The Hidden Liver Crisis

As urbanisation slowly hacks away at our eating habits and lifestyle, epidemiologists see a marked increase in the incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the Asia-pacific region. In Bangladesh, alone epidemiologists report that approximately 54 million people suffer from NAFLD.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition where the body stores excess fat in the liver, compromising its functions. Traditionally associated with alcohol, the world now sees a dramatic shift which many attribute to the rising numbers of diabetes and obesity.

Did you know that 80% of people suffering from obesity were found to be affected by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Not just a disease for those with high body mass index, it also affects lean people. Additionally, a staggering 55% was found in pre-diabetics and diabetics. 

Dubbed the most common form of chronic liver ailment in developing countries, NAFLD is typically asymptomatic until it has progressed onto a more serious liver condition. 

Once fat accumulates in the liver, one of two things happen. Firstly, these fats can either return to the bloodstream as triglycerides, attach to the walls of arteries and contribute to atherosclerosis. Or, it can stay. 

Healthy liver cells in the liver become irritated and inflamed when fat cells reside in between them. These irritated liver cells then begin producing scar tissue which subsequently deteriorates liver function. Left untreated, this condition progresses into something more serious – nonalcoholic steatohepatitis ( NASH), an inflammatory condition of the liver. 

The damage from NASH can cause fibrosis in the liver, which may then lead to cirrhosis (late stage of liver scarring or fibrosis) and, ultimately, liver failure.  Yet even before NASH sets in, liver function erodes, wreaking havoc throughout the body.

A compromised liver reduces the body’s capacity to eliminate toxins and hormone byproducts and weakens the immune system. Due to its asymptomatic nature, some people with NAFLD feel some pain in the upper right abdomen; others feel nothing at all. This means it can remain undetected until it has advanced to the cirrhotic stage, which is much tougher to treat.

What Can You Do ?

Consult your doctor to run a liver-enzyme panel on a blood test if you feel like you might be at risk.  Signs of liver inflammation and damaged liver cells can show up as elevated enzyme levels. In some cases, doctors use an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis.

Also, lifestyle factors contribute to NAFLD the most. Hence, changing what you eat, exercising more, and reducing environmental toxins can significantly improve your liver’s health. With these interventions, NAFLD is largely preventable and, at early stages reversible.

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Tags

• fattyliver
• liver
• liver cancer