Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver

Overview

Non-Alcoholic fatty liver, also abbreviated to NAFLD, is characterized by excessive fat in the liver cells. These fat deposits interfere with the functioning of the liver cells. The early stages of fatty liver disease can be asymptomatic and later on can progress to serious symptoms. It’s important to focus on how lifestyle modifications can help in preventing the risk of acquiring fatty liver. A healthy and balanced diet can not only the body but also the liver. To prevent this chronic disease, an individual is advised to adopt a healthy lifestyle that will support liver health. Additionally, addressing conditions such as insulin resistance is important for overall liver health.

How our liver is targeted? Non-alcoholic occurs when there is an accumulation of fat in liver cells. The development of fatty liver is caused by various factors and the factors include:

• Insulin resistance
• Stress
• Inflammation
• Genetic and hormonal factors
• Excessive carbohydrates

Types of NAFLD

It’s necessary for an individual to know what type of fatty liver he/ she falls under. There are various types of Fatty liver, but the most common type is non-alcoholic fatty liver, and studies suggest that most people have non-alcoholic fatty liver. While it can become a part of your health at any stage knowing what type of fatty liver has caught you up is essential. Types of fatty liver include,

NAFL: In this type of fatty liver, you have fat in your liver but little to zero inflammation and negligible liver damage. However, it is considered that this condition causes pain. On the other hand; due to the enlargement of the liver, it doesn’t cause liver damage.

NASH: This is considered the more severe form of fatty liver. An individual with NASH also referred to as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis experiences inflammation in the liver and excessive fat in the liver cells causing liver damage which in turn can also lead to scarring. If NASH is left untreated for long, it can cause cirrhosis and can even lead to liver cancer in the long run.

The determination of the types is necessary for doctors to prescribe suitable medications to the individuals. The customization of the treatments is the right approach and the identification of causes will be the best information for the individuals so that they can stay away from irritants to prevent any increment in fatty liver. The severity of fatty liver must be kept under immediate consideration to provide effective treatment for the betterment of an individual.

Symptoms of NAFLD

The symptoms vary from person to person, so it’s important to know what your body is indicating. ome common symptoms and signs of fatty liver include:

• Red palms
• Fatigue
• Swollen belly
• Enlarged blood vessels underneath your skin
• Jaundice or yellowing of Skin and eyes
• Weight loss
• Itchy skin
• Swelling in legs
• Shortness of breath

Every person might experience the same symptoms, many individuals might go through a completely different set of symptoms. Since the symptoms vary from person to person, many people can’t check on these symptoms as they aren’t noticeable in the early stages. Symptoms can become apparent as the problem escalates.
Fatty liver can’t be detected easily and it takes time for the symptoms to come into direct notice of an infected individual. There are some factors that will give an understanding to determine fatty liver. Factors include:

• Medical history
• Imaging studies
• Blood tests (liver function tests)
• Physical examination

It’s essential to consult a doctor for deeper knowledge to clear out any suspicion. The tests and early diagnosis will help in providing immediate treatment. Making routine check-ups and health screenings a part of your treatment can help in early detection. Since early intervention is important, it’ll be prudent to take the necessary steps to prevent any potential risk factors.

Causes of NAFLD

The exact causes are not yet deciphered but fatty liver is caused by the accumulation of fat in the liver cells and this can be caused due to numerous factors. Causes of this disease include

Obesity: Excessive body weight is a significant in fatty liver. The distribution of fat in the body can lead to the development of accumulation of fat in the liver.

Insulin resistance: When the body cells become resistant to insulin effects, the pancreas produces more insulin to maintain the blood sugar level. Elevated insulin levels lead to the accumulation of fat in liver, hence increasing the risk of fatty liver.

Unhealthy diet: Diets rich in carbohydrates, added preservatives and sugars can contribute to the development of fatty liver. Consuming fats can lead to the storage of excess fat, hence causing fatty liver.

Type 2 diabetes: Individuals associated with diabetes, those with poor blood sugar levels are at an increased risk of developing fatty liver. Insulin resistance also plays a role in this condition.

Rapid weight loss: Sudden weight loss can lead to the accumulation of fat in the bloodstream. Adopting unhealthy dietary practices, it’ll hence increase the risk of fatty liver in an individual.

Genetics: Genetic factors play a crucial role in fatty liver disease. A family with a medical history of fatty liver can pass it on to future generations.

Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can increase the risk of fatty liver. By maintaining a fixed schedule of exercising, a healthy diet can reduce the chances and complications of non-alcoholic fatty liver.

These factors are the bridging gap that influences the fatty liver to interfere with our day-to-day tasks. Early intervention and detection would help in curing this disease at an early stage.

Diagnosis for NAFLD

To understand what your body is trying to tell you, doctors will run certain tests to diagnose what the actual problem is. Your current symptoms will make an easy way for them to identify the problem. The following are the possible outcomes of the diagnosis of Fatty liver:

Blood Tests: In this type of test:

• The doctor will examine and check the complete blood count
• Liver enzymes and liver function test
• Fasting blood sugar test
• Iron check in blood

Liver biopsy: If tests turn out to be unclear then the doctor may suggest a liver biopsy. A small piece of tissue from your liver is removed for further examination. The tissue is examined to figure out the signs of inflammation and scarring.

Imaging procedures: Types of imaging tests include:

Abdominal ultrasound: In liver problems, this is the first test which is usually performed.

Transient elastography: This is a new type of test which helps in measuring the stiffness of the liver.

MRI or CT scan: These tests can also help in detecting fatty liver but can’t give accurate reading and judgement at times.

These specific tests are important and may vary according to an individual’s condition. Early detection and intervention are needed to prevent the progression of fatty liver disease.

Risk Factors
There are many risk factors that can influence the development of fatty liver. Risk factors include:

• High cholesterol
• Growth hormone deficiency
• Family history of fatty liver
• Genetics
• Alcohol consumption
• Insulin resistance
• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Hypopituitarism
• Rapid weight loss

It’s extremely essential for an individual to adopt a healthy lifestyle by making a slight shift in their daily routine. A balanced diet, weight management and regular exercising can reduce the risk of complications in thus disease and can even lessen the chances of developing fatty liver. By avoiding the causes of fatty liver, one can lead a better life. Regular medical check-ups can help in monitoring liver health and can also help in detecting potential issues.

Treatment for NAFLD

Since there is no specific treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, the doctor can recommend some necessary lifestyle changes that must be implemented to keep fatty liver under control. Treatment options include:

• Losing weight
• Increasing physical activity
• Restraining unhealthy fats and added sugars
• Managing your cholesterol; and blood glucose levels
• Avoiding alcohol
• Consuming a balanced diet filled with nutrients

These treatment options are necessary to deal with non-alcoholic fatty liver and it is important for every infected individual to take proper treatment as fatty liver can also lead to inflammation of liver or liver cancer in rare cases if left untreated or without following preventive measures for long.

Prevention for NAFLD

The risk of getting affected by non-alcoholic fatty liver is higher if you’ve a family medical history but preventive measures are always recommended to save an individual from early influence and interference of fatty liver in their life. Preventive measures include:

Healthy diet: Consuming a diet rich in vegetables, fruits grains and proteins can not only reduce the risk of fatty liver but also help in maintaining liver health.

Regular exercising: Exercising regularly can not only keep your body fit but will also keep the liver healthy. Regular exercises reduce the risk of fatty liver and other potential causes.

Balanced weight: By maintaining a healthy and adequate weight, an individual can reduce the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Quit alcohol consumption and smoking: Alcohol and smoking are not recommended as excessive intake or consumption can not only contribute to liver damage but also affect overall well-being.

Limit oily or processed food: Reducing the consumption of oily or processed food can lessen the risk of fatty liver

These possible preventive measures can help in reducing the impact of chronic fatty liver. Early intervention and detection are preferable for a successful treatment.