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NAFLD is a silent disease that many people do not know. This disease is most common in obese people.
In a 2012 study published in the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease, 90% of individuals with a BMI greater than 40 had a NAFLD. This study also reported that an estimated 70% of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus were showing signs of NAFLD.
NAFLD is also a growing concern in the pediatric population. According to information found on the NASH Education Program website, the-nash-education-program.com, studies have shown that 10% of children are affected by this disease.
So, you can ask, what exactly is NAFLD? The disease is caused by excess fat or sugar consumed and not used by the body. Therefore, it is stored and accumulates in the liver.
Blood tests that may indicate that something is going on with your liver include aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase
NAFLD requires tissue results of more than 5 percent liver when it There is no other indication for excessive fat such as a significant intake of alcohol. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can then be defined as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. The first is defined as fat deposits in the liver without liver cell damage. The second has fatty deposits, but there is also inflammation and damage to liver cells with or without fibrosis.
NAFLD can be treated with lifestyle approaches. Studies show that lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and physical activity, are the best treatments for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Weight loss of 5 to 10% in NAFLD-affected individuals showed an improvement in liver enzymes as well as fatty deposits in the liver. Similarly, the restriction of the amount of food and drinks high in fructose and glucose has proven useful. So, avoid regular sodas and sugary drinks, as well as sweets. In addition, reducing the amount of processed food consumed is helpful. Eating healthy fats, such as those high in omega-3 fatty acids, including salmon, walnuts and flaxseed or chia seeds can help in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Caffeine can also have a protective effect, two cups of coffee containing caffeine have been badociated with a lower risk of NAFLD.
Exercise also plays an important role in the prevention or reversal of NAFLD. In adults, 150 minutes of moderate intensity activities (brisk walking or tennis) or 75 minutes or high intensity activities (jogging or swimming) are recommended for the most beneficial health benefits. For children, 60 minutes of physical activity a day are recommended. So, if your child is in PE, the 20-30 minutes that he gets are not enough. Encourage them to do more at home and give the example by doing it with them.
NAFLD can cause other damage, such as cirrhosis, if left untreated. It is a relatively preventable and reversible disease through a healthy lifestyle. Do not let your food choices affect your overall health.
Elizabeth Sommerfeld is the Bariatric Care Coordinator for DeTar Healthcare System and the Nutrition Manager for the Jackson County Hospital District.
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