Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a range of conditions caused by fat build-up in the liver.  It silently spreads through the organ over a period of time and disrupts its normal functioning. A similar condition in which the fat deposit in the organ is accompanied by inflammation  is termed non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH can lead to cirrhosis and eventually liver failure.  

What could trigger NAFLD?

Individuals diagnosed with NAFLD do not have any previous history of heavy drinking of alcohol. The condition is usually but not always associated with being obese. Certain health conditions such as obesity, insulin-resistant diabetes, and other metabolic disorders, make one particularly prone to NAFLD. Other health conditions that could trigger NAFLD include high cholesterol, high triglyceride and high blood pressure levels.

Symptoms

In most cases NAFLD is a silent disease with few symptoms, or possibly no symptoms. However, it can manifest as fatigue, and pain in the upper right abdomen. Among individuals afflicted by NASH, symptoms may include weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of skin and eyes (Jaundice), itching, fluid buildup, swelling in legs and abdomen, mental confusion, and gastrointestinal bleeding.\

Is NAFLD dangerous?

Early-stage NAFLD is not associated with any harm, but could result in serious damage, including cirrhosis of the liver, if it gets worse. High levels of fat deposition in the liver can cause diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease. If already diabetic, a person with NAFLD could face an increased risk of developing heart disease.

Treatment

While there is no treatment for NAFLD, following lifestyle changes can be helpful

Losing weight if one is diagnosed as being overweight.

Eating healthy and keeping one’s salt intake low.

Abstaining from alcoholic drinks.

Staying physically active.

Keeping one’s blood glucose and blood pressure levels in check.

Getting vaccinated for conditions such as Hepatitis A and B.

Lowering your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.  

Consuming one’s medicines, regularly.

Prevention

To prevent NAFLD, doctors advise maintaining a healthy weight, eating healthy, getting sufficient exercise, moderating alcohol consumption, and regularly consuming prescribed course of medicines. Among dietary changes, a Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil has been found helpful in mitigating NAFLD.   A Mediterranean diet is characterized by a large intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, fish and low consumption of red meats with moderate alcohol intake. The Mediterranean diet has also been found to help keep heart disease, and diabetes in check,  both of which are strong risk factors for NAFLD. Some dietitians recommend up to three cups of coffee a day to keep one’s liver healthy.

A common misconception about NAFLD is that it only affects individuals who are obese. Those with normal body mass index (BMI) may also exhibit symptoms of NASH.  The condition is termed lean NASH.

While NAFLD is fairly common in the older population, experts now warn of NAFLD in young people, with a substantial number of 24-year-olds found to have developed the condition, putting them at a risk of illnesses in future such as cancer and insulin resistant diabetes.

With India already the diabetes capital of the world, medical experts are terming the growing incidence of NAFLD also an epidemic.

Acknowledging the obesity challenge facing the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged people to cut down their consumption of edible oil by 10% each month to reap significant health benefits. 

In a social media post, the PM nominated and tagged industrialists, actors and sportspersons to spread awareness. 

"You should decide that you will use 10% less oil every month. You can decide that you will buy 10% less oil when you buy it for cooking. This will be an important step towards reducing obesity. By making small changes in our eating habits, we can make our future stronger, fitter and disease-free," PM Modi said in his monthly radio programme Mann ki Baat (Words from the heart).

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