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How to reverse non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Woman in a doctors office participating in Clinical Research

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) accumulates extra fat in liver cells due to causes other than excessive alcohol consumption. Typically, fat gets in non-liver tissues or under the skin is not harmful. Still, for people with fatty liver disease, this unhealthy fat can lead to severe problems, including cirrhosis, which replaces healthy fats liver tissue with scar tissue and compromises function. This article explores fatty liver disease causes, symptoms, treatment options, and ways to reverse damage caused by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

People who suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease typically experience no symptoms. Hence, those at risk of NAFLD need to get checked for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Diagnosing fatty liver disease can be done through blood tests, noninvasive imaging technology, or during an autopsy.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is different from alcoholic non-alcoholic fatty liver, formerly known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is diagnosed by excess fat in the livers of people who do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol. NAFLD affects about 20 to 30 percent of Americans and 80 percent of obese individuals.

Many non-alcoholics are at risk for fatty liver disease because they have high cholesterol levels or are overweight or obese. Therefore, the most criticalfiatty liver disease prevention strategy is to prevent weight gain and obesity through eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which can lead to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or cirrhosis, may be reversed by losing a moderate amount of weight (about 10 percent) and getting regular exercise. However, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can also go away on its own without treatment.

Symptoms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease include unintentional weight loss, fatigue, weakness, or jaundice. If you notice these symptoms in yourself or others.

Treatment for fatty liver disease may include a fatty liver diet and non-fatty liver supplements. However, noninvasive non-alcoholic fatty liver disease treatment options do not yet exist. Therefore, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease prevention is an essential strategy for any non-alcoholic with NAFLD.

Some researchers are looking at the effects of fatty liver disease reversal treatments on NASH. Noninvasive therapies can be developed to help those who suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. One promising therapy being explored is ursodeoxycholic acid, a drug currently used in the United States for people with primary biliary cirrhosis. Researchers believe this medication reduces fat buildup and inflammation and may reverse non-alcoholic fatty liver disease symptoms.