Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
By Dr. Pamela Frank, BSc(Hons), ND
What is Fatty Liver (NAFLD)?
NAFLD is a condition where there are fat deposits in the liver in someone who is not an alcoholic. The condition is thought to affect anywhere from 1 in 3 adults in the US and 1 in 10 children. NAFLD is the leading cause of liver disease in Western countries.
Why is NAFLD a problem?
What are the symptoms of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?
You may have NAFLD and have no symptoms, the majority of people with the condition have no symptoms. Children may have symptoms of abdominal pain and fatigue. Your doctor may feel enlargement of your liver on physical exam.
What causes Fatty Liver?
NAFLD is associated with Metabolic Syndrome – a group of symptoms (syndrome) that includes signs and symptoms such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, diabetes or pre-diabetes and being overweight.
How is NAFLD diagnosed?
A blood test for liver enzymes may be abnormal or not. A liver ultrasound may show NAFLD. NASH can only be diagnosed by liver biopsy.
What elses causes it?
Fat accumulation in the liver can also be caused by excess alcohol intake, certain medications, viral hepatitis, autoimmune liver disease, and metabolic or inherited liver disease.
What can be done about fatty liver disease?
In one study, mung bean sprouts that had been germinated for 4 days plus HIIT training improved sugar and fat metabolism, as well as liver function and cellular appearance in rats with NAFLD. Since insulin appears to play a significant role in fatty liver, adopting a low glycemic index, low glycemic load diet that requires less insulin is a good idea. There are several other naturopathic interventions for fatty liver.
For more help with fatty liver disease, book an appointment now with one of our naturopathic doctors.