What is Fatty Liver Disease?

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

What causes fatty liver Disease? NAFLD occurs when fat cells build up in the liver, which cause health issues ranging from a low functioning liver to permanent scaring called Fibrosis that slowly take over the liver.

Like most of us, I believed that the only way I could damage my liver was by drinking alcohol. But I was wrong. Today 25% of the adults in America are living everyday with NAFLD. Six million kids, 10% of our countries children are living with NAFLD. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in both adults and children.

Symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, spider-like blood vessels, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), itching, fluid build up and swelling of the legs (edema) and abdomen (ascites), and mental confusion.

Causes of NAFLD are more likely to be

· High cholesterol

· High levels of triglycerides in the blood

· Metabolic syndrome

· Obesity, particularly when fat is concentrated in the abdomen

· Polycystic ovary syndrome

· Sleep apnea

· Type 2 diabetes

· Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

· Underactive pituitary gland (hypopituitarism)

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is more likely in these groups:

· Older people

· People with diabetes

· People with body fat concentrated in the abdomen

Mostly we know that NAFLD is lifestyle preventable. Here are a few ideas that is implemented in your daily life can alleviate symptoms and even reverse fatty livers.

· Cut out all high fructose corn syrup from your diet. ...

· Reduce or eliminate starch. ...

· Add some good things to your diet to help heal your fatty liver. ...

· Improve your metabolism through exercise. ...

· Use the right supplements. ...

· Eat detoxifying liver-repairing super foods


For more information on implementing these habits into your life contact a HFA trainer at ghouston@mvhospital.net. We would love to help you find the healthiest you.