When people hear “fatty liver,” they often think it comes from drinking too much alcohol. But here’s the surprising truth: millions of people around the world have a liver condition called Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), and alcohol isn’t the cause.
NAFLD is becoming more common, and if it isn’t managed properly, it can lead to serious health problems. The good news is that early awareness and lifestyle changes can help prevent or even reverse it.
What Is Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?
NAFLD happens when too much fat builds up in the liver, even in people who drink little to no alcohol. A healthy liver contains some fat, but when more than 5 to 10 percent of the liver’s weight is fat, it can start to cause damage.
NAFLD has two main types:
- Simple fatty liver – fat in the liver without much inflammation or damage
- Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) – a more serious form with liver inflammation and damage, which can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer
What Causes NAFLD?
Researchers don’t know the exact cause, but it’s strongly linked to:
- Being overweight or obese
- Having type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance
- High cholesterol or high triglycerides
- High blood pressure
- Poor diet and sedentary lifestyle
Signs and Symptoms
The tricky part is that NAFLD often shows no symptoms at all in the early stages. Some people may feel:
- Fatigue
- Discomfort or pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
It’s usually discovered through blood tests or imaging exams done for other reasons.
What to Avoid
Certain lifestyle factors can make NAFLD worse. To protect your liver, avoid:
- Processed foods and fried foods high in trans fats
- Excessive sugar and sugary drinks
- Too much salt
- Heavy alcohol consumption (even though alcohol is not the cause, it can worsen liver damage)
- Physical inactivity
What You Can Do to Protect Your Liver
The good news is that NAFLD can often be reversed with healthy changes. Here are some steps that make a difference:
- Maintain a healthy weight through gradual, sustainable weight loss if needed
- Eat a balanced diet with more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
- Stay active with at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days
- Limit sugar and refined carbs such as white bread and pastries
- Schedule regular check-ups to monitor your liver health and related conditions
Take Charge of Your Liver Health
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease can be silent, but it doesn’t have to progress into something more serious. The earlier you take action, the better your chances of protecting your liver.
At BMI Cape, Dr. Subramani works with patients to assess liver health and create personalized plans to prevent or manage NAFLD. If you’re concerned about your risk or want to take steps toward better liver health, it’s time to act.
👉 Reach out to Dr. Subramani today and start taking care of your liver for a healthier tomorrow.
References:
- Mayo Clinic. “Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).” mayoclinic.org
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). “Definition & Facts for NAFLD & NASH.” niddk.nih.gov
- American Liver Foundation. “Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.” liverfoundation.org
