Non alcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, is a liver illness that affects people who drink little to no alcohol. Little alcohol is defined as two drinks or less per day for males and one drink per day for women. It is also characterized by fat buildup in the liver, commonly known as steatosis. NAFLD is now believed to be the most prevalent form of liver disease in both adults and adolescents. Let’s understand about it in this article.

What is Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver?

It is a condition when fat accumulates in the liver of people who drink significantly less to no alcohol. NAFLD is mainly seen in people who are obese or overweight. Therefore, countries in Western nations and the Middle East are facing this situation as their population is moving towards obesity. Hence, the major non alcoholic fatty liver causes is being overweight.

The symptoms of this condition increase with the severity of illness. If the condition is worsened, people may feel tired, discomfort or pain in the upper belly, and nausea. It is one of the most common kinds of liver illnesses that range from hepatic steatosis or fatty liver to a more serious condition, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH. 

Because of NASH, the liver starts to swell and gets damaged due to the fat in it. If not treated, this condition can become worse and result in severe liver scarring, known as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Such damage is generally because of heavy consumption of alcohol. 

Diagnosis of NAFLD

In most illnesses, the diagnosis happens after the patient observes a few symptoms. However, there are no non alcoholic fatty liver symptoms, and hence, it is often discovered when the patient goes for a check-up related to some other problem, and the doctor points out the liver. 

For instance, if a patient goes for an annual check-up and gets to know high enzyme levels in the liver. The doctor may suggest they go for additional tests to rule out any possibilities of non alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Who is at Risk of NAFLD?

If you are someone who falls in the below category, you can be at risk:

  • Overweight or obese with more fat around the waist
  • Smoke
  • Type 2 diabetic
  • Over 50 years
  • A condition that impacts the usage of insulin
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Insulin resistance, like polycystic ovary syndrome
  • High cholesterol
  • Underactive thyroid
  • High blood pressure

These are some cases; however, this does not mean it can happen to others. It is also seen impacting young children.

Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Treatment

The first treatment option that doctors suggest for any patient suffering from NAFLD is to lose weight. It can be done through exercise, calorie reduction, and eating healthy food. This weight reduction can help reduce inflammation and fat stored in the liver. In addition, doctors may even advise the patients to go for certain lifestyle modifications, depending on the need.

Read Here: Cracking the Code: Handling Sudden Weight Gain

Final Thoughts

If someone is diagnosed with NAFLD or non alcoholic fatty liver disease, they must follow the recommendation of their doctors to keep their liver strong for long. With certain lifestyle modifications, people can also reverse this condition if they are aware of it early. It is also important to remember that though there are no symptoms for this disease, liver scarring can happen anytime. So, if you feel at risk of developing this condition, it is better to get yourself checked.