In my first blog post for Gesund I discuss the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) along with other lifestyle changes.
NAFLD is caused by fat accumulation in the liver not due to alcohol. NAFLD affects 20-30% of adults in developed countries and there are growing numbers reported in children, as high as 38% in those who are obese. NAFLD can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and eventually to cirrhosis. In a certain percentage of individuals, NASH with cirrhosis can progress to liver cancer. The cause of NAFLD has yet to be determined but insulin resistance could be a factor and this is why the condition is associated with type II diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Other contributing factors include elevated lipids in the blood, a disturbed gut microbiome and obesity. An individual is usually asymptomatic and discovery of a fatty liver is found on ultrasound.
Currently, there are no approved pharmaceuticals for NAFLD and first line treatments consist of dietary changes and exercise. One supplement that has been shown to benefit NAFLD is omega 3s, specifically EPA and DHA which are components of fish oil. In addition to omega 3s, the Mediterranean diet and daily coffee consumption benefit NAFLD and decrease its severity and progression.
To learn more, read Dr. Lacroix’s post at https://www.drlacroixnd.com/post/non-alcoholic-fatty-liver-disease-nafld
