Except for the skin, the liver is the largest organ in the body. It is located in the right side of the body behind the rib cage. The liver has several functions, which include, but are not limited to: storing energy in the form of glucose, detoxifying or cleaning the blood of toxins and other poisons, regulating the clotting of the blood, producing cholesterol, producing immune factors and removing bacteria. The liver is an extraordinary organ, which can often regenerate itself, but care must be taken to ensure that the liver remains viable.

One of the dysfunctions that can take place in the liver is Fatty Liver or Fatty Liver Disease (FLD). It occurs when large amounts of triglyceride fat accumulate in the liver cells. Although, fat in the liver does not always cause damage to the organ, it can be a sign of other harmful conditions that might need to be addressed by a medical professional. Inflammation of the liver, for example, can lead to a hardening of the liver, which is called cirrhosis, and this condition can become quite serious. Other health issues which can develop from FLD include sleep apnea, gallstones, and several types of cancer.

The most common causes of FLD, especially in the United Sates, are excessive alcohol consumption, the presence of toxins in the liver, disorders of the metabolism, some types of drug usage, obesity, insulin imbalances, and abnormal triglyceride levels.

Fatty Liver Disease can be avoided if a regular exercise routine is maintained and a moderate, well-balanced diet is in place. This disease also seems to be exacerbated by consuming excessive amounts of sugar and carbohydrates.

Unfortunately, reversing this disease is more difficult than avoiding it. However, studies have shown that a moderate diet which will facilitate weight loss, avoidance of foods that contain high amounts of sugar, incorporating low fat/high protein foods into the diet , and an increase in daily exercise will all assist in slowing or stopping the progression of this disease.

As with many of the diseases which plague the people of today‘s culture, a nutritional, moderate diet, along with exercise and the correct amount of sound sleep can prevent or often reverse the organ damage that occurs in bodies. Regular visits to the doctor and a healthy regimen are imperative.