LIVING WELL By Dr. Ulric Duncan
GROWING A GUT? Then You Could Have A Fatty Liver Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is the buildup of fat in the liver. This isn’t a result of drinking too much alcohol (that’s the other kind of fatty liver disease). NAFLD is closely related to being overweight and diabetic. This disease can creep up on you because it causes no symptoms or problems in the beginning. However, there’s a more serious form of the disease called Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). This can cause cancer and liver failure. Both forms, if left untreated, can cause serious long-term health problems. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of liver disease in adults and children in the United States. About 100 million individuals in the United States are estimated to have NAFLD.
SYMPTOMS • Fatigue • Loss of appetite • Nausea • Pain in the upper right abdomen • Yellowing of skin and whites of eyes (jaundice) • Fluid swelling in the legs and abdomen
RISK FACTORS While there are no clear cut causes for NAFLD or NASH, there are certain factors that can put you at a higher risk. • Prediabetes (insulin resistance) • Obesity or being overweight • Type 2 diabetes • High blood pressure • High cholesterol • Gastric bypass surgery • Some calcium channel blockers and cancer drugs • Poor diet
HOW IS FATTY LIVER DISEASE DIAGNOSED? Routine blood tests can tell how well the liver is functioning and can also tell if you have NAFLD. Additionally, there are tests you can get to measure the liver and see how well it’s working. These include a complete blood count panel and metabolic profile. Your doctor may also want to order an abdominal ultrasound and fibroscan to measure the extent of fat and scarring of the liver. An MRI and CT scan might also be ordered.
16
Dr. Ulric Duncan is a native of St. Vincent, West Indies. He practices Gastroenterology and Obesity Medicine in Southaven MS/Memphis TN. For more information call 662.280.8222 or visit Deltagastro.net.
