Studies claim that Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) can be reversed. The article captures the three best measures to maintain a healthy liver—regular exercise, detoxification and dietary changes.
India and its epidemiological studies suggest the prevalence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in the population. It’s an emerging concern as the cases largely result in liver disease. The people who are at greatest risk are obese and overweight persons [Source: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India]. Research also reveals that it’s mostly a poor lifestyle coupled with diabetes that develops NAFLD in people. The best gastro doctors in Kolkata second it.
The good news is that with a changing diet and lifestyle, one can reverse NAFLD. As we dig deeper, prepare to learn about the most common treatments to clean a fatty liver.
NAFLD and its Symptoms
It’s alarming to note that people who drink little to no alcohol can also develop fatty liver. The buildup of too much fat often leads to NASH or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The worst part? The symptoms are silent, a reason why gastroenterologists call it a ‘clinically silent disease’. Only a few triggers, like discomfort in the upper right belly, fatigue and malaise lasting for a prolonged period, disclose the prevalence of the disease.
How to Reverse NAFLD?
According to the best gastroenterologists in India, NAFLD can be reversed by taking the following steps:
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Dietary changes
Since the primary cause of NAFLD is obesity, it’s vital to lose weight by 3%–5%. An attempt to do so may lower the fat in the liver and ease the inflammation. A few steps advised by most gastro surgeons in Kolkata are:
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Limiting fat intake
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Avoid saturated or trans fats and replace them with unsaturated fats like extra virgin olive oil, nuts, omega-3 fatty acids and avocados
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Avoiding ingestion of excessive carbohydrates like excess sugar
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Refraining from sugar-sweetened beverages, packaged sweets and even other foods rich in fructose
While it’s great to lose weight, it’s never recommended to do so too quickly. Otherwise, the liver disease may worsen. Shedding a pound or two in a week is advised. For a detailed guidance, one may opt an expert dietitian.
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Alcohol detoxification
Of all the organs in the body, the liver breaks down alcohol components, with the body eliminating them as waste. When a person with NAFLD consumes excessive alcohol, his condition may worsen as it places more demand on the liver. That’s why experts in the medical field advise drinking in moderation. It’s safe for women to have a drink a day, whereas men can afford to take two drinks a day. The lesser, the better. However, alcohol is strictly prohibited for those suffering from alcohol use disorder.
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Lifestyle changes
NAFLD is best mitigated with a lifestyle change. The best gastroenterologists in Kolkata advise engaging in physical activities to lower the inflammation in the liver. It could be through resistance training or aerobic exercise to reduce NAFLD. Moderate exercise with or without dietary changes has proven itself in reversing fatty liver in non-alcoholic people. A review in 2018 found the same. It also defined moderate levels of exercise as workouts spanning 200 minutes a week.
Another study conducted in 2013 procured samples from 154 people with conditions like NAFLD in them. It established how diet and exercise revoked the disease in 64% of the participants.
Cleaning a Fatty Liver: How Prolonged is the Process?
It’s difficult to state a map of a time frame within which one can reverse fatty liver disease. Those who intake alcohol witness the results in about 2 weeks, others losing 7% to 10% of body weight can alleviate the unwanted side effects. Again, gastroenterologists stress losing weight not too quickly.
In the end, it’s evident from the discussion that fatty liver disease demands immediate lifestyle changes to lower fat in the organ. A laid-back attitude often results in liver cancer or cirrhosis, with increased risks of cardiovascular incidents in people. It’s always recommended: to speak to the best gastro doctor in Kolkata to assess the risk of fat in the liver. Not only can the specialist help diagnose the cause, but also advise on ways to reverse the condition.
Author’s Bio:
The author is extremely conscious about her health and takes lifestyle measures to prevent the onset of heart disease, obesity, diabetes and other non-communicable ailments. On the slightest of doubts, she visits the best gastroenterologist for consultation at LivGastro, a clinic nearby. Her articles are a rich source of insight related to gastro care.