on my website so others know about lifestyle and foods that doctors never ever shared or believed in because they simply stopped learning and believed medication medication etc.... Thank you Dr. Siegel you really have improved and changed my life !
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