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High cholesterol and high blood pressure are also correlated with fatty liver although fatty liver can be found among the young and thin with no high blood pressure.

Why do we need a healthy liver?

The liver, located at the right upper abdomen, is a key organ. It keeps the body in optimal health by performing metabolic and detoxifying functions.

A healthy liver regulates the amount of fat, protein and glucose in the blood. It processes nutrients from the intestines. It also removes toxins and drugs from the bloodstream.

Treatment of fatty liver disease

Management involves diagnosing and treating the underlying cause of the fatty liver disease. "With counseling, a few of my patients became very motivated and managed to reverse their fatty liver disease through disciplined lifestyle changes," says Chow.

It is important that young people with fatty liver take steps to control their weight and glucose levels to prevent the condition from deteriorating, adds Chow.

Steps to reverse a fatty liver

  1. Cut down on carbohydrates.

  2. Eliminate refined sugar, e.g no sugar in coffee.

  3. Eat plenty of vegetables, whole grains, seeds and nuts, pulses and legumes.

  4. Exercise at least five times a week. Each session should last at least 30 minutes. It can be any form of exercise but it should at least raise the pulse rate moderately.

This article was written by Teresa Cheong for Health Xchange, with expert input from the Department of General Surgery, Singapore General Hospital.

Find more health-related tips and articles on HealthXchange.com.sg, Singapore's trusted health and lifestyle portal.

Health Xchange's articles are meant for informational purposes only and cannot replace professional surgical, medical or health advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment.