Fatty liver disease is divided into two categories: alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Unlike alcohol-related liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) it is not caused by drinking too much alcohol. The complication is more common if you are overweight or diabetic. Non-alcoholic fatty liver It usually does not cause any symptoms in the early stages.
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«You may only find out you have it if you’re having a test being done for something else,» Bupa explains.
However, some people with NAFLD may develop more serious liver damage known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
«This is when the accumulation of fat causes your liver to become inflamed and damaged,» says Bupa.
NASH can produce a number of visible warning signs.
According to the Mayo Clinic, these include:
- Abdominal swelling (ascites)
- enlarged spleen
- red palms
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
«You should see a doctor if you have persistent signs and symptoms that worry you,» advises the health body.
How is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver or NAFLD Diagnosed?
«It is often diagnosed after a blood test called a liver function test produces an abnormal result and other liver conditions, such as hepatitis, are ruled out,» explains the NHS.
But blood tests don’t always detect NAFLD.
As the NHS (British health body equivalent to our Ministry of Health) points out, the condition can also be detected through an ultrasound of your abdomen.
This is a type of scan that uses sound waves to create a picture of the inside of your body.
Am I at risk?
Experts do not know exactly why some people store fat in the liver and others don’t.
Similarly, there is a limited understanding of pwhy some fatty livers develop inflammation that progresses to scarring of the liver.
However, NAFLD and NASH are related to markers of chronic diseases, such as obesity and hyperglycemia, warns the Mayo Clinic.
«These combined health problems appear to promote fat deposition in the liver,» says Healthy Body.
«For some people, this excess fat acts as a toxin to liver cells, causing liver inflammation and NASH, which can lead to a buildup of scar tissue in the liver.»
You can lower your risk by improving your lifestyle.
One of the most important recommendations is to maintain a healthy weight through a healthy and balanced diet.
Staying active and getting plenty of exercise can also lower your chances of developing the disease.
It is doubly important to take precautionary measures because There are no specific treatments for NAFLD yet.
«However, there is a lot of research being done to try to find a treatment, especially for people with the most advanced stages of liver fibrosis and inflammation,» adds Bupa.