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Best Treatments for Grade 1 Fatty Liver

Discover effective treatments for Grade 1 fatty liver, including diet tips, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies to reverse the condition and boost liver health.

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Written by Dr. M L Ezhilarasan

Reviewed by Dr. Vasanthasree Nair MBBS

Last updated on 27th Jul, 2025

Fatty liver is a common condition where excess fat builds up in the liver. Grade 1 fatty liver is the mildest form, and with the right care, it can often be reversed. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with this condition, don’t worry—there are effective ways to manage and improve liver health.

In this article, we’ll discuss:

  • What is Grade 1 fatty liver?

  • Common symptoms and causes

  • Best treatments and lifestyle changes

  • When to see a doctor

Let’s get started!

What is Grade 1 Fatty Liver?

Fatty liver, also called hepatic steatosis, occurs when fat makes up more than 5–10% of the liver’s weight. Grade 1 fatty liver is the mildest stage, where fat accumulation is minimal and hasn’t yet caused inflammation or damage.

The good news? This stage is reversible with the right diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

Symptoms of Grade 1 Fatty Liver

Many people with Grade 1 fatty liver don’t experience noticeable symptoms. However, some may feel:

  • Mild discomfort or heaviness in the upper right abdomen

  • Fatigue or low energy

  • Occasional bloating

Since symptoms are often subtle, fatty liver is usually detected through routine blood tests or ultrasounds.

What Causes Grade 1 Fatty Liver?

The two main types of fatty liver are:

1. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) – Caused by poor diet, obesity, diabetes, or high cholesterol.

2. Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD) – Due to excessive alcohol consumption.

Common risk factors include:

  • Being overweight or obese

  • Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes

  • High cholesterol or triglycerides

  • Sedentary lifestyle

  • Unhealthy eating habits (processed foods, sugary drinks)

Best Treatments for Grade 1 Fatty Liver

Since Grade 1 fatty liver is reversible, the focus is on lifestyle changes rather than medications. Here’s what works best:

1. Healthy Diet Changes

A liver-friendly diet helps reduce fat buildup. Follow these tips:

Eat more:

  • Fresh fruits & vegetables (leafy greens, berries, apples)

  • Whole grains (oats, brown rice, quinoa)

  • Lean proteins (fish, chicken, tofu)

  • Healthy fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil)

Avoid:

  • Sugary foods & drinks (sodas, sweets)

  • Refined carbs (white bread, pasta)

  • Fried & processed foods

  • Excessive alcohol

2. Regular Exercise

Physical activity helps burn excess fat and improve liver function. Aim for:

  • 30–45 minutes of moderate exercise (walking, cycling, swimming) at least 5 days a week.

  • Strength training twice a week to boost metabolism.

Consult Top Hepatologist For More Health Benefits

Dr. Pukhraj Singh Jeji, Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

Dr. Pukhraj Singh Jeji

Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

13 Years • MBBS, MD ( Internal Medicine ), DM ( Gastroenterology ), Consultant - Gastroenterology

Bhubaneswar

Apollo Hospitals Old Sainik School Road, Bhubaneswar

800

Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

40 Years • MD(Internal Medicine)

Manikonda Jagir

Apollo Clinic, Manikonda, Manikonda Jagir

recommendation

88%

(125+ Patients)

1000

1000

Dr. Kumaragurubaran. S, Hepatologist

Dr. Kumaragurubaran. S

Hepatologist

0 Years • MBBS.,MD.,FPIC.,DM.,

Tiruchirappalli

Apollo Speciality Hospitals Old Palpannai, Tiruchirappalli

recommendation

95%

(25+ Patients)

400

400

Dr U V U Vamsidhar Reddy, Hepatologist

Dr U V U Vamsidhar Reddy

Hepatologist

10 Years • MBBS, MD (JIPMER), DM (Hepatology, PGIMER)

Chennai

Apollo Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai

recommendation

89%

(125+ Patients)

1000

1000

3. Weight Management

Losing 5–10% of body weight can significantly reduce liver fat. Focus on slow, steady weight loss (1–2 kg per month).

