Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide, often going unnoticed until it becomes severe. While many people associate liver issues with alcohol, NAFLD is a liver condition that affects those who drink little to no alcohol. So, what is the culprit? Excess fat builds up in the liver, particularly among individuals who are overweight or obese. In this article, we’ll explore how excess fat can silently damage your liver, the risks involved, and the steps you can take to protect it.
Understanding Fatty Liver Disease
The early stage of NAFLD does not usually cause harm, but over time, it can progress to serious liver damage, including liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, if it worsens. Additionally, having high levels of fat in the liver increases the risk of serious health issues, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease.
If detected and managed early, NAFLD can be prevented from worsening, and liver fat accumulation can be reduced. However, NAFLD typically has no symptoms in its early stages. Therefore, if you are at risk of NAFLD, it is advisable to have a liver ultrasound scan every three years. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure.
Risk Factors of Fatty Liver Disease
Multiple chronic conditions may increase your risk of developing NAFLD, including:
Lifestyle Modification
1. Eat a healthy diet
Consume more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and foods rich in healthy fats.
2. Maintain a healthy weight
Studies had shown that losing 10% of one’s body weight can reduce liver fat, resolve inflammation, and potentially improve liver scarring [1].
3. Exercise regularly
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.
4. Limit alcohol intake
Alcohol consumption can be detrimental to health. Therefore, it is best to reduce the overall consumption per day.
Liver-Boosting Ingredients
- Artichoke: Artichoke leaf extracts are rich in biophenols and flavonoids, which help optimize liver function by providing cellular protection and enhancing detoxification. Introducing Altilix™, a premium powdered extract derived from Sicilian-grown artichoke leaves, delivering these bioactives at optimal levels for enhanced efficacy.
- Turmeric: Known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, turmeric aids liver health by managing inflammation and reducing fat buildup. Turmacin™, our patented ingredient with water-soluble Turmerosaccharides™, delivers these active benefits more efficiently to optimize liver function.
- Milk thistle: A renowned herbal remedy for liver health, milk thistle has been used for over 2,000 years to address liver disorders. Its primary compound, silymarin, is a powerful antioxidant that aids in liver detoxification. Our milk thistle extract is rich in silymarin, which helps to support liver cell regeneration, reduce liver inflammation, and enhance overall liver function.
Interested in these natural approaches to support liver health? Contact us now!
References:
1) Vilar-Gomez, E., Martinez-Perez, Y., Calzadilla-Bertot, L., Torres-Gonzalez, A., Gra-Oramas, B., Gonzalez-Fabian, L., Friedman, S. L., Diago, M., & Romero-Gomez, M. (2015). Weight loss through lifestyle modification significantly reduces features of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Gastroenterology, 149(2), 367-378.e5. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2015.04.005
