Fatty Liver Disease

The next new silent killer

First the obesity epidemic in the U.S., now this:

Liver condition called nonalcoholic fatty liver

disease (NAFLD). Many associate liver disease

with heavy alcohol and/or drug users, but obese

individuals are likely to have fatty liver       
disease due to overtaxing the liver
from too much carbohydrate and fat intake, over time. 

According to a review published in the November/December issue of the Journal of clinical gastroenterology, NAFLD
is believed to be one of the most common forms of liver
disease worldwide. Its prevalence is growing because of the rise in obesity. About 20% to 40% of industrialized western countries may be affected.

The liver is an organ that metabolizes carbohydrates, fats and proteins. When consuming fat, the liver has to metabolize, store,  manufacture and package fat into particles called
lipoproteins. These lipoproteins can then be transported throughout the body to cells that need them. Normally, this system works well.

However, with a lifetime of high fat and carbohydrate intake, the liver gets taxed and is unable to properly handle the fat that enters the body from the diet. Triglycerides, a type of fat in
the body, build up in the liver cells and over time, leading to a fatty liver. A fatty liver can cause inflammation, fibrosis (excess fibrous tissue) of the liver tissue, and cirrhosis. Insulin resistance which can be caused by excess calorie intake over time, raises triglyceride levels as well, and thus may contribute to fatty liver disease development. High insulin levels, which occur with excess calorie intake, prevent fats from being broken down. Thus, it is easy to see why  both obesity and insulin resistance can cause fatty liver disease.
NAFLD consists of two types of classifications:


hepatic steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
The latter is more severe form as it involves both fat accumulation  and fibrosis and/or  cirrhosis.



About 20% of those with NASH result in cirrhosis or liver cancer. A simple  blood test can detect and diagnose NAFLD.


The best way to prevent it is to maintain a healthy weight (lose weight if obese/overweight) through diet and exercise, reduce total fat and carbohydrate intake, increase fiber intake and most of the fat you do consume plant-based.


That translates into eating mostly plant foods (vegetables, legumes/beans, whole grains and fruit, plant oils such as olive oil) and lean animal foods (low fat diary, eggs, fish,
poultry and lean meat). Adequate choline intake is important, too. The liver will become healthier as excess body weight is reduce.
Exercise is not only important for weight control, but it also increases muscle cells oxygen consumption and ability to burn fat, thus keeping fat from being stored in the liver. Exercise has
also been shown to help with blood sugar control, insulin resistance, blood pressure, and liver enzymes.


Certain medications are commonly prescribed to treat the condition. Taurine, vitamin E and Milk thistle supplementation have shown encouraging results.


Probiotics may also beneficially alter bowel flora and control inflammation.




Reference:
Patel, Anish A. MD, et al. Journal of Clinical
Gastroenterology, Nov/Dec 2009; Volume 43; Issue 10; pp

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