One in three Indians suffers from fatty liver disease. If you are thinking it is not going to happen to you because you don’t drink you are wrong now a days even youngster can get it, and it can progress to a more severe condition called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH, which is a leading cause of liver cancer, cirrhosis and liver transplants.
But there are ways to beat it at early stage and reverse it progress.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) happens due to various factors like excessive weight gain, high blood sugar levels, high cholesterol or elevated triglycerides, 50-75% of those with type 2 diabetes may have NAFLD, and around 90% of those with both diabetes and obesity are likely to have this condition. “NAFLD can progress to cirrhosis and even liver cancer in some people.
Grade 2 or Grade 3 fatty liver disease can almost be reversed through lifestyle and dietary changes — and studies show that weight loss of more than 3% of body weight can significantly reduce liver fat.
We’re seeing a high incidence of ‘lean NAFLD’ or TOFI (Thin Outside, Fat Inside) syndrome whereby many young Indians with normal BMI are developing fatty liver, there is a genetic link. The PNPLA3 gene variant, which increases the risk of liver fat accumulation.
Fatty liver disease can be managed with lifestyle changes.
But there are ways to beat it at early stage and reverse it progress.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) happens due to various factors like excessive weight gain, high blood sugar levels, high cholesterol or elevated triglycerides, 50-75% of those with type 2 diabetes may have NAFLD, and around 90% of those with both diabetes and obesity are likely to have this condition. “NAFLD can progress to cirrhosis and even liver cancer in some people.
Grade 2 or Grade 3 fatty liver disease can almost be reversed through lifestyle and dietary changes — and studies show that weight loss of more than 3% of body weight can significantly reduce liver fat.
We’re seeing a high incidence of ‘lean NAFLD’ or TOFI (Thin Outside, Fat Inside) syndrome whereby many young Indians with normal BMI are developing fatty liver, there is a genetic link. The PNPLA3 gene variant, which increases the risk of liver fat accumulation.
Fatty liver disease can be managed with lifestyle changes.
Something you can do are :-
- Eat a healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit foods high in fat, sugar, and salt, and replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats.
- Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week.
- Lose weight: If you’re overweight, try to lose weight gradually.
- Avoid alcohol: Heavy alcohol use can harm the liver.
- Quit smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of developing fatty liver disease.
- Manage diabetes: If you have diabetes, manage it.
- Lower cholesterol and blood pressure: If your cholesterol or blood pressure is high, take steps to improve it.
- Drink green tea: Green tea can help improve liver function and reduce cholesterol levels.