Due to today's hectic life and unhealthy lifestyle, Fatty Liver is becoming a common problem. Especially Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) affects those people who do not consume alcohol but still the fat in their liver increases. If it is not controlled in time, it can take the form of a serious liver disease.

What is the difference between fatty liver and NAFLD? Know their dangers and preventive measures (Image Source: Freepik)

Highlights

1. When fat increases in the liver, the body gives many types of signals.
2. Ignoring the signs of fatty liver can be costly.
3. You can avoid this problem by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Lifestyle Desk, New Delhi. Nowadays, the problem of fatty liver is increasing rapidly due to unhealthy lifestyle and wrong eating habits. Many people ignore it considering it minor, but if attention is not given in time, it can take the form of serious diseases. Especially, when it comes to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), it can lead to liver cirrhosis and cancer, but do you know that fatty liver and NAFLD are not the same? Let's know the difference between them, their dangers and ways to avoid it.

What is the difference between fatty liver and NAFLD?

Fatty Liver

When more than 5% fat gets accumulated in the liver, it is called fatty liver.

It can be of two types:

• Alcoholic fatty liver – occurs due to excessive alcohol consumption.
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) – can occur even without alcohol consumption.

NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease)

• This is a serious condition of fatty liver, in which fat gets accumulated in the liver, but the cause for this is not alcohol but obesity, diabetes and metabolic problems.
• If left unchecked, it can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can lead to serious diseases like liver cirrhosis and cancer.

Symptoms of Fatty Liver and NAFLD

If fat starts increasing in the liver , the body starts giving some signals. If any of these symptoms are seen, contact the doctor immediately:

• Mild pain or heaviness in the upper abdomen
• Constant fatigue and weakness
• weight gain or loss for no apparent reason
• Loss of appetite
• In severe cases, yellowing of the skin or eyes (a sign of jaundice)

Dangers of NAFLD and Fatty Liver

If ignored, it may lead to several dangerous diseases:

• Liver cirrhosis – Liver cells begin to die, which can lead to liver failure.
• Diabetes and heart disease – People with NAFLD have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and heart attack.
• Liver cancer – If NAFLD turns into NASH, it can lead to liver cancer.

How to avoid fatty liver and NAFLD?

• Take a balanced diet – Avoid fast food, fried food and high-fat food. Eat green vegetables, fiber and protein-rich food.
• Do regular exercise – Walk or exercise for at least 30 minutes every day.
• Control your weight – Obesity is the biggest cause of NAFLD, so keep your weight balanced.
• Stay away from alcohol – If the liver is already fatty, then avoid alcohol completely.
• Control diabetes and cholesterol – Get your blood sugar and lipid profile checked regularly.

Dr Kunal Das, Gastroenterologist, Yashoda Super Specialty Hospital, Kaushambi says, Fatty liver and NAFLD should not be taken lightly. It can be prevented by timely identification and lifestyle changes. Especially, if there is a problem of obesity, diabetes or high cholesterol , then it is very important to get the liver checked regularly.