The Doc Replies
Our expert answers your medical questions
My husband has just been diagnosed with a fatty liver. What does that mean?
Fatty liver is increasingly common due to a rise in obesity, which has sadly increased further during lockdown. It is basically a build-up of fat within the liver cells and can sometimes lead to inflammation, which in a small group of people can lead to scarring and even cirrhosis. It is also a cardiovascular risk indicator, signalling a potential risk of heart attacks and strokes.
There are usually no symptoms and it may be picked up by blood tests. The condition is so common now that gastroenterologists ask GPS to monitor straightforward cases. There are risk scores to try and predict how likely it is to progress to scarring and cirrhosis.
As most people who have fatty liver are more likely to have problems from cardiovascular disease, the mainstay of treatment is lifestyle changes. Gradual weight loss, quitting smoking, exercise and diet are important, and we would also advise patients to restrict their alcohol consumption too. With any liver condition, people should stop drinking completely or drink less.
Which cooking oils are healthiest, I hear one can even protect against cancer?
I am not aware of any evidence for cooking oils that protect against cancer and there is no evidence of increased cancer risk from a moderate intake of vegetable oils.
However, the fatty acids in oils can break down when heated. Refined rather than virgin oils are more stable at high temperatures and oils with more monounsaturated fats are also better for heating. Saying that, it is healthier to boil, steam or grill food instead.
My hands and feet are always cold, even on a warm day, should I be worried?
I wouldn’t say you should be worried, but I’d do some blood tests if it was new, to rule out conditions such as underactive thyroid.
Some rheumatology conditions can also cause cold extremities but it is unlikely to be the presenting symptom and the most common cause would be Raynaud’s phenomenon. This is a benign condition in which blood vessels in fingers and toes constrict in the cold.
The Doc Replies
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