Latest news with #MetabolicDysfunction-AssociatedSteatoticLiverDisease
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Is your lifestyle harming your liver? Expert explains the alarming rise in liver disease deaths
In recent years, a silent epidemic has been sweeping across India, claiming lives and putting an immense strain on our healthcare system. The culprit? Liver disease. What was once primarily associated with heavy alcohol consumption is now affecting a growing number of individuals, including young adults and non-drinkers, highlighting a disturbing shift in the risk factors. The alarming rise in liver disease deaths is a stark wake-up call, with experts pointing to one major factor: our modern lifestyle. According to recent data, India records a staggering 2,68,580 liver disease deaths annually, accounting for over 18% of global liver-related fatalities. This makes India the highest contributor to liver disease deaths worldwide. This isn't just about cirrhosis from alcohol anymore; a significant driver of this trend is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), a condition where excess fat accumulates in the liver. It's now being reclassified as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), underscoring its deep connection to metabolic disorders. So, what has changed? Dr. Aditya Verma, a consultant gastroenterologist, notes, "India is facing a silent epidemic of liver disease, and much of it is driven by what we eat. Everyday food choices can either fuel liver damage or support healing." Our fast-paced, urban lifestyle has led to a dramatic change in our dietary habits and activity levels. The traditional Indian diet, rich in fiber and whole grains, has given way to a Westernized menu dominated by processed foods, refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and high-calorie junk food. This dietary shift, combined with increasingly sedentary work patterns and a lack of physical activity, is a recipe for disaster for our liver. The culprits hiding in plain sight: * Junk food and sugary drinks: Consuming excessive amounts of processed foods, fried snacks, pastries, and soft drinks floods the liver with sugar and unhealthy fats. This excess is converted into fat and stored in the liver, leading to fatty liver disease. * Sedentary lifestyle: Prolonged sitting, whether for work or leisure, coupled with a lack of exercise, reduces the body's ability to burn fat. This contributes to obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol, all of which are major risk factors for liver damage. * Stress and sleep deprivation: Chronic stress and irregular sleep patterns are often overlooked contributors. They disrupt metabolic function and can lead to unhealthy eating habits, further impacting liver health. * Uncontrolled metabolic conditions: Ignoring conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol accelerates liver damage. These diseases are deeply intertwined with liver health, and poor management of one can worsen the other. * Unnecessary medication and supplements: While the liver is a master detoxifier, it can be overburdened by the misuse of over-the-counter painkillers, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements. Always consult a doctor before taking any new medication or supplement. The silent progression: One of the most dangerous aspects of liver disease is its silent progression. In its early stages, fatty liver often presents with no symptoms. Patients may not realize their liver is in distress until the damage is severe and irreversible, progressing to inflammation, scarring (fibrosis), cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. However, experts urge people to watch out for subtle red flags, such as persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, swelling in the legs or abdomen, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). If you experience any of these symptoms, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. Taking charge of your liver's health: The good news is that liver damage from lifestyle factors is often reversible in its early stages. Experts emphasize that the key lies in prevention and consistent, simple lifestyle changes. * Eat a balanced diet: Prioritise a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit your intake of processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and sugary drinks. * Exercise daily: Aim for at least 30 to 45 minutes of brisk activity every day. This can be as simple as walking, jogging, or doing yoga. Regular exercise helps burn triglycerides and reduces fat accumulation in the liver. * Maintain a healthy weight: Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly reduce liver fat. * Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps your liver flush out toxins more efficiently. * Limit alcohol consumption: While NAFLD is on the rise, alcohol remains a significant risk factor for liver damage. Moderate your intake to give your liver a break. * Manage stress and sleep: Incorporate stress-management techniques like meditation and yoga into your routine, and aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night. * Get regular check-ups: Routine health screenings, including liver function tests, are essential for early detection, especially for individuals with risk factors like obesity or diabetes. The liver is a remarkably resilient organ, capable of regeneration and healing. However, it needs our support. By making mindful choices every day, we can protect our liver from the growing threat of lifestyle-related diseases and secure a healthier future for ourselves and our nation. It's time to pay back the organ that works tirelessly to keep us healthy.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Fatty liver in your 20s? Why this silent disease is targeting young adults now
