The liver is a critical organ in the human body that helps support metabolism, immunity, digestion, detoxification, and vitamin storage, among other functions. Fatty liver disease is the accumulation of abnormal amounts of fat within the liver cells that compromise the liver's ability to perform.
Fatty liver disease can be caused by excess alcohol consumption or other causes, which is known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD). Most people do not know that they have NAFLD during the initial stages. It only presents symptoms or signs in case of a progression to liver failure.
NAFLD has become increasingly common with the increasing prevalence of its risk factors like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
The treatment of NAFLD is based on the cause and how far the disease has progressed. Lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, managing weight, and keeping blood sugar and cholesterol under control are the cornerstone of managing this condition. A liver transplant may be required in severe cases.