4. Control Blood Sugar & Cholesterol

If you have diabetes or high cholesterol, work with your doctor to keep them under control. This prevents further liver damage.

5. Stay Hydrated & Avoid Alcohol

  • Drink plenty of water (8–10 glasses daily).

  • Limit or avoid alcohol to prevent worsening fatty liver.

6. Natural Liver Supporters

Some natural remedies may help, such as:

  • Green tea (rich in antioxidants)

  • Turmeric (anti-inflammatory properties)

  • Milk thistle (supports liver detox)

Always consult a doctor before trying supplements.

When to See a Doctor?

While Grade 1 fatty liver is manageable, you should consult a doctor if:

  • Symptoms worsen (pain, nausea, jaundice).

  • Blood tests show elevated liver enzymes.

  • You have diabetes or high cholesterol.

Early intervention prevents progression to severe liver disease.

Conclusion

Grade 1 fatty liver is a warning sign, but with the right diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes, you can reverse it naturally. The key is consistency—small daily improvements lead to big results.

If you need personalized guidance, Apollo 24|7 offers expert consultations and liver health tests to help you stay on track.

Consult Top Hepatologist For More Health Benefits

Dr. Pukhraj Singh Jeji, Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

Dr. Pukhraj Singh Jeji

Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

13 Years • MBBS, MD ( Internal Medicine ), DM ( Gastroenterology ), Consultant - Gastroenterology

Bhubaneswar

Apollo Hospitals Old Sainik School Road, Bhubaneswar

800

Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

40 Years • MD(Internal Medicine)

Manikonda Jagir

Apollo Clinic, Manikonda, Manikonda Jagir

recommendation

88%

(125+ Patients)

1000

1000

Dr. Kumaragurubaran. S, Hepatologist

Dr. Kumaragurubaran. S

Hepatologist

0 Years • MBBS.,MD.,FPIC.,DM.,

Tiruchirappalli

Apollo Speciality Hospitals Old Palpannai, Tiruchirappalli

recommendation

95%

(25+ Patients)

400

400

Dr U V U Vamsidhar Reddy, Hepatologist

Dr U V U Vamsidhar Reddy

Hepatologist

10 Years • MBBS, MD (JIPMER), DM (Hepatology, PGIMER)

Chennai

Apollo Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai

recommendation

89%

(125+ Patients)

1000

1000

Consult Top Hepatologist For More Health Benefits

Dr. Pukhraj Singh Jeji, Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

Dr. Pukhraj Singh Jeji

Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

13 Years • MBBS, MD ( Internal Medicine ), DM ( Gastroenterology ), Consultant - Gastroenterology

Bhubaneswar

Apollo Hospitals Old Sainik School Road, Bhubaneswar

800

Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

40 Years • MD(Internal Medicine)

Manikonda Jagir

Apollo Clinic, Manikonda, Manikonda Jagir

recommendation

88%

(125+ Patients)

1000

1000

Dr. Srinivasa Reddy, Hepatologist

Dr. Srinivasa Reddy

Hepatologist

12 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Hepatology),ASGE

Hyderabad

Myra Liver & Gastro Care, Hyderabad

750

Dr. Kumaragurubaran. S, Hepatologist

Dr. Kumaragurubaran. S

Hepatologist

0 Years • MBBS.,MD.,FPIC.,DM.,

Tiruchirappalli

Apollo Speciality Hospitals Old Palpannai, Tiruchirappalli

recommendation

95%

(25+ Patients)

400

400

Dr U V U Vamsidhar Reddy, Hepatologist

Dr U V U Vamsidhar Reddy

Hepatologist

10 Years • MBBS, MD (JIPMER), DM (Hepatology, PGIMER)

Chennai

Apollo Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai

recommendation

89%

(125+ Patients)

1000

1000

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