Fatty liver Signs of a malignant disease: liver damage

Liver It is an important organ that performs more than 500 different functions and plays an important role in metabolism, digestion, and digestion. Detoxification But what happens? If this important organ is being damaged and eaten quietly by fatty liver disease, or what many people familiarly call fatty liver disease.

Fatty liver disease This name is familiar.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a disorder of liver cells with an accumulation of 5% or more of fat. However, if not diagnosed and treated promptly, repetitive inflammation may occur that causes liver cell damage and cirrhosis. 

Stage of the disease: gradual creeping damage.

Fatty liver disease canDivided into 4 phases. They are: 

1. Simple Fatty Liver (Steatosis) – The stage with the accumulation of fat alone. No inflammation
2. Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) – When the liver begins to become inflamed, liver enzyme levels begin to rise. 
3. Liver Fibrosis – Chronic inflammation that leads to liver fibrosis. 
4. Cirrhosis– The stage is very severe because liver cells are destroyed so much that cirrhosis occurs. 

Epidemiological data

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is on the rise worldwide, from only 25.3% in 2006 to 38.2% in 2019. Thailand According to the Health Survey of the Thai population over 18 years old. In 19.7% of patients with fatty liver disease, more males than females, and most of them also had metabolic syndrome.

Who is at risk of developing this disease?

• People who are overweight or obese. – People with a BMI of more than 24.9 kg/m2 or a waist circumference exceeding 80 cm in women or 90 cm in men, especially those with a lot of abdominal fat. 
• People with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes – Insulin resistance plays an important role in the development of fatty liver disease and increases the severity of the disease.
• People with abnormal blood lipid levels - High triglycerides, high LDL cholesterol, or low HDL cholesterol
• Lifestyle – Eating foods high in energy and sugar, not exercising, sleeping inefficiently, smoking, etc.
• Gender and age – The risk of this disease increases in males and people over 50 years old.
• Other conditions For example, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypothyroidism, hypopituitarism, etc.

Lifestyle Modification is an important fortress to good health.

• Eat a healthy diet - Avoid high-energy, high-fat and high-sugar foods, especially saturated fats, trans fats, and foods that contain fructose kernel syrup. Focus on eating colorful vegetables. whole grains and fruits with a low sugar content; 
• Healthy exercise - Aerobic exercise at least 150 minutes per week or 30 minutes at a time 5 times a week in combination with muscle building exercises at least 2 - 3 times a week. 
• Maintain a BMI and fat mass within the normal range, with a BMI between 18.5 - 22.9 kg/m2, fat mass for men not more than 28% and women not more than 32%.
• Avoid harmful 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 along with lifestyle modifications to be healthy. It can reduce fat in the liver and prevent the disease from progressing severely.

Reference List

• Cusi K, Isaacs S, Barb D, Basu R, Caprio S, Garvey WT, et al. American Association of Clinical Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Primary Care and Endocrinology Clinical Settings: Co-Sponsored by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD). Endocrine Practice. 2022 May 1;28(5):528–62.
• The National Health Service England. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2023 Apr 3]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/non-alcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/
• Mayo Clinic. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [Internet]. 2021 Sep 22 [cited 2023 Apr 19]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354567
• Pulchai Charat Charoen Wittaya. Research and Development of Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Thai People. Bangkok: Printable;