The liver is one of our vital organs and has multiple functions within the body. Naming a fraction of its role; it can metabolize carbohydrates, detoxify the blood, store iron, and produce bile. Mistreating the body also abuses the liver and fat accumulation can occur. 70 million adults in the United States alone suffer from the most prevalent liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The worst form is nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) that can elicit a liver transplant due to cirrhosis or increase in connective tissue that impedes the liver’s function.
Why so many cases of fatty liver?
Obesity is the common factor in most of the individuals. Excessive energy intake, especially carbohydrates and fat, can lower insulin sensitivity and raise free fatty acids in the blood that can be stored in the liver. The liver is not designed to store fat so the accumulation causes major problems. Combating NAFLD means adjusting carbohydrate and fat ratios, becoming and staying active, and losing at least 5-10% of body fat.
