The nonalcoholic fatty liver disease It has become one of the most frequent health challenges worldwide. This condition, characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver without excessive alcohol consumption, usually progresses stealthily and represents a growing threat, especially in people with overweightdiabetes or high cholesterol levels.
According to the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH)nonalcoholic fatty liver occurs when the organ accumulates a excess fat in the upper abdomen, without alcohol being responsible. There are two main forms: simple fatty liver, where there is fat, but little or no inflammation or cellular damage, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which involves inflammation, cellular deterioration and risk of progression to fibrosis, cirrhosis or cancer.
“The liver is the largest internal organ in the body. With a size similar to that of an American football and weighing approximately 1.4 kg, it performs more than 500 functions. Some of their daily tasks include producing cholesterol, secreting bile to digest fats, and filtering deadly toxins from the blood.
Despite its power, it is not immune to disease. One of its biggest threats is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, the most common liver disease worldwide. Diabetes and obesity are the main risk factors,” he noted. Harvard Health.
One of the biggest challenges facing nonalcoholic fatty liver is that its warning signs tend to be subtle or even non-existent in the initial phases. For this reason, many people are unaware that they have the condition until complications arise or it is detected incidentally during routine medical check-ups.
According to him NIHcertain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing this disease, such as overweightfamily history of type 2 diabetes and high levels of cholesterol. In these cases, periodic medical check-ups are essential.
As for the symptoms, only in some cases may manifestations such as persistent tiredness or mild pain in the upper right area of the abdomen. However, these signs are usually non-specific and, in many cases, go unnoticed.
The diagnosis is usually based on the combination of blood test with alterations in liver enzymes, imaging studies to observe the size and texture of the liver, and, in specific situations, a biopsy that allows the tissue to be analyzed in detail.
Modifying eating habits is one of the most important strategies to prevent and control nonalcoholic fatty liver. Experts agree that a balanced and healthy diet is essential to reduce the progression of the disease and its complications.
According to AARP“one of the eating patterns suitable for people with fatty liver is the Mediterranean diet. Various scientific studies indicate that this approach, rich in monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, and low in carbohydrates, offers significant benefits.” This plan promotes the consumption of olive oil, nuts, fruits, vegetables, legumes and fishand limits products such as white bread, pasta, sweets and chocolates.
For its part, Mayo Clinic highlights that the Mediterranean diet is based on the traditional culinary habits of the countries bathed by the Mediterranean Sea. It is characterized by a high consumption of foods of plant origin, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, as well as frequent use of herbs and spices. Fish, poultry, eggs and legumes should be present weekly, while red meat and products with added sugars should be reduced to a minimum.
Experts also stress the importance of avoiding sugary drinks such as soft drinks, juices and sweetened tea, as they contribute to the accumulation of fat in the liver. In addition, they recommend prioritizing foods with a low glycemic index. —mainly fruits, vegetables and whole grains—which generate less impact on blood glucose levels.
Another relevant aspect is the reduction of consumption of alcoholsince even in moderate quantities it can promote liver damage. The liver is responsible for metabolizing most of the alcohol ingested, and this process can generate toxic substances that damage liver cells and weaken the body’s natural defenses.
He NIH suggests that, in the case of overweight or obesity, a gradual weight reduction should be sought, along with medical support, to avoid additional complications.
