What is grade 3 fatty liver? Symptoms + treatment

Grade 3 fatty liver is one of the advanced and dangerous stages of fatty liver disease, which is associated with a large accumulation of fat in the liver tissue and can lead to serious inflammation and damage. This condition usually occurs as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle such as unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and being overweight. In the early stages, fatty liver may be asymptomatic, but if it progresses to grade 3, the possibility of more health problems increases. In this article from the Parla Gastroenterology and Liver Clinic, we will examine the factors influencing the occurrence of grade 3 fatty liver, its symptoms and risks, as well as prevention and treatment methods in order to avoid further damage to your liver with the right approaches. Can grade 3 fatty liver be treated? B**Yes, grade 3 fatty liver is treatable**, but it requires fundamental changes in lifestyle and following medical instructions. This treatment includes **modification of diet**, **weight loss**, **regular exercise** and **avoidance of alcohol**. Gradual weight loss, choosing healthy foods that have less saturated fat and simple sugars, and regular exercise can help reduce fat in the liver and improve its condition. Also, drug treatments may be prescribed to control inflammation and improve liver function. Regular follow-up with a doctor to assess progress and manage co-morbidities such as diabetes or high blood pressure is also important. By performing these measures, the probability of recovery and return of the liver to its normal state increases. Treatment of fatty liver 3 **Grade 3 fatty liver** is the most advanced stage of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in which a large amount of fat accumulates in the liver cells and causes inflammation and tissue damage. At this stage, the risk of the disease progressing to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis is very high, but with timely action and the implementation of a detailed treatment plan, it is possible to control and even improve the condition of the liver. The treatment of grade 3 fatty liver requires a combined and continuous approach. **Nutritional modification as the first step**, includes **reducing consumption of simple sugars**, **saturated fats**, and **increasing consumption of fiber, fruits and vegetables**. **Regular physical activity,** especially **aerobic exercises,** plays an effective role in reducing visceral fat and improving liver function. In some cases, the use of **lipid-lowering drugs**, insulin sensitizers or special supplements is prescribed under the supervision of a doctor. **Gradual weight loss, control of underlying diseases such as diabetes and blood pressure, and regular laboratory follow-ups,** are considered an important part of the treatment path. ✅ Gradual weight loss (5 to 10% of body weight) Low calorie and low carbohydrate diet Eliminate simple sugars and sweet drinks Consume more vegetables, low-sugar fruits and whole grains Avoiding saturated and trans fats (fast food, fried foods) Consumption of useful fatty acids (omega-3) Regular exercise (at least 150 minutes per week, preferably aerobic) Control blood sugar and diabetes Management of blood lipids (LDL, triglycerides) Completely avoid alcohol Taking medications prescribed by a doctor (if needed) Examination and treatment of underlying diseases (such as thyroid or metabolic syndrome) Follow up liver tests regularly Symptoms of fatty liver 3 **Symptoms of grade 3 fatty liver** are usually more severe than the early stages of the disease, because at this stage inflammation and damage to the liver tissue increases and signs of liver dysfunction may appear. Some patients may still be asymptomatic, but in many cases, symptoms develop gradually and can indicate the progression of the disease to cirrhosis. It is very important to pay attention to these symptoms and see a doctor for timely diagnosis and treatment. Common symptoms of grade 3 fatty liver: - ✅ feeling of **chronic fatigue and lethargy** - **Pain or feeling of heaviness** in the upper right part of the abdomen - **Decreased appetite** and sometimes **nausea** - **Unexplained weight loss** - ** Abdominal bloating ** and a feeling of fullness - **yellowing of the skin and eyes** (in advanced cases) - ** Darkening of urine and lightening of feces ** - ✅ **Itchy skin** - **Swelling of the legs or abdomen (ascites)** in the stages close to cirrhosis Timely diagnosis of grade 3 fatty liver is very important, because this stage can quickly lead to cirrhosis or even liver cancer. Treatment is still possible at this stage, especially if the patient aggressively implements lifestyle changes. Gradual weight loss, regular physical activity, healthy diet and avoiding harmful foods can help