The liver is responsible for many important functions. It converts sugars to glycogen and stores it until the body needs it. The liver also produces certain chemicals needed to break down food and alcohol, remove harmful toxins from the blood, and it produces proteins that help the blood clot properly.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects about 25% of people in the world. It is the most common chronic liver disorder in Canada and occurs when people who drink little or no alcohol develop certain liver-related conditions. It tends to appear in overweight individuals who have diabetes, high cholesterol, and high triglyceride levels.
NAFLD may begin as simple fatty liver, a mild condition also known as steatosis. With simple fatty liver, fat builds up within the liver, normally without causing any damage to the liver cells. Another more serious form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH is a more serious condition because inflammation and growth of tissue within the liver may lead to cirrhosis, liver scarring, liver cancer, or the need for a liver transplant.
Several risk factors increase the likelihood of a person developing NAFLD. These risk factors include:
It appears that people with metabolic syndrome are more likely to develop some form of NAFLD. Metabolic syndrome is a condition that can include high blood pressure, high cholesterol or blood fat levels, obesity, or an inability to regulate sugar (insulin resistance).
However, people without metabolic syndrome or any of its risk factors can also develop NAFLD. Taking certain medications such as corticosteroids, antiretrovirals, immune-suppressing medications, and some cancer medications may also increase the chance of developing NAFLD.
Since NAFLD is associated with other risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels, getting some or all of these conditions under control can help manage the disease.
Treatment for a person with NAFLD may include:
Preventing this condition requires looking after your health every day. Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight by making healthy food choices and exercising regularly are important. Getting vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, the flu, and pneumococcal disease can help prevent the disease from progressing to liver failure.
Keeping conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol in control may also reduce your risk of NAFLD.
For information about nutrition and exercise, refer to these publications:
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2026. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Non-Alcoholic-Fatty-Liver-Disease
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