Lao Wang, a 65-year-old retired teacher, has always considered himself to be living a healthy lifestyle. Until one day during a physical examination, the doctor told him: "Your liver has fat accumulation, and it is already in the middle stage of fatty liver." "It was like a bolt from the blue for him. Recalling the occasional tiredness and discomfort in his right upper abdomen over the past few years, Wang realized that these might have been warning signs of fatty liver disease.
This discovery turned Wang's life upside down. It turns out that fatty liver is not simply "increased liver fat content", it is a chronic disease that can gradually damage liver function. According to statistics, the prevalence of fatty liver disease is increasing worldwide, especially in the middle-aged and elderly population, and many people often have no obvious symptoms in the early stage, so it is called the "silent health killer".
The basics of fatty liver: Know your enemies
What is fatty liver?
Fatty liver, i.e., fatty infiltration of the liver, is the accumulation of fat in the liver that exceeds 5% of its weight. In general, fatty liver disease is divided into non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD), of which non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is more common and is closely related to excessive intake of high-calorie foods, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.
Mechanism of fatty liver formation
The formation of fatty liver is related to a variety of factors, mainly including excessive fat intake, abnormal liver metabolism, and difficulty in fat excretion. When too much high-fat, high-sugar food is consumed, fat synthesis in the body increases, while fat oxidation and output in the liver decreases, resulting in fat accumulation in liver cells. In addition, insulin resistance is also one of the important causes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which reduces the liver's ability to process fatty acids and further aggravates fat accumulation.
Classification of fatty liver
Based on pathological changes, fatty liver can be further divided into simple fatty liver and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Simple fatty liver disease is usually not accompanied by significant inflammation or liver damage, while nonalcoholic steatohepatitis can lead to liver cell damage, inflammation and even fibrosis, which may eventually lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Insidious signaling and detection strategies for fatty liver disease
Fatty liver disease, a common liver disease, often has no obvious symptoms at first, but as the disease progresses, it can cause a range of health problems. For middle-aged and elderly people, timely identification of these signals and corresponding detection is a key step in maintaining health.
Recognize the first symptoms of fatty liver disease
Although fatty liver may have no symptoms in the early stages, as fat accumulates in the liver, patients may experience some of the following discomforts:
Fatigue: A marked decrease in energy levels and often fatigue.
Discomfort in the upper right abdomen: The liver is located in the upper right side of the abdomen, and the accumulation of fat can cause tenderness.
Indigestion: These include loss of appetite, nausea, and even occasional vomiting.
Diagnostic tools for fatty liver disease
To diagnose fatty liver disease, doctors usually recommend the following tests:
Blood tests: check for liver function markers, such as elevated ALT and AST enzyme activity, which are often markers of liver cell damage.
Ultrasound of the abdomen (ultrasound): This is a painless and non-invasive method that helps doctors see fat deposits in the liver.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): to assess the fat content and structure of the liver in more detail.
Building a Line of Defense: Dietary Strategies to Prevent Fatty Liver Disease
In the process of preventing fatty liver, reasonable dietary habits play a crucial role. By adjusting the dietary structure, you can not only prevent the occurrence of fatty liver disease, but also control and reverse the existing condition.
Adhere to the principles of a low-fat, high-fiber diet
Low fat: Reduce saturated and trans fats, such as choosing skinless poultry and lean meats, and avoid high-fat meats and dairy products.
High in fiber: Fiber can help slow down sugar absorption, lower blood sugar levels, and aid in weight management. It is recommended to increase your intake of vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Choose liver-friendly foods
Good fats: Consuming foods rich in Omega-3s, such as deep-sea fish (salmon, mackerel), can reduce liver inflammation.
Antioxidant-rich foods: such as blueberries, cherries, and green tea, which are high in antioxidants that help protect liver cells from free radical damage.
Practical dietary advice
Regular meals: Maintain a regular schedule of three meals a day and avoid overeating, especially dinner.
Drink plenty of water: Adequate water intake helps with metabolism and toxin flushing.
Limit sugar and salt intake: Too much sugar and salt can put a strain on the liver, and your intake should be controlled.
These dietary modifications, combined with regular check-ups and exercise, can significantly reduce the risk of fatty liver disease and improve overall liver health. For middle-aged and elderly people, such lifestyle adjustments are one of the important strategies to maintain health. Through these hands-on suggestions, we can help readers establish an effective liver protection mechanism to avoid further health problems caused by fatty liver disease.