Rise in Fatty Liver Disease Seen in American Adults

A rise in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has been observed in American adults. Medics expect a 5 percent rise in this disorder.

Most doctors claim the climb in diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and cholesterol is adding to the prevalence of this non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This is fast becoming the most common liver disease globally, according to the Dallas Heart Study.

Even non-alcoholics can be diagnosed with this liver disease. Thirty percent of Americans and 25 percent of Italians are diagnosed with this disease.

In this illness 5 percent of liver cells consist of extremely high concentrations of fat, according to a Los Angeles Times report. The disease can be characterized into two categories- nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, also known as fatty liver, which is accompanied with inflammation, and simple steatosis, which is without inflammation.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is a more severe form of liver disease, as people suffering from it are more prone to primary liver cancer, cirrhosis and it may even affect other organs, according to American Liver Foundation. Comparatively,  people diagnosed with simple steatosis  are at a lesser risk.

The researchers are also predicting that the disease might affect one out of 10 U.S. children in the coming future. It is also found that about 7 million people are diagnosed with NAFLD and comparatively boys are more affected than girls in 2:1 ratio.

This liver disease is generally linked with oxidative stress and insulin resistance, according to Postgraduate Medical Journal. This disease can be cured by exercising regularly and working out, which will improve the insulin sensitivity in our body and correct the disorder. Consuming a lot of antioxidants is important. This will boost the antioxidant defenses in the liver and protect the liver from this ailment.

Drugs which trigger insulin sensitivity may also be effective in curbing this disease.