This silent liver disease called NASH is stirring up a lot of attention due to its silent etiology; a liver disease caused by natural occurrences. NASH is a liver disease that you can get even if you don’t drink alcohol. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (or NAFLD) is a condition in which fats build up within the liver. NASH (or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) is a type of NAFLD that can also damage the liver. The disease is life-threatening, as it causes the liver to scar (cirrhosis) or can cause liver cancer.
What Causes NASH?
The cause of NASH is still unknown. Experts don’t know why the build-up of fat in the liver causes NASH for some and not others. It could be due to something in the environment causing inflammation in the body to store and hold the fat. Or maybe, it is a genetic condition. However, people who are more at-risk for NASH have a predisposition to obesity, insulin resistance and higher cholesterol.
How Does the Liver Become Fatty?
It is unclear how a liver becomes fatty. The fat may come from other parts of your body, or your liver may absorb an increased amount of fat from your intestine. Another possible explanation is that the liver loses its ability to change fat into a form that can be eliminated. However, the eating of fatty foods, by itself, doesn’t produce a fatty liver.
How to Stop Fat Build-Up?
Diets that are rich with minerals and probiotics are great for stopping the buildup of fat in the liver. For instance, a Mediterranean diet is a great place to start. Mediterranean diets help to reduce fat in your liver due to the combination of healthy fats, antioxidants, and complex carbohydrates. When shopping or choosing your food selection for eating, the following items would be ideal:
- Fish and seafood
- Fruits
- Whole grains
- Nuts
- Olive oil
- Vegetables
- Avocados
- Lentils
Increase Your Physical Activity
By increasing physical activity, even if it is just a light warm up or stretching through yoga or Pilates, the body will be able to break down excess fat that is stored in the liver.
Join a Clinical Trial
Clinical researchers at Preferred Research Partners are looking for individuals who have been diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. See if you are eligible for enrollment today!
