The risk of many types of chronic diseases has increased rapidly in the last one or two decades around the world. A large population is being affected by diabetes, and heart disease, which is a serious problem, along with this, liver and kidney-related diseases are also increasing the pressure on the health sector. Fatty liver disease is one such rapidly emerging problem, which affects the adult population a lot. Data from a recent study related to this is raising further concerns.
Research published in the Nature Communications Medicine journal has found that the number of fatty liver patients is increasing worldwide. In America alone, four out of every 10 people are troubled by the problem of fatty liver.
Dr. Juan Pablo Arab, a liver disease specialist at the Institute for Liver Diseases and Metabolic Health, has advised all people to be careful about this increasing liver disease and keep making continuous efforts for prevention.
Fatty liver patients are increasing.
According to the team led by Dr. Juan, data till the year 2018 showed that 42% of adults had some type of fatty liver disease. This is more than previous estimates. The habit of drinking alcohol has been considered to be the main reason for increasing liver problems, although people who do not drink alcohol can also have this problem. It is called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
The risk of NAFLD has also been seen to be high in the Indian population, about which health experts alert everyone.
Risk of NAFLD in India
In July this year, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh made people aware of shocking data. The Union Minister said every third person in the country may have the problem of fatty liver disease. The risk of this disease caused by diabetes and other metabolic disorders is also seen increasing rapidly in those who do not drink alcohol.
In Western countries, most cases of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have been seen in obese people, although in India it is seen that about 20 percent of people without obesity are also being seen as their victims.
What is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a liver disease in which too much fat starts accumulating in the liver. This affects the normal functioning of this organ. Experts do not know exactly what causes fat formation in the liver, although lifestyle factors are considered to increase its risk.
Studies have found a link between NAFLD and many types of metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases. Continuous care and treatment of people suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver is very important. Apart from this, both lifestyle and diet should be improved to reduce the increasing risks of this disease.
Take measures to keep the liver healthy.
Health experts say that the most important thing to prevent serious liver-related diseases is to keep your weight under control. Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Also, minimize your intake of alcohol, sugar, and salt. Excessive consumption of soda, sports drinks, packed juices, and other sweetened beverages can also cause fatty liver.
Make it a habit to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day to keep your liver healthy. Physically active people have been shown to have a lower risk of chronic diseases.
(PC: Freepik)
