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What is non-alcoholic liver disease and what causes it?
If your liver is made up of 5 to 10% of its weight in fat, then you are affected by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The liver is responsible for producing bile, which helps the body store minerals and vitamins, cleans the blood, breaks down hormones and digests fats.
In the case of NAFLD, the liver is not able to break down fats as it should. As a result, fats enlarge and the liver enlarges as well. This disorder is the most common liver disease in the world.
It is caused by:
- alcohol consumption
- age
- genetics
- diabetes
- high triglycerides
- high cholesterol
- malnutrition and poor diet
- obesity
- thyroid disorders
- sedentary lifestyle
- some medications
In the case of cell damage and inflammation in the living tissue in addition to NAFLD, people are diagnosed with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Approximately 2 to 5% of Americans are affected by NASH.
It is estimated that approximately 20 to 30% of adults in Western countries have NAFLD. However, the prevalence is lower in Eastern countries. The prevalence is also higher in older people, but it is increasing in younger people due to excessive fat consumption.
7 signs that you have a fatty liver
The most common symptoms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are:
- fatigue
- weight loss
- upper abdominal pain
- jaundice – which is indicated by yellow discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes
- swelling of our body (known as ascites and edema) due to a lack of proteins produced by the liver
- increased bruising
- mental confusion
Note: you should consult your doctor to make sure that the symptoms you are experiencing are related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. These symptoms are often associated with a range of different conditions.
Home remedies for NAFLD
Weight loss: when body fat is lost, liver fat is lost as well
Diet changes: avoid high-fat foods and add more raw vegetables, sweet potatoes, ginger root and bananas to your diet
- Black seed oil: effective for many conditions including NAFLD
- Turmeric: helps digestion and will fight NAFLD inflammation
- Vitamin E: its antioxidant will fight inflammation caused by NAFLD
- Wolfberry: restores natural enzymes and reduces oxidative effects
- Resveratrol: a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent
- Milk thistle: reduces oxidative stress and NAFLD inflammation
- Exercise: half an hour of exercise a day is very beneficial for people suffering from NAFLD
- Increase glutathione: removes toxins from cells
