By naturopath Margaret Jasinska

Fatty liver is incredibly common. By some estimates it affects one in three Australians over the age of 40. The majority of people who have a fatty liver don’t know it. It may not cause obvious symptoms, or symptoms the average person associates with the liver. Ideally everyone would have a blood test called a liver function test every year once they reach the age of 40; earlier if they have experienced health problems. Many people never see doctors and don’t have regular blood tests.

Your liver performs more metabolic functions than any other organ. People with an inflamed or fatty liver typically experience low energy. Digestive function can be compromised because the liver may struggle to produce sufficient bile. Therefore bloating, indigestion and nausea are often present.

The following signs are all possible outward indicators that you may have a fatty liver. Of course they are not definitive. For an accurate diagnosis please see your own doctor or visit our clinic.

• Lumps of fat in the skin, particularly on the eyelids
• Skin tags. These are tiny bumps that typically occur on the eyelids, neck, armpits, upper chest or groin.
• Red cheeks
• Excess weight on the torso
• Acanthosis nigricans. This is darkened areas of skin, typically present in skin folds.
• Yellowing of the whites of the eyes
• Coated tongue
• Bad breath
• Fluid retention
• Excessive sweating, particularly from the face and feet
• Itchy skin
• Acne
• Brownish spots and blemishes on the skin
• Dilated facial blood vessels (red capillaries)

These signs are the result of compromised detoxification ability by the liver, as well as elevated blood insulin levels (insulin resistance).

Fatty liver is usually caused by the consumption of too much carbohydrate in the diet, especially things like sugary foods, bread, biscuits, pastries, pasta, breakfast cereals and flour based foods. Eventually the excess carbohydrate raises the blood sugar and this sugar is turned into fat. This fat is stored in the liver, the abdominal cavity and under the skin.

Your liver has a high requirement for sulfur. It is necessary for the production of glutathione and phase two detoxification. Sulfur is also needed for healthy joints, hair, skin and nails. MSM is a natural form of sulfur that helps to replenish this important nutrient. Sulfur is also found in eggs and vegetables such as onion, garlic, cabbage, kale and broccoli, as well as Collagen Food powder.

The liver also plays a vital role in the metabolism of thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland predominantly makes a hormone called T4. This is not an active hormone and it must be converted into the active version called T3. Most of that conversion occurs in the liver. Therefore symptoms of sluggish thyroid function can actually be attributed to poor liver health and this is common in those with a fatty liver.

If you eat excess carbohydrate you will find that your blood sugar levels will rise and this will make you more susceptible to skin infections such as fungal rashes and acne.

Fatty liver is reversible. There is a step by step plan outlining how to do that in Dr Cabot’s book Fatty Liver: You can Reverse it. People with a fatty liver often have unstable blood sugar. This, along with fatigue can cause intense sugar or carbohydrate cravings. Rather than just relying on willpower, which can be fickle for anyone, help to improve the health and function of your liver with Dr Cabot’s Ultimate Superfood powder. It is packed with protein, vitamins, minerals and 28 superfoods, designed to help you start feeling better sooner.