Fatty liver disease, also called Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), formerly known as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), is becoming more common in young people today. In the past, this condition was mostly seen in older adults, especially those who drank alcohol heavily or had obesity. However, recently, doctors have noticed that more and more young people are getting it. This is concerning because fatty liver disease can lead to serious health problems, like liver damage and other diseases, if not treated early. Understanding why this is happening can help us find ways to prevent it and protect young people's health. Unhealthy Diets and Poor Eating Habits - Fatty liver disease in younger people can be primarily attributed to poor eating habits. The modern diet includes processed food, fast food, sugary drinks, and snacks high in fat and sugar. Such foods are low in nutrients but high in calories which creates a disproportional relationship between energy consumed and energy burned. Fructose, which is a type of sugar found in soft drinks and many processed foods, is harmful to one's body because when it is consumed in large amounts, the liver has to work hard to get rid of it. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Unlike glucose, fructose has to be broken down in the liver, which is the only place it is processed. This excess fructose is transformed into fatty acids in the liver and later these fatty acids are stored in the liver as triglycerides. The accumulation of triglycerides leads to fat deposition in the liver as hepatic steatosis, commonly known as fatty liver. Lack of exercise and sedentary lifestyle - Another big reason for the rise in fatty liver disease among young people is a lack of physical activity. Today, many young people spend long hours sitting at desks, using phones, or playing video games. They often don't get enough exercise, which is needed to burn off the extra calories and fat in the body. Without enough physical activity, the liver becomes less efficient at processing fat, which leads to fat accumulation in the liver. This lack of exercise also contributes to obesity. When people carry extra weight, especially around the belly, it can cause more fat to collect in the liver. Even if someone is not obese but spends most of their time sitting, their liver can still become fatty due to the lack of movement and exercise. Obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic dysfunction - Obesity is one of the most important risk factors for fatty liver disease. Individuals who are overweight, particularly those with a higher amount of abdominal or visceral fat, are more likely to develop fatty liver disease. Visceral fat releases free fatty acids into the bloodstream, which can overwhelm the liver, causing it to store these fats. This fat accumulation triggers inflammation in the liver, leading to cell injury and fibrosis (scarring). Moreover, obesity often leads to insulin resistance, a condition where the body's cells become less sensitive to insulin. This forces the pancreas to produce more insulin to compensate. Excess insulin can cause the liver to store more fat, worsening the fatty liver condition. Insulin resistance is also linked to hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar levels), which further contributes to liver fat storage and increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes alongside fatty liver disease. Genetics and family history - Genetics, or the genes we inherit from our parents, also play a role in whether someone will develop fatty liver disease. Some people have genes that make them more likely to store fat in their liver, even if they don't have obesity or diabetes. For example, a specific gene called PNPLA3 has been found to increase the risk of fatty liver in certain people. If someone has a family history of liver disease or obesity, they may be at a higher risk of developing fatty liver disease, even if they lead a relatively healthy lifestyle. Stress, mental health, and unhealthy habits - Issues with mental health can also lead to conditions like fatty liver disease. Stress, in particular, is a common problem faced by many youngsters today due to high expectations in work, studies, and personal life. Stress causes the body to release high quantities of the cortisol hormone that is responsible for stress. Cortisol causes the body to store fat, particularly around the midsection, which greatly increases risks of liver disease. Furthermore, people under stress often resort to binge eating, consuming comfort foods, or increasingly drinking soda, all of which can have bad effects on the liver's health. Alcohol and smoking - Fatty liver disease, which stem from other lifestyle choices rather than drinking alcohol for younger individuals, may worsen due to alcohol consumption. Even drinking small amounts of alcohol can be stressful to the liver, and for those with fatty liver disease, consuming alcohol could further increase damage. Smoking is yet another unhealthy lifestyle that has a negative impact on one's liver. The smoke from cigarettes contains many harmful substances that lead to inflammation of the liver which makes fatty liver disease a lot more severe, even for people who do not consume alcohol. Hormonal imbalances and certain medications - An imbalance of certain hormones such as those triggered by issues with the thyroid can also cause