Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): What is it?

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by Rosabel Zohfeld, APRN, MSN-Ed, FNP-C

Non-alcoholic fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a term that describes people who consume little to no alcohol and still have fatty liver disease. NAFLD is fat accumulation in liver cells. Unfortunately, NAFLD can lead to inflammation and damage to the liver. NAFLD is becoming increasingly common, often associated with obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.

There are two main types of NAFLD:

1. Simple Fatty Liver (Steatosis): Fat accumulates in the liver in this early stage, but there is slight inflammation or liver cell damage. It often doesn't cause noticeable symptoms and typically doesn't progress to more severe liver disease.

2. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): A more severe form of NAFLD that causes inflammation and liver cell damage. In addition to fat accumulation, NASH can lead to fibrosis (scarring of the liver), cirrhosis, liver failure, and potentially liver cancer. Symptoms may include fatigue, abdominal pain, and enlargement of the liver.

NAFLD risk factors include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and a sedentary lifestyle. NAFLD is diagnosed through blood tests, imaging studies (like a liver ultrasound), and sometimes a liver biopsy.

Management and prevention of NAFLD involve lifestyle changes such as:

- Dietary changes: A balanced, healthy diet with reduced calorie intake can help manage weight and improve liver health.

- Regular exercise:  Regular physical activity, which can help with weight loss and improve insulin sensitivity, is essential to prevent NAFLD.

- Control of underlying conditions: Managing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol is crucial.

- Avoidance of alcohol: Even though alcohol does not cause NAFLD, it's essential to avoid it as it can exacerbate liver damage.

It is important to have regular monitoring and follow-up with a healthcare provider are essential to track the progression of the disease and implement appropriate management strategies. In severe cases, advanced medical treatments and interventions may be necessary to manage the complications associated with NASH.