According to Pubmed NAFLD is the most common liver disease in the world. Inflammation and insulin resistance play critical roles in the progression of NAFLD.
NAFLD is caused by too much fat within the liver. These fat cells crowd out healthy hepatocytes (liver cells) and interfere with normal liver function. The liver is our major detox organ and performs hundreds of functions daily while filtering all toxins coming into our bodies such as car exhaust fumes, smoke, household chemicals, make-up, other airborne chemicals, as well as all liquids & edible foods. To remove many toxins from the body, the liver has to convert fat soluble toxins into water soluble components and package them up for excretion out of the body via urine, faeces and/or sweat.
Liver Functions
- Major detox organ
- Regulate energy
- Hormone breakdown
- Hormone activation
- Produce amino acids and enzymes
- Storage of vital nutrients
- Bile production
Who
- Can affect anyone
- Women are more prone to NAFLD
- Pets
- We are now seeing this disease in young children
Signs
- Belly bloat and abdominal distension is one external visible sign
- Beer belly
- Low energy/Lethargy
- Sugar cravings
- Brain fog
- Sexual dysfunction including lack of interest, low libido, and erectile dysfunction
- Adrenal and immune response
- Heart Disease
- Impaired hormone regulation
- Infertility
- Acne and other skin issues
- Intestinal bacterial overgrowth
- Excess body fat
- PCOS - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Anger - according to TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) an impaired liver is associated with anger in a person
- Falling asleep at odd times
- The colour of the liver will change as more fat infiltrates this organ
- Local or systemic inflammation
Causes
- Dehydration
- Processed foods
- High Fructose Corn Syrup (can only be processed by the liver)
- Alcohol in certain doses damages the liver and may lead to liver scarring and possible failure
- Sugary beverages
- Too much fuel (fat, protein, carbohydrates) for the liver to process
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Medications
- Circadian Cycle disruption
- Poor sleep
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Inflammation
- Environmental toxicants such as makeup and beauty products, perfumes, body care products, car exhaust etc.
Top Worst Things For The Liver
- Alcohol
- Acetaminophen
- High Fructose Corn Syrup/Refined Sugar
- Most Medications/Birth Control Pills
- Drugs
- Rancid Fats
- Circadian Cycle Disruption
Testing
- Liver biopsy may be helpful in determining its current health
- ALT liver proteins/enzymes found elevated in the bloodstream
- Physical signs showing our liver is overloaded
NAFLD is reversible and will need a strategic nutrition and lifestyle plan to propagate away from an unhealthy state and return the liver to optimal conditions.
Please do not attempt a liver detox without the assistance of a Holistic Nutritionist with experience in liver detoxification.
A return back to general health is of importance. It increases energy, lifts brain fog, regulates hormones and reduces our path to diabetes and metabolic syndrome (including heart disease). Healing the liver can propel us to perform at a maximum.