fatty liver disease. The thyroid is responsible for regulating metabolism and when the system fails, there is the possibility of accumulation of body weight and fat and this includes at the liver. Certain medications can also contribute to fatty liver disease. For example, long-term use of medications like steroids, some antidepressants, and drugs used for treating mental health conditions can cause weight gain and fat accumulation in the liver. What happens if fatty liver disease is left untreated? Not taking care of fatty liver disease may lead one to severe complicated health issues. Overtime, inflammation of the liver leads to scarring which can advance into metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), formerly known as NASH, in effect, the liver is already damaged, and there is severe intermediate damage, and may, in some cases, lead to complete liver failure. If one does not seek help to treat MASH, fibrosis (or scarring of the liver) may progress into cirrhosis, liver cancer, and organ failure. Fatty liver disease also has an increased risk of diabetes, cardiac problems, and hypertension as potential accompanying complications. So, even if someone is young, the long-term effects of fatty liver disease can significantly impact their health. Prevention and treatment - Fatty liver disease is largely preventable and reversible if caught early. The most important steps in preventing or managing fatty liver disease are: Healthy diet: Eating a balanced, calorie-restricted diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting sugary drinks, fast food, and unhealthy fats, can help protect the liver. Black coffee consumption (without added sugar or cream) may also provide liver-protective benefits. Exercise: Regular moderate aerobic exercise and strength training performed daily helps the body burn fat, maintain a healthy weight, and improve liver function. Stress management: Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and good sleep can help reduce the risk of fatty liver disease. Weight loss: If overweight, losing even a small amount of weight can reduce liver fat and improve liver health. Even in people with normal weight, reducing body weight by just 3 percent can help reverse fatty liver disease. Avoiding alcohol and smoking: Limiting alcohol and avoiding smoking are essential for keeping the liver healthy. If fatty liver disease is diagnosed, lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can often reverse the condition. In more severe cases, medication may be necessary, but lifestyle changes remain the most important treatment. Dr. Vishnu Girish, Consultant - Liver Transplant & Hepatology, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Pune One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Why liver function tests are key for people with diabetes and obesity
Conceived as a princely minister of warmth and life, the liver is often overlooked in diabetes and obesity , whereas the organ is a prime regulator in metabolism. In recent times, a plethora of evidence has begun linking decreased liver performance with metabolic disorders. Thus stands the Liver Function Test ( LFT ) as an important investigative tool for all, ranging from diabetes to obesity or a combination of the two. The Link Between Liver, Diabetes, and Obesity The liver controls lipid metabolism and glucose metabolism. In type 2 diabetes patients, this equilibrium is lost because of insulin resistance, which generally leads to fat accumulation in the liver by a mechanism independent of alcohol, i.e., Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). Likewise, obesity leads to excess fat deposition around organs, such as the liver, and sets them up for inflammation and fibrosis. Without treatment, these disorders progress to cirrhosis and ultimately, even liver cancer in certain situations. What Liver Function Tests Tell Us Proceeding with LFTs, the following enzymes and proteins are measured: ALT (SGPT)- a liver enzyme that helps detect liver damage or inflammation, especially in conditions like fatty liver , diabetes, and obesity. ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) - reports bile duct function Bilirubin - the liver's power to clear waste Albumin and Total Protein - the capacity of the liver to synthesise proteins Elevated liver enzymes in patients with diabetes or obese individuals often indicate silent liver damage before the appearance of signs and symptoms. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sente dores nas articulações? Este simples hábito pode mudar sua vida! AlwaysFit Saiba Mais Undo Why Routine Monitoring Is Important Diabetes and obesity are chronic conditions . As a rule, and when patients with diabetes have a higher than normal BMI or altered lipid profile, LFTs must be checked, Black Book Reference American Diabetes Association. Similar recommendation in Indian guidelines. With obesity rates running at 12% in India and more than 100 million cases of diabetes recorded as per the ICMR-INDIAB study 2023, the burden of liver-related comorbidities is something one can only imagine. Liver abnormalities alter drug metabolism, thereby possibly affecting diabetic treatment. In a diseased liver, drugs like metformin or statins undergo altered metabolism, which predisposes one to side effects. Fibroscan and Ultrasound Liver Advanced liver fibrosis occurs more frequently in people with type 2 diabetes, often being caught late or never at all. FibroScan and ultrasound liver imaging are two such non-invasive methods for assessing liver stiffness with high accuracy, thus providing an early diagnosis. On the Defensive