Fatty liver disease is one of the most common — and most silent — liver conditions in the United States. Most people who have it don't know it, and our Hispanic community is among the most affected: recent studies show that up to 45% of Hispanic adults in the U.S. may have some degree of fat accumulation in the liver, particularly among people of Mexican origin.
The liver is one of the hardest-working organs in the body. It processes fats and converts them into energy, filters medications and toxins from the blood, produces bile for digestion, and helps regulate cholesterol. When it becomes overloaded — from excess body fat, elevated blood sugar, or high triglycerides — it begins storing fat in its own cells. That's precisely what's known as fatty liver disease, now officially called MASLD (Metabolically Associated Steatotic Liver Disease), and it has nothing to do with alcohol consumption.
Fatty liver symptoms: why it's so hard to detect
This is one of the most challenging aspects of fatty liver disease: most people have no symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms do appear, the most common are:
- Persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
- Mild discomfort or pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
- Feeling of heaviness after meals
- Elevated liver enzymes on routine blood tests — often the first clue
If you experience any of these regularly, especially if you have metabolic syndrome risk factors, it's important to discuss them with your doctor.
What causes fatty liver disease, and who is most at risk
The most recent research identifies these primary factors:
- Excess weight or obesity — especially abdominal fat
- Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
- High triglycerides and cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- A diet high in sugar and ultra-processed foods — particularly high-fructose corn syrup
Certain medications, autoimmune liver diseases, viral hepatitis, and alcohol use can also contribute. And there's an important genetic component: Hispanics carry a gene variant (PNPLA3) that increases susceptibility to MASLD, which partly explains why our community is disproportionately affected.
The stages of fatty liver disease: from MASLD to cirrhosis
Fatty liver disease isn't a single condition; it's a spectrum:
- Stage 1 — MASLD (simple fatty liver): fat accumulation without significant inflammation. At this stage, the damage is reversible with lifestyle changes.
- Stage 2 — MASH (formerly NASH): accumulated fat triggers inflammation. Symptoms may include abdominal swelling, visible blood vessels under the skin, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. Approximately 20% of people with simple fatty liver reach this point.
- Stage 3 — Fibrosis and cirrhosis: persistent inflammation produces scar tissue in the liver. If not stopped in time, this can lead to liver failure or liver cancer.
The good news: detected early, fatty liver disease in its initial stages can be completely reversed.
Fatty liver treatment: what current medicine recommends
The primary treatment remains lifestyle change — and it's also the most effective in early stages. The key pillars are:
- Weight loss: losing 7–10% of body weight can significantly reduce liver fat.
- Anti-inflammatory diet: reduce sugars, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats; increase vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Regular physical activity: 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week improves insulin sensitivity and reduces liver fat.
- Lipid and glucose management: under medical supervision, with medications or supplements as appropriate.
In 2024, the FDA approved resmetirom (Rezdiffra), the first specific medication for MASH with fibrosis, an important advance for more advanced cases. For diagnosis, 2024 guidelines now recommend hepatic elastography (FibroScan) as a less invasive alternative to liver biopsy for staging fibrosis.
How to prevent fatty liver disease with natural habits
Prevention is the best treatment. These habits have the greatest impact:
- Reduce ultra-processed foods and added sugar — the primary drivers of liver fat accumulation.
- Add healthy fats: avocado, olive oil, nuts, and seeds in moderate amounts are allies for liver health.
- Move daily — even 30 minutes of walking improves liver markers measurably.
- Ask about your liver enzyme levels at your next routine checkup — especially if you have any metabolic syndrome condition.
To support liver health naturally and preventively, Santo Remedio's Liver Health is specifically formulated to protect and support liver function. To complement liver care from other angles:
- Cholesterol Plus and Arroz de Levadura Roja — to manage lipids, one of the primary risk factors.
- Berberine Slim Fit and Super Nopal — to support insulin sensitivity and weight management.
- Cúrcuma (Turmeric) — its active compound, curcumin, has specific scientific evidence for reducing liver inflammation and fat accumulation in the liver.
Fatty liver disease is serious — but it's also preventable and treatable, especially when caught early. Don't wait for symptoms to start caring for this vital organ. A conversation with your doctor and a few changes to your daily routine can make an enormous difference.
Let's be healthier, together.
The Santo Remedio team
