NAFLD

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common disorder and refers to a group of conditions where there is accumulation of excess fat in the liver of people who drink little or no alcohol. The majority of individuals with NAFLD have no symptoms and a normal examination. NAFLD is part of the metabolic syndrome characterized by diabetes, or pre-diabetes (insulin resistance), being overweight or obese, elevated blood lipids such as cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as high blood pressure.

NAFLD may affect as many as one in three to one in five adults in the United States. The diagnosis of NAFLD is usually first suspected in an overweight or obese person who is found to have mild elevations in their liver tests during a routine blood testing or incidentally detected on radiologic investigations such as abdominal ultrasound or CT scan.

A few studies have suggested that weight loss may be associated with regression of fat within the liver. Therefore, the most important recommendations for people with fatty liver are to lose weight if they are overweight or obese, increase their physical activity, follow a balanced diet and avoid alcohol and unnecessary medications.

These are liver-loving foods:

·      Fruits that are red, purple and blue are high in anthocyanin have been found to be an effective therapy against a fat-laden liver.

·      Coffee and green tea (both caffeinated and decaffeinated) can lower the level of abnormal liver enzymes.

·      Olive oil can protect the liver from oxidative stress.

·      Salmon is loaded with omega-3 fat and vitamin D.

NAFLD can progress to more severe liver disease that could ultimately require liver transplant. An ounce of prevention!

A very basic introduction from the American Liver Foundation.

More information (including a podcast) from the American College of Gastroenterology.