Fatty liver disease represents a progressive spectrum of conditions, each requiring specific assessment and targeted intervention strategies based on disease severity and underlying mechanisms.
| Type | Primary Characteristics | Common Features | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Steatosis | Fat accumulation without inflammation | Usually asymptomatic, mildly elevated liver enzymes | Often reversible with lifestyle interventions and gut health optimization |
| MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis) | Fat accumulation with inflammation and hepatocyte injury | Fatigue, abdominal discomfort, progressively elevated liver enzymes | Requires comprehensive intervention to prevent fibrosis progression |
| Fibrotic MASH | Steatohepatitis with progressive scarring | Similar symptoms but may include signs of liver dysfunction | Critical intervention point to prevent progression to cirrhosis |
| Cirrhotic MASH | End-stage scarring with potential liver failure | Ascites, jaundice, bleeding complications | May require liver transplantation; focus on preventing complications |
Early Stage (Simple Steatosis):
Progressive Disease (MASH):
Advanced Disease:
Comprehensive fatty liver assessment goes beyond standard liver enzymes to identify underlying causes, assess disease severity, and monitor treatment response. At Whole Gut Health, we use advanced diagnostics to create personalized treatment protocols addressing root causes.
Testing options may include:
We customize diagnostic protocols based on your symptom severity, risk factors, and treatment goals to ensure comprehensive evaluation and optimal intervention planning.
Our Three-Phase Liver Restoration Protocol Includes:
1. Assessment and Root-Cause Identification
2. Targeted Intervention
3. Rebuilding and Prevention
Dr. Alexandra Shustina, NYC’s and Miami’s premier gut health specialist doctor is a board-certified gastroenterologist and internist. She is a gut health specialist with training in conventional gastroenterology and functional gut health. She is an expert in the gut microbiome and its role in health and wellness.
At Whole Gut Health, our care is led by experienced functional medicine clinicians with a deep understanding of the gut microbiome and advanced diagnostics. We combine evidence-based strategies from conventional gastroenterology with a functional and integrative lens to give you the clarity and support needed for long-term healing.
Fatty liver disease, recently renamed Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), occurs when more than 5% of liver weight consists of fat accumulation in hepatocytes without significant alcohol consumption. It exists on a spectrum from simple steatosis to MASH (steatohepatitis with inflammation) to cirrhosis, involving complex interactions between gut microbiome dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and metabolic dysregulation.
Simple Steatosis
MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis)
Fibrotic MASH
Cirrhotic MASH
Early Stage: Often asymptomatic, mild fatigue, occasional abdominal discomfort, elevated liver enzymes, metabolic syndrome features
Progressive Disease: Persistent fatigue, abdominal pain, poor appetite, brain fog, weight gain difficulties, sleep disturbances
Advanced Disease: Jaundice, ascites, easy bruising, spider angiomas, edema, dark urine, pale stools
Comprehensive assessment includes multiple approaches:
Diagnostic protocols are customized based on symptom severity and risk factors.
Our comprehensive three-phase liver restoration protocol includes:
Research shows that gut microbiome dysfunction plays a crucial role in fatty liver development and progression. People with MASLD have decreased beneficial bacteria, increased pathogenic bacteria, and compromised intestinal barrier function, leading to inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. Addressing the gut-liver axis through microbiome restoration is essential for effective treatment and prevention of disease progression.
Yes, fatty liver disease can often be significantly improved or reversed, especially in early stages. Simple steatosis is highly reversible with comprehensive lifestyle interventions, gut health optimization, and targeted nutritional support. Even MASH can show significant improvement with proper treatment. Our approach focuses on addressing root causes rather than just managing symptoms, often achieving remarkable liver regeneration.
At Whole Gut Health, we address fatty liver disease through the gut-liver axis using:
Dr. Alexandra Shustina is a board-certified gastroenterologist and internist who serves as NYC's and Miami's premier gut health specialist. She has training in both conventional gastroenterology and functional gut health, with expertise in the gut microbiome and its role in health and wellness.
The first step is scheduling a comprehensive consultation where we'll:
Contact our office to schedule your initial consultation and begin your journey toward liver regeneration and optimal metabolic health.
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