Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or as it is scientifically known, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), has become the most frequent cause of chronic liver disease, both in children and adults, and it is estimated that 25% of Spaniards suffer from it. An unhealthy diet, a sedentary lifestyle, as well as overweight, obesity, cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes (high blood sugar levels) are the main causes.
How can we know if we have a fatty liver?
We speak of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease when more than 5% of the liver cells (which we call hepatocytes) have accumulated fatty acids and triglycerides to the point of not being able to eliminate them. This excess and accumulation of fat is usually a consequence of an unhealthy diet, rich in ultra-processed products, sugary drinks and little physical exercise.
Most sufferers are usually asymptomatic, although in some cases fatigue, general malaise or pain in the upper right abdomen may appear. The reason for suspicion may also be elevated values of transaminases (AST and ALT) in a blood test.
Although there are non-invasive tests such as abdominal ultrasound, liver biopsy is the most sensitive method for diagnosing this disease, as it allows the presence of fat (steatosis), the inflammation associated with this fat and fibrosis (scar tissue) to be seen.
Are there different types of fatty liver?
Yes, depending on whether the accumulation of fat in the liver has caused cell damage or not.
Fatty liver or simple steatosis
In these cases, fat is present in the liver cells, but no liver damage has occurred. It is usually reversible.
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
The accumulation of fat has already caused liver inflammation. Over time and if not diagnosed and treated, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and even liver tumors can occur. This is an irreversible situation.
What is the best treatment for fatty liver?
The most effective treatment for this disease is a change of habits, starring a healthy diet and an active lifestyle sustained over the years. If there are also associated diseases such as obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia or hypertension, it is necessary to follow a personalized treatment such as a hypocaloric diet, supplementation or administration of specific drugs.
It is advisable to monitor the evolution of the disease by a team of specialized health professionals such as hepatologists and nutritionists.
What should the diet for fatty liver be like?
In case of a diagnosis of fatty liver, it is interesting to personalize the diet and establish a food plan according to the state of the disease, the possible associated complications and the lifestyle of the person who suffers from it by specialized professionals.
It is not a matter of abandoning fat intake, but of controlling the amount of energy ingested and the foods it comes from.
Several European medical associations assure that following the traditional Mediterranean Diet pattern could be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of many diseases, especially in people with fatty liver disease. This diet is characterized by the majority consumption of plant-based foods such as seasonal fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes, olive oil as a source of fat and a minority consumption of fish, eggs, fermented dairy products and, to a lesser extent, meat.
Scientific evidence has shown a beneficial effect of some foods such as coffee, tea, extra virgin olive oil, nuts, oily fish and fermented dairy products in the treatment of fatty liver. Some vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, iron and selenium, also add positive effects to lifestyle modifications.
Supplementation in cases of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
There are scientific studies that have shown that the consumption of Omega 3 acids, specifically EPA and DHA, provides benefits in the evolution of fatty liver disease. Supplementing the diet with dietary supplements with Omega 3 is a very interesting option, since increasing its levels exclusively with food is difficult. This type of supplementation helps fatty acid oxidation, improves insulin resistance, can modulate the intestinal microbiota and decreases fat synthesis when excess carbohydrates are consumed.
Another type of supplements that usually have positive effects in people with fatty liver are those with a composition based on depurative, detoxifying and stimulating plant extracts of liver function such as artichoke extract, milk thistle or dandelion.