improve liver function. Also, regular follow-up of liver tests and periodic visits to the doctor are necessary to control the course of the disease. Ignoring the symptoms and not treating this disease may cause irreversible damage. Is grade 3 fatty liver dangerous? **Yes, grade 3 fatty liver (or severe non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) is a serious and dangerous condition. At this stage, the accumulation of fat in the liver cells has reached such a level that it causes widespread inflammation, damage to the liver tissue, and in some cases fibrosis (tissue wound). If this condition remains untreated, it may lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure and even liver cancer. Symptoms at this stage can include extreme fatigue, pain in the upper right abdomen, weight loss for no reason, and sometimes yellowing of the skin and eyes. Its treatment requires serious changes in lifestyle, such as weight loss, healthy diet, regular physical activity, and in some cases, the use of special medications under the supervision of a doctor. Early diagnosis and follow-up treatment play a vital role in preventing the progression of the disease. Coffee for fatty liver 3 Drinking coffee for fatty liver can be beneficial for people with grade 3 fatty liver, provided it is **without sugar** and **high calorie additives**. Studies have shown that regular coffee drinking (about 2 to 3 cups per day) may help reduce liver inflammation, reduce fat accumulation, and slow the progression of fibrosis. Compounds in coffee, such as polyphenols and caffeine, have antioxidant properties and can help protect liver cells from damage. However, coffee consumption should not replace primary treatments or lifestyle changes, but is recommended as an adjunct to a healthy diet, physical activity, and medications prescribed by a physician. What foods are harmful for fatty liver? In grade 3 fatty liver, it is very necessary to avoid certain foods, because these foods can increase inflammation, accumulate more fat in the liver, and aggravate liver tissue damage. High consumption of saturated fats, simple sugars and processed foods disrupts liver function and slows down the healing process of the disease. To help rebuild the liver and prevent the progression of the disease to cirrhosis or liver failure, it is recommended to remove or seriously reduce these foods from the daily diet. ### Harmful foods for grade 3 fatty liver: - ✅ fried foods Fast food - ✅ Processed meats - Soft drinks and sweet drinks - Industrial sweets and desserts - ✅ White bread and white rice - ✅ Full-fat dairy products - Alcohol - ✅ Unhealthy oils - ✅ Chips and industrial snacks Eliminating these foods from the diet not only helps reduce fat and inflammation of the liver, but also improves energy levels, weight loss, and regulates blood sugar and lipids. Adhering to a healthy diet is one of the most effective ways to control and even improve grade 3 fatty liver and it should be done along with regular exercise and medical care. By gradually removing these harmful foods and replacing them with healthy options, the healing process of the liver can be strengthened and the progression of the disease can be prevented. Useful fruits for fatty liver grade 3 For people with grade 3 fatty liver, consuming certain fruits can help improve liver function and reduce inflammation. Fruits such as **apples, grapefruits, avocados, limes, berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries), red grapes, and blueberries** are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, which help reduce oxidative stress and remove toxins from the liver. Also, these fruits slow the progression of the disease by controlling blood sugar and improving fat metabolism. However, consumption of very sweet fruits such as bananas and grapes in large quantities should be avoided and balance should be observed. - Apple **Grapefruit** ** ✅ Sour lemon and orange ** ** ✅ Avocado ** Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries) ** ✅ Red grapes and cranberries ** **Pomegranate** ** Kiwi ** **Watermelon** ✅ **Pear** In the end, it should be emphasized that the consumption of useful and low-sugar fruits such as apples, berries, grapefruit and avocados can play an important role in reducing inflammation and improving liver function in people with grade 3 fatty liver. Having antioxidants and high fiber, these fruits help to cleanse toxins and control fat and blood sugar levels. Of course, it is necessary to observe a balance in consumption and to pay attention to the recommendations of a doctor or a nutritionist, so that along with changing the lifestyle, diet and regular physical activity, the process of recovery is faster and more stable. Rapid treatment of fatty liver 3 For quick treatment of grade 3 fatty liver,** the main focus should be on immediate lifestyle change and nutrition modification; Because there is no miracle drug or instant treatment for this disease.** **Complete cessation of alcohol and smoking, gradual weight loss through a healthy diet and regular exercise are among the most important measures. The use of fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats such as olive oil and avocado, and avoiding processed, sweet and fried foods help to cleanse and repair the liver.** In addition, taking supplements such as vitamin E or omega 3, if prescribed by a doctor, can speed up the healing process. Regular follow-up tests and consultation with a liver specialist are also vital to assess treatment progress and prevent the disease from progressing to fibrosis or cirrhosis. Exercise for fatty liver 3 **Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to control and improve fatty liver grade 3, because by increasing body metabolism and reducing fat reserves, it helps clean the liver and reduce inflammation**. Activities such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, and light aerobic exercise can significantly reduce liver fat if done 30 to 45 minutes a day and at least five days a week. Combining aerobic exercises with **light resistance exercises** such as light weights or resistance training also helps to improve insulin sensitivity and strengthen muscles. The important thing is that the exercises should be gradual and appropriate to the person's physical condition, and sudden intense activities that put a lot of pressure on the body should be avoided. Medicine for fatty liver grade 3 Medical treatment of grade 3 fatty liver helps to reduce inflammation, control risk factors ** (such as diabetes and high blood lipids**), and improve liver function. Although the main treatment for grade 3 fatty liver is lifestyle changes, in some cases the doctor may prescribe medication. در ادامه به داروهای معمول که برای درمان کبد چرب گرید ۳ مورد استفاده قرار می‌گیرند، اشاره می‌کنیم: - **Vitamin E (antioxidant)** - **Pioglitazone** - **Metformin** - **Ursodeoxycholic acid (bile acids)** - **statins (such as atorvastatin and statin)** - **Probiotics** These drugs can help reduce inflammation, improve liver function, and reduce fat accumulation, **but should be taken under medical supervision and as a supplement to lifestyle changes.** Dietary changes, weight loss, and regular exercise are still the most important factors in treating grade 3 fatty liver. Home treatment of fatty liver grade 3 To improve grade 3 fatty liver, in addition to prescription drugs and lifestyle changes, some home remedies and natural solutions can also help improve liver health. These methods are usually used as an adjunct to dietary changes, weight loss, and increased physical activity. Here are some home remedies for grade 3 fatty liver: **1. Consumption of foods containing high fiber** - **Vegetables and fruits**: Vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and kale contain fiber and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and improve liver health. - **Whole grains**: Consuming whole grains such as oats, brown rice, and whole grain bread can help control blood sugar and reduce fat accumulation in the liver. **2. Use of medicinal plants** - **Kharmerim**: Kharmerim is one of the most famous medicinal plants for liver health, which contains silymarin compounds and can help protect the liver and reduce inflammation. - **Turmeric**: Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can help improve the condition of the liver. Adding turmeric to food or consuming it as tea is useful. **3. Reducing consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates** - Limiting the consumption of added sugars and refined carbohydrates such as white bread, cake, and sweet drinks will help reduce the accumulation of fat in the liver. Use fruits as a natural source of sugar and whole grains instead of refined carbohydrates. **4. Consumption of green tea** - Green tea contains powerful antioxidants called catechins that can help **reduce fat accumulation and improve liver health**. Drinking one or two cups of green tea daily is recommended as an effective home remedy. 