Good news is that the liver is mostly reversible in early stages. When combined with lifestyle changes (weight loss, low-carb diet, physical activity, and diabetes management), LFTs may be reversible in fatty liver conditions. Also, avoiding alcohol, good hydration, and paying attention to liver health every 6–12 months, provide good points of prevention against the long-term establishment of the disease. Liver health is closely linked with diabetes and obesity, and often acts as a silent alarm system. Hence, regular liver function tests should be considered more of a preventive than just a diagnostic tool. For anyone struggling with blood sugar and weight issues, keeping an eye on their liver will be the key to keeping the metabolic system healthy throughout a long life. Authored by: Dr. Sameer Bhati, Public health expert Study shows why obese people shouldn't consume too much alcohol One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
India Today
05-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Plant-based diets can help Indians fight fatty liver, diabetes epidemic
India is witnessing a concerning surge in two chronic health conditions: Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), earlier known as fatty liver, and type 2 now affects nearly 27.4% of the population, while over 77 million Indians are living with have said the combination of both diseases is dangerous, as it raises the risk of serious complications like heart disease, kidney failure, liver cancer, and To tackle this growing health crisis, a panel of global and Indian health experts has released new clinical guidelines focused on how Asian Indian patients can manage both diabetes and fatty liver more guidelines, published in the journal Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome, place a strong emphasis on dietary and lifestyle changes, especially moving towards a plant-based INDIANS SHOULD RETHINK SATURATED FATSThe guidelines advise cutting back on saturated fats like ghee, butter, and coconut oil, foods that are often wrongly believed to be healthy. Experts explained that consuming too much of these fats can lead to increased liver fat, chronic inflammation, and higher risk of metabolic diseases."Insulin resistance, being overweight, and obesity are the main reasons behind both diabetes and fatty liver,' said Dr. Zeeshan Ali, a nutrition expert with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM).advertisementHOW PLANT-BASED DIETS CAN HELPResearch shows that a whole-food, plant-based diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and seeds, can significantly improve blood sugar levels and reduce liver fat. According to studies, people following such diets have seen a 30% drop in liver fat within just weeks, and many were even able to lower their diabetes one randomised study mentioned in the guidelines, 43% of people following a low-fat, plant-based diet were able to reduce their diabetes medications. In contrast, only 26% in the conventional diet group achieved the same result.'Plant-based diets target the root causes of diabetes, excess fat inside cells, insulin resistance, and inflammation," Dr. Ali said. "They not only support blood glucose control but also improve liver health and overall metabolic balance."WHAT THE GUIDELINES RECOMMENDEat more plant-based proteins like lentils, beans, nuts, and seedsFocus on complex carbohydrates like millets, oats, and brown riceAvoid saturated fats like ghee, butter, coconut oilSay no to alcohol, which worsens liver healthGet regular physical activity to improve insulin sensitivityMaintain a healthy body weightFor millions of Indians living with diabetes and liver disease, switching to a more plant-based, low-fat diet may offer a simple and powerful way to improve their health, without depending entirely on new guidelines provide both doctors and patients with a clear, evidence-based roadmap to manage these diseases better, starting with what's on their plate.
BBC News
04-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Jersey student leads project to recreate fatty liver disease
A Jersey student aims to better understand fatty liver disease by re-creating it in a dish. Millie-Rose Doolan, who grew up in St Brelade, has plans to use patient-donated liver samples to develop 3D tissue cultures that are derived from stem, progenitor or induced pluripotent cells. Fatty liver disease, also known as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), is a chronic liver condition that is initiated by having too much fat in the liver. Ms Doolan, who is studying for her PhD at the University of Southampton, said: "By creating 3D organoids using patient tissue we can delve deeper into how the disease progresses and identify potential targets for treatment." Global health problem MASLD is significantly associated with central obesity, as well as conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart and circulatory disease. It is estimated to affect up to one in five people in the UK, but rates are increasing with rising levels of metabolic diseases such as Doolan said: "Fatty liver disease is a global health problem – latest figures suggest that up to 30% of the global adult population will be affected."The underlying biology of MASLD progression is unclear, and not all patients progress at the same rate or develop severe disease." Currently, MASLD research is limited by a lack of experimental systems that replicate what happens in different humans. Some laboratory tests can recapitulate aspects of MASLD progression but there are significant differences to what happens in the human body or a given individual.
