A person can have liver problems for many reasons. Most often, people immediately associate them with frequent alcohol consumption. However, even those who drink virtually no alcohol at all can have very similar health outcomes and struggle with liver disease. There are a number of reasons for this.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (also known by the acronym NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease. It affects 24-30% of the population and unfortunately can reach up to 80% in obese individuals. Fatty liver is a killer that manifests itself gradually, but if not addressed in time, leads to very serious complications.
Liver disease is not just something that affects alcoholics. You may be a complete abstainer, but if you don’t live a healthy lifestyle, it will take a significant toll on these internal organs. Diet is essential. People who consume excessive sugary and fatty foods are setting themselves up for problems that are associated with metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.
However, in addition to healthy eating and regular exercise, it is also important to avoid stress. Chronic stress causes hormonal imbalances. This affects the metabolism, the body develops insulin resistance and, unfortunately, inflammation. All this promotes fat storage in the liver.
In addition, if a person is nervous, he tends to eat foods that calm him down. And usually these are either sweet or fatty foods. Few people eat fruit when they’re stressed.
People with mental health problems often take antidepressants and other drugs. While these help to deal with stress, they are often behind the weight gain that hurts the liver. In addition, the drugs themselves sometimes list liver damage as a side effect if taken long-term.
For example, amitriptyline in 10-12% of cases can cause an increase in liver tests. Although severe liver damage is rare in this case, in combination with stress and increased weight, the liver is really busy in the body and often a person can suffer from liver disease.
Thus, although you may avoid alcohol, it is not the only enemy that can attack your liver. Try to live a healthy lifestyle, leave sugary and fatty foods out of your diet, exercise regularly. In addition, pay attention to your sleep schedule, go out among people, avoid stress. Consult your doctor before taking any medication and take precautions.