While many people are focusing on living a healthier lifestyle today, the majority focus only on either their heart or their lungs, with the liver being left as an afterthought. The liver however plays a crucial role in keeping the body healthy. Among its functions are the cleansing of the blood, regulation of cholesterol, glucose, and fat, and elimination of toxins.
One of the silent ailments that the medical field has been trying to bring to public consciousness is fatty liver disease. The disease affects millions around the world and here in the Philippines, an estimated 18 million Filipinos are either already suffering from the disease or at risk or being so. More worrisome is that the disease does not show any symptoms until it has progressed. This makes it a silent epidemic, thus the need to highlight the disease and its effects.
“Fatty liver disease is a little-known, potentially fatal condition affecting many people,” noted Dr. Allan Policarpio, President of the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology. “The public can learn about it by listening to experts.”
There are two types of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) – non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and its more advanced type, the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The main characteristic of both being too much fat stored in liver cells.
People who have a higher risk of developing fatty liver include those who are obese, have type 2 diabetes, and live a sedentary lifestyle. Oftentimes, the disease also co-exists with other lifestyle illnesses.
Dr. Edhel S. Tripon of the Hepatology Society of the Philippines stated that fatty liver is the fastest rising cause of liver cancer and cirrhosis worldwide. However, it is treatable when detected at an early stage. “People who are overweight, diabetic, or hypertensive are prone to developing fatty liver. Fatty liver is common but it is manageable and treatable through lifestyle intervention and it is something that should be monitored,” she said.
“Treating and monitoring this disease can prevent the most severe complications which are liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. This is why patient education and awareness are pillar in interventions —
To properly diagnose fatty liver, doctors may run several tests. These include imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRIs, as well as blood tests and hepatitis screening tests to see liver functions.
Aside from medication, lifestyle changes also play a significant role in managing and treating fatty liver disease. Some of the changes include increased physical activity, better eating habits by lowering calorie intake and improving macronutrient composition, as well as reduction of alcohol and sugar consumption.
Fatty liver disease might be a silent epidemic, but with proper management and treatment, the progression of the disease can be halted or even reversed. As more people strive to live healthier lives, keeping the liver healthy should also be one of their primary concerns.
