How to know if you are at risk of fatty liver disease: Diagnosis, prevention and treatment
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fat in the liver cells, which is not caused by alcohol consumption.
The disease ranges in severity from simple fat accumulation (steatosis) to more advanced stages, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and even cirrhosis, which can be life-threatening.
The incidence of NAFLD in the United States has increased, reflecting broader trends in obesity and metabolic syndrome. Estimates suggest approx 25% to 30% of the US adult population with NAFLD. The prevalence may be even higher in individuals with type 2 diabetes or obesity.
This means that one in four people will suffer from NAFLD, which often remains undiagnosed in the early stages of the disease. This condition is a real concern because it is not only the most common liver disease in the United States but also a leading cause of liver transplants.
Moreover, NAFLD is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death worldwide.
What causes fatty liver disease?
NAFLD is one of the the most common form of chronic liver disease and is often associated with conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. These health issues can significantly increase your risk of developing the disease.
How does NAFLD affect your health?
Here’s why fatty liver disease is more than excess fat storage and how it can affect your overall health if ignored.
NAFLD is usually asymptomatic in its early stages but can lead to liver inflammation, elevated liver enzymes, liver scarring, and ultimately liver failure if not managed appropriately.
Immediate effect
- Low energy and stomach discomfort: Feeling bloated and tired? NAFLD may be the culprit.
- Liver problems: Elevated liver enzymes are often the first red flag that your liver is not doing its job properly. However, liver enzymes can remain at normal levels for some time.
Long-term consequences
- Your liver may be scarred: Over time, NAFLD can lead to liver fibrosis, which is just as scary.
- Cirrhosis: Imagine your liver becoming a rigid, scarred organ. That’s cirrhosis for you, and it’s irreversible.
- Liver cancer: NAFLD may increase your risk of liver cancer.
- Heart issues: Yes, NAFLD can even mess with your heart, increasing your chances of heart disease and stroke.
- Metabolic pain: Often, NAFLD is accompanied by comorbid conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.
- Risk of death: Severe NAFLD can be a serious life-threatening problem.
Additional risks
Other health risks associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease include gallstones, memory loss, kidney disease, and general metabolic decline.
NAFLD is more than just an excess fat storage problem — it’s a serious condition with serious metabolic, health-span and life-expectancy implications. The sooner you catch it or take preventative measures, the better.
How is NAFLD diagnosed?
1. Preliminary examination
- Medical history: Your physician may ask about your medical history, alcohol consumption, and assess you for other risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels.
- Physical examination: During the physical examination, the doctor may check for enlargement of the liver.
- Blood test: Liver function tests, including Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), are often performed to assess liver health.
2. Imaging studies
- Ultrasound: The most commonly used imaging test for diagnosing NAFLD. It is non-invasive and effectively detects fat in the liver.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan: Although less commonly used for the diagnosis of NAFLD due to radiation exposure, a CT scan can also detect fatty liver.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): More accurate but more expensive, MRI can assess the amount of fat in the liver.
3. Advanced testing
- Transient elastography (FibroScan): This is a special ultrasound that measures the stiffness of the liver, which may indicate fibrosis or scarring.
- Liver biopsy: In some cases, a liver biopsy may be necessary, especially to confirm the diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the more severe form of NAFLD. A small sample of liver tissue is removed and examined under a microscope for signs of inflammation and scarring.
4. Additional tests
Additional tests may be needed to rule out other liver diseases, such as chronic hepatitis C or alcoholic liver disease, especially if initial tests are inconclusive.
5. Disease monitoring
Once NAFLD is diagnosed, additional tests may be performed periodically to monitor liver function and assess disease progression, especially if treatment interventions are initiated.
It is very important to consult healthcare professionals for diagnosis and management, as fatty liver disease can progress to more serious conditions if not managed properly.
Liver disease prevention, supplemental support and detox
If you don’t have other medical conditions, you can control or reverse the buildup of fat in your liver and improve the organ’s function with simple lifestyle changes and nutritional supplementation.
Special treatment is usually required if the disease progresses and you suffer from other serious health issues.
PART 1 – Lifestyle changes that support liver health
- Weight loss: The most effective treatment for NAFLD is weight loss, which has been shown to reduce liver fat and fibrosis. Even modest weight loss (about 5-10% of body weight) can have a big effect.
- Changes in diet:
- Low-sugar, low-carbohydrate diets: Diets rich in sugar and simple carbohydrates may contribute to NAFLD. Consider eating a diet low in sugar and high in fiber and protein.
- Avoid sugary drinks, sodas and even juices to reduce the consumption of fast-absorbing sugar. Fruits and whole grains are good.
- Healthy fats: Choose unsaturated fats such as those found in olive oil and fish over saturated fats found in red meat.
- Increase the intake of fruits and vegetables: They are high in antioxidants and fiber, which are beneficial for liver health.
- Regular exercise: Aerobic exercise, such as walking, running, or swimming, and strength training can help reduce liver fat. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week.
- Avoid alcohol: Although NAFLD is “non-alcoholic,” alcohol can worsen liver problems and should be avoided.
- Quit smoking: Smoking can worsen liver disease and contribute to other health issues.
PART 2 – Treatment and medication
- Blood sugar control: For those with diabetes, maintaining good blood sugar control can help manage NAFLD.
- Cholesterol lowering: Statins or other drugs may be prescribed to control high cholesterol levels.
- Treatment of hypertension: Controlling high blood pressure is important for liver health.
- Adding vitamin E: Some studies suggest that vitamin E may help reduce liver inflammation in people with NASH (the most severe form of NAFLD), however, this should be done under medical supervision.
- Special medicines: Although there are no drugs specifically approved for the treatment of NAFLD, some drugs such as pioglitazone or obeticholic acid are being researched and used in certain cases.
IMPORTANT: It is very important to work closely with health care providers, including hepatologists, dietitians, and other specialists, for a comprehensive approach to treating NAFLD.
Disclaimer: Any information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical care.
PART 3 – Supplements for the natural prevention of chronic liver disease
STEP 1: A semi-annual liver cleanse and detox as part of preventive care.
STEP 2: Fermented multivitamin supplements will ensure adequate levels of choline, vitamin E and other vitamins important in preventing NAFLD. Fermented vitamins are known to absorb better, be gentle on the stomach and have increased nutrient bioavailability and positive health benefits.
STEP 3: Healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids is another important element of NAFLD prevention. Regular medical check-ups, including blood tests and imaging studies, can help monitor disease progression and effectiveness of treatment interventions.