It is important to follow a healthy diet free of
alcohol to prevent build-up of fat in the liver
New Delhi, 16
August 2017: Studies indicate an alarming increase in the number
of people suffering from fatty liver. As per available statistics, 1 in 5
people in India have excess fat in their liver and 1 in 10 have fatty liver
disease. This is a cause of concern as fatty liver can lead to liver damage and
even liver cancer if undiagnosed and untreated. As per the IMA, about 20% of
those with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are likely to get liver
cirrhosis in 20 years. This percentage is akin to that among alcoholics.
NAFLD is
caused due to a build-up of fat in liver cells. The first stage of this disease
is called simple fatty liver. Although excess fat builds up in the liver in
this stage, it remains harmless and has no evident symptoms unless it develops
into inflammation or damage. The second stage is called non-alcoholic stea to
hepatitis (NASH) which is similar to alcoholic liver disease. However, those
affected drink little or no alcohol.
Speaking
about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical
Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN
Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “NAFLD
may progress to cirrhosis and is likely an important cause of cryptogenic
cirrhosis. As little as two drinks per day in those who are overweight (and one
drink per day in those who are obese) is associated in hepatic injury. Liver
cancer is associated with cirrhosis due to NAFLD and heart disease is the most
common cause of death among patients with this condition. NAFLD is not caused
by alcohol but its consumption can make the condition worse. The disease can
stop or reverse, especially in the early stages. Once it progresses to
cirrhosis, the liver becomes unable to function causing symptoms like fluid
retention, muscle wasting, internal bleeding, jaundice (yellowing of skin and
eyes), liver failure.”
Some symptoms of
NAFLD that emerge in the long run include fatigue, weight loss or loss of
appetite, weakness, nausea, confusion and impaired judgment, pain in the centre
or right upper part of the abdomen below the ribs, an enlarged liver, and
patchy or dark skin on the neck or underarm.
Adding further, Dr
Aggarwal, said, “NAFLD is often diagnosed after liver function tests
produce an abnormal result and other liver conditions such as hepatitis are
ruled out. However, NAFLD can be present even when routine liver blood tests
are normal. One needs to make certain lifestyle changes to prevent the disease
from progressing to a more serious stage and lower the risk of having a heart
attack or stroke.”
Here are some
simple lifestyle changes one can make to avoid this condition.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Consume a healthy diet rich in fruits and
vegetables.
- Get minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity
every day.
- Limit alcohol intake or avoid consuming it at
all.
- Only take medicines that are required and
follow dosage recommendations.
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