5. **Consumption of lime juice** - Lime juice contains vitamin C and strong antioxidants that help to detoxify the liver and improve its function. Adding a few drops of lemon to water and consuming it on an empty stomach can help improve liver health. **6. Olive oil and healthy fats** - Olive oil contains healthy fats (unsaturated fatty acids) that can help reduce inflammation and improve liver health. A balanced consumption of olive oil in the diet and its use in food preparation instead of harmful fats can help improve the condition of the liver. **7. Regular exercise** Aerobic sports such as **walking**, **cycling**, or **swimming help reduce body fat** and **improve liver function**. **At least 150 minutes of physical activity** with moderate intensity per week is recommended. Also, resistance exercises can help strengthen muscles and improve body metabolism. **8. Drinking enough water** - **Drinking enough water helps to detoxify and improve liver function**. It is recommended to drink enough water during the day so that the liver can perform the purification process well. **9. Stress reduction** Chronic stress can aggravate inflammation and increase liver problems. Doing activities like yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises can help reduce stress and improve overall body health, including the liver. These home remedies can help to **reduce inflammation**, **improve liver function**, and **reduce fat accumulation**, but to fully heal Grade 3 fatty liver, these solutions must be combined with medical advice and prescription medications. **Sustainable** and **long-term** changes in **lifestyle**, including **healthy eating** and **regular exercise**, are critical to improving liver condition. Also, regular visits with the doctor are necessary to ensure the recovery and treatment of the liver. How dangerous is grade 3 fatty liver? **Grade 3 fatty liver is dangerous** because at this stage **accumulation of fat** and **inflammation in the liver** can lead to serious damage to the liver tissue and if not treated, there is a risk of progression to liver cirrhosis and liver failure. This stage requires immediate attention and effective treatment through lifestyle changes and medical treatments to prevent further damage. Fatty liver ultrasound grade 3 Liver ultrasound is one of the non-invasive methods for diagnosing and evaluating grade 3 fatty liver. In this method, by **using sound waves**, **images of the liver tissue** are obtained, which indicate **high accumulation of fat in the liver**. In grade 3 fatty liver, ultrasound images usually show increased echogenicity and decreased clarity of deeper liver structures. Ultrasound can help diagnose the stage of the disease and follow the treatment process. Definitive treatment of fatty liver grade 3 There is no definitive treatment for grade 3 fatty liver, but with **fundamental changes in lifestyle** and compliance with **medical recommendations**, this disease can be effectively controlled and even reversed. Treatment includes gradual weight loss, following a healthy and low-fat diet, increasing physical activity, avoiding alcohol, and taking medications prescribed by a doctor to reduce inflammation and control comorbidities (such as diabetes and blood lipids). **Sustainable changes in lifestyle** along with regular follow-up with a doctor can help improve the condition of the liver and prevent progression to liver cirrhosis. How many grades does fatty liver have? Fatty liver is generally divided into three grades, each grade indicating the intensity of fat accumulation in the liver and the extent of its damage. These grades range from mild stage (grade 1) to severe stage (grade 3), and the fourth stage, which is called liver cirrhosis, indicates the final damage to the liver. Timely diagnosis and lifestyle changes can help prevent the progression of this disease. In the following, we will examine the types of fatty liver: 1. **Grade 1 Fatty Liver (Mild)**: In this stage, a small amount of fat accumulates in the liver cells and is usually without symptoms. This stage is reversible and improves with lifestyle changes. 2. **Grade 2 fatty liver (moderate)**: In this stage, the accumulation of fat in the liver is more and may be accompanied by mild symptoms such as fatigue and discomfort in the abdomen. Treatment includes changes in diet and regular exercise. 3. **Grade 3 fatty liver (severe)**: This stage is the most advanced stage of fatty liver and fat accumulation occurs along with significant inflammation and damage to the liver. This stage requires immediate treatment and major lifestyle changes to prevent progression to liver cirrhosis. 4. Grade 4 fatty liver refers to liver cirrhosis, which is the final and severe stage of fatty liver disease and causes the creation of scar tissue and the destruction of liver function. At this stage, the liver loses its ability to perform its functions and may lead to liver failure. Summary Grade 3 fatty liver is an advanced stage of fatty liver disease characterized by severe accumulation of fat and inflammation in the liver tissue. This stage can lead to serious liver damage and the risk of progression to cirrhosis, but can be managed with basic lifestyle changes such as weight loss, regular exercise, and a healthy diet. Drug treatments may also be prescribed to control inflammation and improve liver function. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to prevent progression to liver failure. Dr. Mohammad Amani, gastroenterology and liver specialist