North East Digestive and Liver Foundation observes Global Fatty Liver Day 2024

Looking into the seriousness of Fatty Liver disease and aligning with Global Liver Institute, North East Digestive and Liver Foundation, Guwahati is observing “Global Fatty Liver Day” on 13th June 2024 for greater awareness and prevention of this silent disease. To mark this occasion, “RUN FOR YOUR LIVER” a rally for greater awareness and prevention of Fatty Liver is set to be organized on 13th June 2024 from Latasil Playground to Nehru Stadium, Guwahati at 06:00 am.
Informing about the disease, Dr. BD Goswami, Secretary, North East Digestive and Liver Foundation, Guwahati said, “Global Fatty Liver Day, is a public education campaign that was inaugurated in June 2018 to enhance awareness and emphasize the pressing nature of fatty liver disease, particularly its advanced stages, which impacts a staggering 115 million individuals worldwide. Fatty liver disease, and its more advanced form, remains a concealed global epidemic. An estimated 357 million people will be affected by 2030. As symptoms of fatty liver disease are often not overt, it is often under-diagnosed and under-reported. Unchecked, fatty liver disease may lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver transplant.”
Fatty liver disease (FLD) means you have extra fat in your liver. One type of this condition is due to drinking alcohol. The other type, which is more common, doesn’t have a specific cause. Most of the time, it doesn’t cause symptoms, but over time a buildup of fat makes it harder for your liver to work.
Dr. Amitava Goswami, Sr Gastroenterologist, Guwahati in his address informed, “There are two main types of Fatty Liver Disease- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and Alcohol-related fatty liver disease (ALD). MASLD used to be called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which is very common in the U.S., affecting 1 in 3 adults. While ALD is less common, affecting about 5% of people living in the U.S., and is caused by drinking alcohol.”
With ALD and MASLD, there are usually no symptoms. Some people may have signs such as tiredness or pain in the upper right side of the belly where the liver is. If you have MASH or get cirrhosis, you may have symptoms such as- swollen belly, enlarged blood vessels underneath your skin, larger-than-normal breasts in men, red palms, skin and eyes that appear yellowish, due to a condition called jaundice, nausea, weight loss, or loss of appetite, tiredness or mental confusion.
Sharing about the complications of this disease, Dr. Amritangsu Borkakoti, Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist said, “The main complication of all these conditions is cirrhosis. As your liver tries to stop the inflammation that comes with these conditions, it creates areas of scars. As inflammation spreads, so do the scars, and eventually, your liver can’t do its job. That can result in- fluid buildup in your belly, swollen veins in your esophagus that can burst and bleed, confusion and drowsiness, an overactive spleen, liver cancer, liver failure, etc.”
If your liver has little or moderate scarring, it shouldn’t affect your lifespan. But if you have cirrhosis, it could affect how long you live. If FLD cirrhosis is diagnosed early, you could live another 10 to 15 years. If it is diagnosed late or you have complications, like swelling or fluid in your belly or bleeding in the gut, your life expectancy could be 3 to 5 years unless you get a liver transplant.
Emphasizing on the importance of change in lifestyle, Dr. Utpal Jyoti Deka, Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist informed, “One should exercise more. Try to be active at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week. If you’re trying to lose weight, you might find that it helps to exercise more than this. But if you don’t already exercise regularly, get your doctor’s approval first and start slowly.”
Be kind to your liver. Don’t do things that will make it work harder. Skip alcohol. Take medications and over-the-counter drugs only as instructed. Talk to your doctor before you try any herbal remedies. Just because a product is natural, that doesn’t mean it’s safe.
“Get your cholesterol down. Eat a healthy plant-based diet, exercise, and take your medications. This will get – and keep – your cholesterol and your triglyceride levels where they need to be. Manage your diabetes. Check your blood sugar, and take medications as your doctor prescribes,” shared Dr. Hitesh Kalita, Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist.
Limit foods that are high in fats (such as sausage, bacon, cake, chocolate, etc.). Replace saturated fats (such as butter, red meat, and cheese) with unsaturated fats (such as olive oil, salmon, and avocado). Eat foods with a low glycemic index, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid foods and drinks with a lot of simple sugars (such as sweetened sodas, sports drinks, juices, and ice cream). Try and follow a Mediterranean diet.
To prevent ALD, drink in moderation. That’s one drink a day for men over 65 and women of all ages, and up to two drinks for men 65 and younger. Check before you mix meds and alcohol. Ask your doctor if it’s OK to drink alcohol with the prescription medications you’re taking. Read the warning label on over-the-counter meds. Don’t drink when you’re taking products like acetaminophen, which can damage your liver when combined with alcohol.
For MASLD and MASH, it boils down to making good choices – eat healthy food. Choose a plant-based diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Stay at a healthy weight. Lose weight if you need to. If your weight is healthy, work to maintain it by choosing a healthy diet and exercising. Make exercise a part of your daily routine. Talk to your doctor first if you haven’t been active in a while.