Ask the Expert: Modify lifestyle to check fatty liver

Please mail your general queries along with your name, age and city on health and wellness at healthandwellness@tribunemail.com.

Health Panel Tribune

Updated At : 02:34 AM Feb 19, 2026 IST

Maintain a healthy weight with a balanced diet, exercise at least 30-40 minutes five days a week, manage stress and get 7-8 hours of sleep. Istock

My doctor had diagnosed fatty liver (grade 2) about 2 years ago. I am doing fine. What are the precautions I must keep in mind to keep myself healthy so that it does not create problems again? — CB Singh (55), Bilaspur

Fatty liver is often linked to lifestyle and it can be controlled and cured by lifestyle changes. Maintain a healthy weight, exercise at least 30-40 minutes five days a week, manage stress and get 7-8 hours of sleep. Follow a balanced diet with fibre-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats. Avoid sugary food or drinks, processed food, red meat, smoking and alcohol. Keep diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure under control. Regular follow-up and liver function tests will help monitor progress and prevent complications.

Dr Omesh Goyal, Gastroenterologist, DMCH, Ludhiana

I have been suffering from depression since the last three years, and have been on continuous medication as recommended by my psychiatrist since then. Will I have to continue the medicine forever? — Ravinder Jain (65), Ludhiana

This is one of the most common concerns of people in long-term treatment. For chronic or recurrent depression cases in senior years such as yours, many studies-based guidelines recommend longer-term or even indefinite maintenance medicines to keep relapse risks low, as 40-60 cases relapse within a year of stopping). But if you remain consistently well for a long period, a gradual tapering off of drugs, supported by pyschotherapy and a look-out for early warning signs can be possible with your psychiatrist’s help.

Ashita Mahendru, Clinical Psychologist, New Delhi

How can parents identify early food allergies or intolerances while introducing solids? Also known allergenic foods be delayed or introduced early? — Sonia Sharma (28), Noida

Doctors recommend introducing solids at 6 months. Early allergy signs include hives/itchy red skin bumps, vomiting, or swelling around mouth, or diarrhoea/eczema flares, when allergy is advanced. In an emergency, infant can have breathing difficulty, blue lips, choking. Current American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines support early introduction of peanuts, eggs, and fish around 6 months, reducing allergy risk by up to 70-80 per cent. Start one food every 3-5 days, in small daytime amounts, document reactions, and seek medical advice, if concerned.

Dr Mahesh Hiranandani, Paediatrician, Chandigarh

Ask the Expert: Modify lifestyle to check fatty liver

Please mail your general queries along with your name, age and city on health and wellness at healthandwellness@tribunemail.com.

Health Panel Tribune

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