Post COVID-19, Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases Will Be A Major Concern

During the pandemic, there are many diseases lurking round the corner and are going to be major killers when COVID-19 slows down. Hepatitis is one of them, which will create havoc due to fatty liver. Hospitals have already started getting calls, which are increasing daily.

Fatty liver diseases are both alcohol-induced and non-alcoholic. Majority of the cases are non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is caused by sedentary lifestyle, obesity and insulin resistance, which have increased as people are staying home due to lockdown. NAFLD is a silent killer and displays no symptoms until liver is damaged beyond repair. Some may have tiredness and pain in the upper side of the stomach, which goes off as colitis or gastritis pain.

We should take care of this before it permanently damages one’s liver. This is part of the metabolic syndrome we go through, as liver cells becomes non-functional, due to accumulation of fat in the liver. These are common in patients having history of stress, obesity, diabetic, hypertension, cholesterol and thyroid. This leads to fatal liver challenges, mainly hepatitis, cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Fatty liver goes through four stages before it becomes fatal. In the first stage, there is deposition of excess fat; in the second stage along with the fat deposits, there is inflammation in the liver; in ghe third stage there is scarring; and in the final stage this scarring spreads and leads to cirrhosis.

It is seen that those with stress are more prone to have this disease as also those who are addicted to eating disorder or have lifestyle diseases. In the initial stage, one needs to cut on anything white – white rice, chocolates, white bread, refined grains items and processed food, which has transfat. Also, avoid alcohol and reduce sugar and intake of salt.

Have nutrients-rich balanced diet and divide it within 2400 Kcal. It has to be done in a phased manner if the calorie intake was more — specially carbohydrates and fat. Control blood sugar, triglyceride and cholesterol levels, and keep the body weight in a safe range.

Charity begins at home, good care can start from home. Have berries, grapes or any fruits which are blue and red in colour. These are loaded with antioxidants which help in preventing liver damage. Nuts high in vitamin E are helpful for liver and heart, thus helping both ways.

Omega 3 fatty acids help in preventing fat build-ups and improves insulin resistance. Sources are from harvested deep-sea water fish – remember the Japanese, they are fit and fine due to consumption of deep-sea fish. Beetroot Juice safeguards liver from oxidative degeneration, and inflammation. Coffee taken in moderation along with black, herbal and green tea also prevents fat build up.

Take care of yourself if you feel that you have fatty liver. Change your lifestyle, get out of the sedentary way of life and fight eating disorder. Once you do that, I am sure you will have a long way to go.