Preventative Awareness: NAFLD and NASH

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease - accumulation of fat in the liver Non- Alcoholic Steatohepatitis- accumulation of fat in the liver causing inflammation. It can lead to Cirrhosis of the liver. Usually occurs between ages  of 40-50, but can affect children as well. Risk factors for NAFLD and NASH include: obesity, diabetes, increased cholesterol/triglycerides and people with metabolic syndrome.

Most people experience little or no symptoms with NAFLD and in the early stage of NASH. Symptoms begin to occur if inflammation is present causing the liver to malfunction. As inflammation increases the liver becomes scarred leading to cirrhosis.

The first sign of NAFLD and NASH is usually discovered through blood work revealing a rise in the patients liver function tests. Later symptoms may include abdominal pain (mostly in children), weight loss, fatigue and general weakness.

Further diagnosis requires imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan or MRI. However, to differentiate between NAFLD and Nash a liver biopsy must be done. The exact causes of NAFLD and NASH are not known. Genetic causes and environmental causes are being studied. Treatment for both consists of managing the related problems. Lowering cholesterol and elevated sugar levels through diet and exercise. Slow weight loss ( crash diets can increase inflammation to the liver exacerbating the problem) and avoiding alcohol.

Other treatments currently being studied are the use of antioxidants like vitamin E and anti diabetic medications that increase the bodies sensitivity to insulin and decreasing liver injury.