Fatty liver disease has become a widespread health issue, which affects people across the world. The rising number of people affected by this condition leads to multiple false beliefs about it which create confusion and potentially dangerous misunderstandings. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at Harvard and Stanford, recently took to his IG handle to bust 3 major myths about the condition. Take a look…Myth 1: Fatty liver is caused by eating fatPeople frequently believe that fatty liver disease develops because of consuming excessive fat in their diet. This is not true. Dr Sethi says that the main risk factors for developing fatty liver disease stem from consuming excessive amounts of sugary foods containing high fructose content, and unhealthy oils instead of healthy fats.
Medical research together with expert doctors demonstrate that the liver benefits from fats, which come from sources like extra virgin olive oil, avocados and nuts. The main reason liver fat accumulation occurs, is because of consuming excessive amounts of processed sugars together with unhealthy oils instead of healthy fats.The prevention of sugar-rich foods and unhealthy oils takes precedence over fat avoidance in your diet. A balanced diet that includes healthy fats serves as a method to support liver operation and maintain overall wellness.Fatty liver is harmlessThe belief that fatty liver disease presents no risk to health and does not need medical attention is completely incorrect. This is false. According to Dr Sethi, the progression of fatty liver disease remains hidden until it causes severe damage to the liver.Excessive liver fat accumulation above 5% of liver weight, results in inflammation and scarring that can progress to liver failure when left untreated. The progression of NAFLD through NASH to fibrosis and cirrhosis, represents three dangerous stages of the disease.The absence of symptoms in people with fatty liver disease makes it difficult to detect the condition at an early stage. Research demonstrates that untreated fatty liver disease raises the chances of developing liver cancer and fatal liver disease stages. The detection of fatty liver disease at an early stage, requires immediate attention to diet and exercise for proper management.Myth 3: Supplements serve as essential treatment for fatty liverDr Sethi says that many people think supplements play a vital role in treating fatty liver disease, but this belief holds some inaccuracies. The primary treatment for fatty liver disease consists of diet and exercise, although some supplements including milk thistle, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E and N-acetylcysteine, show potential benefits for liver health.Research shows that eating unprocessed foods and cutting back on sugary foods and unhealthy oils, leads to substantial liver health improvements. Physical exercise combined with weight reduction, helps patients eliminate liver fat accumulation.
Supplements function best when used as part of a complete treatment plan, but they do not function as standalone solutions for fatty liver disease. Medical supervision becomes necessary when using supplements, because they can produce adverse effects and interact with prescribed medications.Prevention of fatty liver diseasePeople can stop fatty liver disease from developing, through basic healthy practices which promote liver health and complete body wellness.Healthy eatingA diet that includes plenty of fiber from fruits, vegetables and whole grains should be your main focus.Your diet should include olive oil together with nuts, fatty fish as sources of its healthy fat sources.People should restrict their intake of foods with added sugars, together with sugary beverages and processed items.Excessive drinking of alcohol should be avoided by all individuals.Regular physical activityDaily physical activity should include walking, cycling or swimming at moderate intensity levels.Regular physical activity enables people to manage their weight, while decreasing liver fat, and enhancing their body’s ability to process insulin.Weight managementA weight loss of 3-5% of body weight, leads to substantial reductions in liver fat accumulation.Small amounts of weight loss help patients achieve better liver enzyme results, and decrease inflammation levels.Regular health checkupsBlood tests and imaging procedures enable healthcare providers to detect fatty liver disease at an early stage for proper management.People who have obesity together with diabetes, high cholesterol and metabolic syndrome, need to monitor their health status closely.Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice
