Preventable Liver Disease is on the Rise

In the modern, ever-moving world we live in, countless choices confront us daily, including what we eat. After a taxing day, it’s tempting to opt for fast food or delivery. While concerns about weight gain or hypertension might be top of mind, I, as a liver expert, also urge you to consider the threat of fatty liver disease.

A specific type, known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now impacts one in every four adults worldwide. If untreated, it can escalate to cirrhosis, liver failure, and an elevated risk of liver cancer. However, the silver lining is that this condition is preventable and reversible.

What is this fatty liver disease?

It’s a disorder where the liver gets inflamed due to fat accumulation. This can result from factors such as viral hepatitis, certain medications like steroids or tamoxifen, or excessive alcohol consumption.

Yet, the cause for NAFLD is different. It is often tied to metabolic risk elements. Those with conditions like high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk. It’s also prevalent among individuals who are overweight. However, having a normal BMI doesn’t exempt one from NAFLD.

How can NAFLD be prevented or treated?

Your diet is a game changer. Given NAFLD’s link to metabolic health, adopting a healthier diet can both prevent and potentially reverse the condition. The Mediterranean diet is a prime example of a nutritious dietary regime.