Fatty Liver Disease: What It Is And What To Do About It
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition of extra fat buildup in the liver, is rising — it now affects about 20% to 40% of the US population. It usually causes no symptoms and is often first detected by accident when, for another reason, an imaging study (such as an abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI) is requested. As part of investigating abnormal liver blood tests, a fatty liver can also be identified on an imaging test.
NAFLD is closely linked to conditions such as diabetes and obesity. It is also associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. Understanding NAFLD and its causes, consequences, and options for treatment is still a work underway.
The many faces of fatty liver disease
There are lots of medical terms related to fatty liver disease, and it can get confusing. The main medical umbrella term NAFLD refers to a fatty liver that is not related to alcohol use. NAFLD is further divided into two groups:
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), otherwise known as simple fatty liver, or
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Keeping your liver healthy
If you have been diagnosed with fatty liver disease, keeping your liver as healthy as possible and avoiding anything that could harm your liver is important. Here are a few important things to do.
Don't drink excessive alcohol. How much remains controversial is too much, but it is probably best to completely avoid alcohol. Make sure none of your medicines, herbs, and supplements are toxic to the liver; with this LiverTox database, you can check your list.
Even acetaminophen (the generic ingredient in Tylenol and some cold medicines) can be harmful if you take too much too long, particularly if you have heavy liver disease or drink alcohol.
Vaccinate to protect against hepatitis A and B liver viruses. Control other conditions of health that may also affect your liver, and check with your doctor if you may have other underlying, treatable diseases that contribute to your fatty liver. Get regular liver cancer screening tests if you have cirrhosis already.
