The liver is a multi-tasking organ that performs many essential functions for the body, one of which is detoxification. Sometimes the liver itself can accumulate too many toxins, such as in the case of fatty liver disease, when harmful fat deposits build up and cause inflammation. This can lead sometimes lead to more permanent damage, known as cirrhosis.
Approximately 25 percent of adult Americans are living with one of the most chronic liver diseases known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Those with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are heavily prone to developing this condition. It is estimated that up to 70% of those living with T2D also suffer from NAFLD.
What is NAFLD?
NAFLD is the accumulation of fat in the liver that is unrelated to alcohol use, as opposed to alcoholic fatty liver disease which can be attributed directly to excessive alcohol consumption. While the exact cause of NAFLD can be hard to pinpoint, however, conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol are frequent triggers.
If too much fat builds up, the liver’s ability to function properly and eliminate toxins starts to decrease and can eventually shut down altogether. This leaves the body susceptible to severe sickness from the accumulated toxins.
Unfortunately, NAFLD often develops without any significant symptoms.
How is NAFLD diagnosed?
NAFLD can be detected and further characterized through a non-invasive imaging study called FibroScan. Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology is one of the first endocrinology clinics in Central Austin to offer this innovative testing.
FibroScan technology allows our endocrinologists to gauge the amount of fat in the liver by observing the degree of stiffness in liver tissue. The FibroScan evaluation is painless, performed conveniently in our offices, and only takes about 15 minutes to complete.
NAFLD and Alcohol
If a diagnosis of NAFLD is made, one of the common questions our board-certified endocrinologists get is how drinking alcoholic beverages can affect this condition.
Endocrinologist Dr. Ishita Prakash Patel offers the following guidance to patients.
Is moderately drinking safe for those who are diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver?
Abstinence from drinking is the safest option for those who already have the diagnosis of fatty liver disease.
What are the benefits of alcohol avoidance for those with NAFLD?
The benefits are stabilizing the liver disease and not aiding in progression of liver cell injury and the development of fibrosis, which is permanent.
Do any beverages actually help reduce liver fat?
A healthy balanced diet with vegetables, fruits and whole grains is important. It is also very important to lose weight if you are overweight or obese. There are no specific beverages which are proven to reduce liver fat. Drinking beverages without added sugars or chemicals are best. It is also recommended to stay away from processed and high fat foods.
Dr. Patel shares that “there is a rapidly growing percentage of the population that is developing NAFLD, as it is closely associated with obesity and diabetes.”
It is important to be aware of the potential for NAFLD if you possess one of the risk factors, such as diabetes, and get screened for it as “this condition can lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, which are more permanent and dangerous conditions.”
How is NAFLD treated?
Lifestyle changes are typically the first, and most effective, form of treatment recommended. Your physician may suggest the following modifications to encourage healthier liver function:
- Eating a balanced diet low in fats and sugar and high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
- Maintaining a healthy weight, or losing weight if necessary
- Exercising regularly, at least 150 minutes per week for the average adult
- Quitting smoking
- Properly managing (and monitoring) chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol
Some medications and dietary supplements may also be helpful in relieving the liver of fatty buildup. Our team of endocrinology experts will work closely with your physician or gastroenterologist to help create a treatment plan that works best for you.
