Liver disease | Experience fatigue? Look out for these warning signs of non-alcoholic fatty liver

New Delhi: The liver is an important organ in the human body. It is responsible for detoxifying and purifying the blood. Liver dysfunction can lead to an increase in toxins in the body. Alcohol consumption can damage the liver. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a build-up of fat in the liver. This condition is known as alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, this may not always be the case as this fat deposition can also be caused in those who consume less or no alcohol. This condition is known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Symptoms of non-alcoholic fatty liver

Usually, non-alcoholic fatty liver does not cause any signs or symptoms. If symptoms are present, they can include:

• stomach pain
• Jaundice
• Ascites
• Fatigue
• Internal bleeding

Common causes of non-alcoholic fatty liver

The most common risk factors in NAFLD are as follows:

• Hypertension or hypotension
• diabetes
• pregnancy
• Use of corticosteroids
• Unhealthy cholesterol levels

Treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver

Common methods of treatment include consulting a doctor and working out an appropriate treatment. Nevertheless, the medical practitioners’ therapy recommendations usually include promoting a healthy change in life, as there are no specific drugs against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Tips for a Healthy Liver

Here are some tips to keep your liver healthy if you have non-alcoholic fatty liver:

• Get rid of excessive body fat by losing weight. Keep track of your weight if you are overweight or obese. This can help improve your liver as well as your heart health.
• Eat a balanced diet high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
• Refrain from consuming alcohol.
• Check your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.
• Make sure you stay physically active and exercising regularly for at least an hour or half an hour.

Bottom line

The problem of non-alcoholic fatty liver should not be overlooked as it can lead to additional complications such as scarring of the liver tissue, commonly known as cirrhosis. It can also be life threatening if it progresses. Since most of the liver is made up of water, make sure you are sufficiently hydrated to keep your liver and body healthy.

Disclaimer: The tips and suggestions mentioned in this article are for general information only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or nutritionist before starting any fitness program or changing your diet.