Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is alarming rising among adult people across the globe. NAFLD is the build-up of excess fat in liver cells, that occupy about 5-10% of the entire organ. It is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease. There are two types of fatty liver disease: alcoholic fatty liver disease- caused due to excessive consumption of alcohol and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
As per statistics revealed by National Health Portal (NHP) India, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease across the world. NAFLD affects 25% of the adult population worldwide and the prevalence of NAFLD in India is about 9% to 32%. Medical experts reveal that poor awareness of the condition and its symptoms as the main reasons for the surge.
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What Is Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)?
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a range of liver problems affecting people who drink little to no alcohol but is caused due to too much fat stored in the liver cells. It is categorised by excess accumulation of fat in the liver, but little to no inflammation and liver damage. Also, this condition may cause pain due to enlargement of the liver, but it doesn’t cause any liver damage.
While Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a more severe form of NAFLD, where a person may have inflammation in the liver that might eventually lead to liver damage. This damage can cause scarring or fibrosis of the liver. If left untreated NASH led to cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Read this article to know about early signs that would help diagnose warning signals of NAFLD at an initial stage before it worsens.
Also Read: Top 8 Foods For Healthy Liver
Extreme Fatigue
Feeling tired and exhausted are symptoms of many health conditions. However, health experts warn against taking this symptom lightly, particularly when it’s often. And if you feel extremely tired upon waking up, then it could be as result of poor liver health.
Other Warning Signs
- Discomfort in the upper right abdomen
- Abdominal swelling
- Jaundice
- Inflamed blood vessels below the skin surface
- Sudden weight loss
- Red Palms
Risk Factors
Belly Weight
People who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of NAFLD. A body mass index (BMI) of over 30 remarkably correlated with the incidence of NAFLD. If you have visible abdomen fat giving a bigger gut, then it is high time to modify your lifestyle habits to diminish excess fat. High cholesterol.
Also Read: Fatty Liver Disease: Here’s What You Should Eat And Avoid For Better Liver Health
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels or high lipid profile have been associated with poor functioning of the liver. So, if you’ve been diagnosed with dyslipidaemia, then it is vital to get your liver function test.
High Blood Pressure
Several studies have shown a high risk of hypertension for those suffering from NAFLD. Further, it was also disclosed that a person with NAFLD was three times more likely to have hypertension than one who didn’t have the disease. Thus, it is essential to monitor blood pressure regularly to identify any potential risk of liver diseases as well as heart issues.
