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The liver is the largest internal organ, typically weighing three to four pounds. It filters the body’s blood, breaks down toxins, and produces bile, which aids in the digestion of fats. All of the blood from the intestines goes to the liver for filtering before going to the heart.
Given its importance, any liver disease can impair its functioning. Fatty liver disease is one of the most common liver diseases worldwide. It occurs when fat builds up in the liver. There are two main types: nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD).
AFLD occurs due to excessive alcohol use, while NAFLD occurs without the consumption of excess alcohol.
NAFLD happens when excess fat builds up in the liver, which may impair its functioning. It is called “nonalcoholic” because this type of fatty liver disease occurs in those who do not drink excessively.
There are two types of NAFLD:
The cause of NAFLD has yet to be uncovered. However, there are some groups at risk for NAFLD, including those who have:
Since nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is silent, it can be a challenge to diagnose. If you suspect you have fatty liver disease, talk with your doctor.
Because the body is a series of interrelated systems and organs, other systems and organs are often also affected when one is impacted by disease. This is also true for the liver and NAFLD.
Your kidneys filter waste out of the blood, produce red blood cells, help balance minerals in the blood, and maintain blood pressure. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs when the kidneys are damaged over time and cannot perform these functions.
Those with NAFLD should be considered at high risk of developing CKD. Researchers are finding that many of the same issues, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, inflammation, and chronic oxidative stress, are involved in developing both NAFLD and CKD.
The pancreas is a unique organ because it is involved in two of the body’s systems: the digestive and endocrine. As a part of the digestive tract, the pancreas produces enzymes that help digest food, particularly protein-containing ones. Its role in the endocrine system is insulin production, which helps control blood sugar levels.
Having NAFLD puts people at risk of developing acute pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas. This condition comes on and worsens quickly; it is not a long-term disease. When someone with NAFLD develops pancreatitis, it is usually more severe than in those without NAFLD.
Nonalcoholic fatty pancreas disease (NAFPD) is an emerging diagnosis and occurs when fat accumulates in the pancreas. NAFPD is associated with NAFLD and carries many of the same risk factors, including metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
As with NAFLD, when NAFPD develops, it can impair the pancreas’ ability to perform its functions in the digestive and endocrine systems.
Thrombotic events, also called blood clots, are associated with NAFLD. Pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and portal vein thrombosis are all seen in those with NAFLD.
While having cardiovascular disease increases the risk of developing NAFLD, having NAFLD increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death of those with NAFLD.
As with cardiovascular disease, there appears to be a bidirectional association between NAFLD and type 2 diabetes. Both diseases involve obesity and insulin resistance.
Since NAFLD and the associated diseases are complex, nutrition intervention requires a professional who stays current on the latest research and recommendations. They will translate those into actionable steps and help their clients incorporate them into a sustainable plan that helps them achieve their goals.
A seven- to ten-percent reduction in body weight has been shown to reduce the fat content of the liver. However, losing weight and keeping it off is challenging for many people. That’s where a registered dietitian can help.
A registered dietitian helps clients make sustainable changes to lose weight healthily without the fad or yo-yo diets. They work with clients to develop eating and lifestyle plans that meet each client’s needs and fit into their lifestyle.
Nutrition counseling sessions teach dietitians about simple lifestyle changes that increase energy while adding gentle, appropriate exercises. If the client is being seen for liver health concerns, the dietitian will recommend specific ways to improve liver health and address fatty liver disease.
A healthy and balanced diet is one key to reducing the risk of developing fatty liver as well as managing associated diseases like Type 2 Diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. Many dietitians recommend and provide counseling on this diet.
The Mediterranean diet includes olive oil and whole grains and encourages a high intake of fruits and vegetables. It is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and Vitamin E, which may be protective for those with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
In addition to eating a healthy diet, incorporating exercise most days of the week is essential for those with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Exercise has been shown to reduce the fat content of the liver. It may also help with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
If CKD develops, a dietitian can provide guidance on nutrition management along with managing NAFLD. Nutrition interventions for CKD involve three primary areas.
Working with a dietitian or nutritionist may feel scary at first. Many people are afraid they will never be able to eat their favorite foods again or that they’ll be put on an unsustainable diet.
Our nutrition professionals are good listeners. We want to know each client’s needs and concerns in order to develop a long-term plan that works. Our dietitians and nutritionists do not judge clients. They focus on working as a team to achieve the client’s goals.
Nutrition counseling can help you increase your odds of losing and maintaining a healthy weight.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is complex, and its management requires the help of a qualified nutrition medical professional – a Registered Dietitian. An RD can help manage NAFLD and other associated conditions through diet and lifestyle modifications.
Trying to manage NDAFL on your own can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help. Our dietitians have extensive training in NAFLD, CKD, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. We are here to help you improve your health and manage complex diseases so you can focus on living your life – not dealing with disease. Contact us today to get started.
Offices currently located in Syracuse, Buffalo, Albany, and Rochester, NY, but we see patients all across the country.
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