Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a health condition that affects people who do not consume excessive alcohol.

It is characterized by the build-up of fat in the liver due to various factors such as obesity, insulin resistance, high cholesterol levels, and metabolic syndrome. NAFLD is a silent disease that often goes undiagnosed until it progresses into more serious conditions such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

In this article, we will discuss how NAFLD affects your health and what you can do to prevent or manage it.

What Causes NAFLD?

NAFLD is primarily caused by a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits. When you eat foods that are high in calories, sugar, and fat, your body produces more insulin to regulate your blood sugar levels.

Insulin resistance occurs when your body becomes resistant to insulin, and your liver starts producing more glucose than it needs. As a result, your liver starts storing excess glucose as fat, which leads to the build-up of fat in the liver. Other factors that can contribute to NAFLD include:.

Obesity
High cholesterol levels
Metabolic syndrome
Diabetes
Hypertension
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Symptoms of NAFLD

NAFLD is often asymptomatic, meaning you might not notice any symptoms until the condition has progressed to more severe stages. However, some common symptoms of NAFLD include:.

Fatigue
Pain in the upper right side of your abdomen
Enlarged liver
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Spider-like blood vessels on the skin

How NAFLD Affects Your Health

NAFLD is a serious health condition that can affect various organs in your body. Here are a few ways how NAFLD affects your health:.

1. Liver Damage

NAFLD can cause inflammation and damage to your liver, leading to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

NASH is a more severe form of NAFLD that causes inflammation and scarring of the liver, which can lead to permanent liver damage. Cirrhosis is a late-stage liver disease that causes permanent scarring of the liver, leading to liver failure and death. Liver cancer is a rare but possible complication of NAFLD.

2. Insulin Resistance and Diabetes

As mentioned earlier, NAFLD is closely linked to insulin resistance, which means your body becomes resistant to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels and diabetes.

If your liver is not functioning properly due to NAFLD, it can lead to a further increase in blood sugar levels and worsen insulin resistance.

3. Cardiovascular Disease

NAFLD is linked to various risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as obesity, high cholesterol levels, hypertension, and insulin resistance.

These risk factors can increase your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular disorders.

4. Kidney Damage

NAFLD can increase your risk of developing kidney disease by causing inflammation and damage to your kidneys. If left untreated, kidney disease can lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Preventing and Managing NAFLD

The good news is that NAFLD can be prevented and managed with a few lifestyle changes. Here are a few things that you can do:.

1. Healthy Eating

A healthy diet that is low in saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, and sugar can help prevent and manage NAFLD. Focus on eating whole foods that are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

A balanced diet should contain a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

2. Regular Exercise

Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight, reducing insulin resistance, and preventing NAFLD. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise such as walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming, five days a week.

3. Manage Health Conditions

If you have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol levels, it is essential to manage them effectively to prevent or manage NAFLD. Follow your doctor’s advice and take your medications as prescribed.

4. Avoid Alcohol

Avoiding alcohol is crucial for preventing and managing NAFLD. Even moderate alcohol consumption can worsen NAFLD and lead to liver damage. If you have NAFLD, it is essential to avoid alcohol entirely.

Conclusion

NAFLD is a serious health condition that can affect various organs in your body. It is essential to prevent and manage NAFLD with a few lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, regular exercise, managing health conditions, and avoiding alcohol.

If you notice any symptoms of NAFLD, such as fatigue, pain in the upper right side of your abdomen, or jaundice, consult your doctor immediately.