Fatty liver is a sign of serious disease that damages the liver.

Fatty liver is a sign of serious disease that damages the liver.

The liver is an important organ with more than 500 different functions. It plays an important role in metabolism, digestion, and elimination of toxins. nutrient retention, etc. But what will happen? If this vital organ is being silently devoured by fatty liver disease, Or as many people familiarly call it. Fatty liver disease

This name is familiar.

Fatty liver disease or fatty liver disease. That is not caused by drinking alcohol. (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, NAFLD) is an abnormal condition of liver cells. With fat accumulation of 5% or more, in the beginning there are usually no obvious symptoms. But if not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner Inflammation may occur repeatedly until liver cells are damaged โปรโมชั่น ufabet It can develop into cirrhosis (Cirrhosis), and fatty liver disease is directly related to Metabolic Syndrome. People with this disease Therefore, the death rate is higher than the general population. 

Disease stages, progressive damage

Can be divided into 4 stages : 

1. Simple Fatty Liver (Steatosis) – a stage in which there is only fat accumulation. No inflammation
2. Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) – the stage when the liver begins to become inflamed. Liver enzyme levels begin to rise. 
3. Liver Fibrosis – A period of chronic inflammation leading to fibrosis of the liver. 
4. Cirrhosis – A very severe stage due to extensive destruction of liver cells. until causing liver cirrhosis 

Epidemiological information

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is on the rise worldwide, from just 25.3% in 2006 to 38.2% in 2019 in the United States. More than a quarter of the country’s population is suffering from this deadly disease. and is believed to be the most common chronic liver condition. As for Thailand From a health survey of the Thai population over 18 years of age, it was found that 19.7% of patients with fatty liver disease were more male than female. And most of them also have metabolic syndrome.

Who is at risk of getting this disease?

• People who are overweight or obese – those with a BMI greater than 24.9 kg/m2 or a waist circumference greater than 80 cm in women or 90 cm in men, especially People who have a lot of fat in the abdominal area 
• People with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes Prediabetes – Insulin resistance plays an important role in the development of fatty liver disease. and increase the severity of the disease
• People with abnormal blood lipid levels – whether it be high triglycerides, high LDL cholesterol, or low HDL cholesterol.
• Lifestyle – Eating foods high in energy and sugar, not exercising, not sleeping well, smoking, etc.
• Gender and age – The risk of this disease increases in males and people aged 50 years and over.
• Other conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypothyroidism (Hypothyroidism) A condition of insufficient pituitary hormone function. (Hypopituitarism), etc.

lifestyle changes An important barrier to good health

• Eat a healthy diet – avoid foods that are high in energy. High fat and high sugar Especially saturated fat, trans fat, and foods that contain fructose corn syrup. Focus on eating colorful vegetables. Whole grains and fruits that are low in sugar 
• Exercise for health – by doing aerobic exercise at least 150 minutes per week or 30 minutes per session, 5 times per week. Combine with exercise to build muscle at least 2 – 3 times a week. 
• Always monitor your body weight – maintain your body weight so that your BMI and fat mass are within normal limits, with BMI between 18.5 – 22.9 kg/m2. Fat mass in men is not more than 28% and women is not more than 32%. overweight You should lose at least 5% of your weight.
• Avoid hazardous substances – refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages, refrain from smoking, and avoid exposure to PM2.5 dust. 

People with risk factors should undergo a diagnosis of fatty liver disease. To receive treatment at an early stage together with lifestyle changes for good health. It can reduce fat in the liver and prevent the disease from becoming more severe.