What Is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?

About NAFLD

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a silent condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 24% of American adults have NAFLD. The condition frequently goes unnoticed until a person’s blood work reveals elevated liver enzymes or more severe complications arise, such as scarring or inflammation of the liver.

Recognizing the Signs

Recognizing the subtle signs that indicate you might have NAFLD is essential, as early detection can significantly impact treatment and management.

What Is NAFLD, and How Is It Diagnosed?

NAFLD is often diagnosed through medical history, blood tests, physical exams, and imaging tests, like ultrasound or MRI. These methods can help reveal fatty deposits in the liver and rule out other causes of liver damage.

- Advertisement -

5 Sneaky Signs You Might Have NAFLD

1. You Might Feel Excessively Tired

“Feeling unusually tired or sluggish is common with NAFLD,” says Best. “This happens because the liver is not functioning optimally, affecting your overall energy levels.”

2. You May Experience Pain or Discomfort In Your Upper Right Abdomen

Pain or discomfort in the upper right side of your abdomen could signal NAFLD. This is where the liver is located, and if it becomes inflamed or swollen due to fat build-up, you might feel a dull, aching sensation.

3. You Might Experience Unintentional Gain Weight

Weight gain can be a contributor to NAFLD, especially if you have metabolic syndrome. That’s because insulin resistance may increase fat storage in the liver, injuring its cells and their ability to function properly.

4. Your Pee May Be Dark

Dark-colored urine could indicate advanced NAFLD. This occurs when the liver cannot filter waste products effectively, increasing a yellow pigment called bilirubin.

5. Your Skin or Eyes May Have a Yellow Tinge

When the liver is unable to process bilirubin, it can also lead to jaundice. “Although less common in NAFLD early stages, jaundice can occur if liver damage progresses, leading to a yellowish tint in the skin or eyes,” explains Best.

Best Ways to Reduce Your Risk

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Research suggests that losing 7 to 10% of your body weight can reduce liver fat and fibrosis, a type of scarring that damages the liver.

Limit Alcohol Intake

While NAFLD isn’t caused by alcohol, excessive drinking can worsen liver damage. That’s why keeping your alcohol consumption in check can help protect your liver from additional stress and prevent further complications.

Exercise Regularly

Physical activity helps lower liver fat, improves insulin sensitivity, and supports weight management. Per the Physical Guidelines for Americans, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week (or 75 minutes if you exercise vigorously).

Manage Blood Sugar

Maintaining stable blood sugar may help prevent liver damage and boost metabolic health. Conversely, having diabetes can increase your liver disease risk. That’s why controlling your blood sugar levels through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and appropriate medication is crucial for reducing your NAFLD risk.

The Bottom Line

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a common but often overlooked condition affecting 1 in 4 Americans. It results from fat buildup in the liver, which can lead to inflammation, scarring, and cirrhosis if left untreated. Recognizing early warning signs such as excessive fatigue, upper abdominal pain, weight gain, dark urine, and jaundice is crucial for managing the condition. To reduce your NAFLD risk, focus on maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise, limit alcohol consumption, and keep blood sugar levels in check.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main cause of NAFLD?

NAFLD is caused by an accumulation of excess fat in the liver cells. The condition is associated with obesity and metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. Factors such as poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and genetic predisposition can also lead to NAFLD.

What is the difference between a fatty liver and a NAFLD?

Fatty liver (or NAFL) refers to fat in liver cells, which can be benign if it doesn’t cause inflammation. NAFLD involves a spectrum of liver conditions, ranging from fatty liver to more severe conditions like inflammation and liver damage unrelated to alcohol consumption.

What are the 4 stages of NAFLD?

NAFLD progresses through four stages: fatty liver (NAFL), where fat builds up in the liver without inflammation; NASH, which involves fat and inflammation that can harm liver cells; fibrosis, where scarring develops; and cirrhosis, the final stage with extensive scarring that can impair liver function and lead to liver failure.