Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Expert Recommends Diet Tips to Keep Your Liver Healthy

The liver serves some vital functions in the human body, which includes bile production, detoxification, formation of proteins like blood clotting factors, etc. Many lifestyle mistakes can affect the healthy functioning of the liver, like alcoholism. But in some cases, even non alcoholics can suffer from liver diseases. One of those aliments is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).  The disease refers to a wide range of liver diseases that affects people who consume little or no alcohol. They may have poor liver conditions due to the excessive fats stored in the liver cells.

Epidemiological studies suggest that NAFLD prevails in around 9 percent to 32 percent of general population in India among the people who are obese and diabetic. However, it can also affect non-obese individuals as well who have fats stored in their liver cells.

What is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common disorder and refers to a group of conditions where there is the accumulation of excess fat in the liver of people who drink little or no alcohol. In fatty liver disease, fat accumulates in the liver cells. Although having fat in the liver is not normal, by itself, it probably does not damage the liver. A small group of people with NAFLD may have a more serious condition named non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Fatty liver is a reversible condition that can be resolved with a healthier lifestyle.

What are the Symptoms of NAFLD?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease usually does not have any visible symptoms, however frequent pain in the upper right abdomen accompanied by fatigue are the common symptoms of NAFLD. While after diagnosis, a person will be diagnosed with the enlarged liver.

What are the Causes of NAFLD?

The most common reasons for NAFLD are:

• Being overweight or obese

• Insulin resistance in which your cells don't take up sugar in response to the hormone insulin

• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia), indicating prediabetes or type 2 diabetes

• High levels of fats, particularly triglycerides, in the blood

How is NAFLD Diagnosed?

If you witnessing the similar symptoms, you can consult a doctor and get yourself diagnosed. Diagnosis of NAFLD can be done through:

Blood tests: A blood test is usually done to check the enzymes that indicate you've got fatty liver.

Ultrasound: In case of swelled abdomen and pain in the upper right abdomen, doctors usually do an ultrasound to check for NAFLD.

Biopsy: To check your liver for signs of fat, the doctor performs a biopsy. Under biopsy, the certain area is numbed and a needle is inserted to take out a tiny piece of liver.

How is NAFLD Treated?

There is no specific treatment for NAFLD, however, doctors generally recommend medication procedure and variation in the eating habits and lifestyle to manage your weight and keep a control on diabetes.

How To Keep Your Liver Healthy

Regular Exercise: A minimum of 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 times a week can go a long way in weight management and controlling diabetes that can speed up the treatment procedure. Consult your doctor and ask for the exercises that would help in relieving the abdominal pain and the swelling near the abdominal.

Balanced Diet: A healthy composition of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats and carbohydrates in the diet is highly recommended to cut down the fat from the liver. Make sure you consult a dietician to understand your diet. Do not include any fatty products in your diet that can hamper your liver condition. Include omega-3 fatty acid in your diet that will help you to fight against liver inflammation and fibrosis. Omega 3 can be found products like flaxseeds, eggs, soybean, walnuts, and dairy products.

Consume whole grain products: It is wise to replace enriched, processed, refined carbohydrate foods, such as white bread, sugary cereals and processed snack foods with whole grain products.

Say NO to tobacco and consume alcohol: During the heavy dose of medications and treatment process, it is highly recommended non-consumption of tobacco and alcohol consumption. In a period of extra physical and mental vulnerability, such intoxication would only worsen revival and well being. Therefore, it is a big no to alcohol and tobacco for a period of time. Thus, a healthy lifestyle is the key to a lively liver!!

This article is contributed by Ms. Shalini Arvind, Chief Dietitian Fortis Hospital Bangalore

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 26, 2018 01:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).