This liver disease is DEADLY in more ways than one

About one in four adults worldwide suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

It occurs when excess amounts of fat are deposited in the liver.

And it’s an increasingly alarming problem… one that can turn lethal, especially when left undiagnosed.

Not to mention, research shows it’s an independent risk factor for the leading cause of death in the U.S.—one that kills someone nearly every 30 seconds.

Here’s everything you need to know…

Greater death risk

NAFLD is caused from eating too many carbohydrates and sugar—NOT from eating too much fat.

Why?

Well, the body turns carbs and sugar into triglycerides (blood fat) and stores them in the liver for a rainy day when extra energy is needed.

So, when you overindulge, your liver gets overloaded. (This doesn’t occur when you eat a balanced, low-carb diet full of healthy fats and lean protein.)

This can lead to scarring, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Plus, it heightens your risk of heart disease—the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S.

Of course, heart disease and NAFLD share common risk factors, like obesity and Type 2 diabetes. But here’s where things get REAL…

People with NAFLD have a greater risk of heart disease and, therefore, an early death.

The good news is, this disease is almost entirely preventable…

Early detection is crucial

Many aren’t even aware they have NAFLD. Often, there are no symptoms. And even elevated liver enzymes in bloodwork don’t point directly to a diagnosis.

But if you’re overweight, obese, and have a poor diet, it’s very likely you have it. And the earlier you detect NAFLD, the better your chances of reversing any liver damage.

I recommend asking your doc for an abdominal ultrasound. This is a non-invasive, non-radiation test that’s widely available.

Then, if you find you have NAFLD, the steps are relatively simple (and ones you’re probably already following as a devotee of mine).

The following tips have been shown to help decrease liver fat and improve insulin sensitivity:

Eat healthy. Choose more lean protein (like grass-fed and -finished meat, wild-caught fish and seafood), healthy fats (from macadamia nut oil, avocados, and more), and lots of fresh veggies. Then, drastically reduce, if not eliminate, your intake of sugar and carbs.

Lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Remember, even modest weight loss can translate to a healthier you. In fact, losing just 5 percent of your body weight can significantly reduce weight-related health issues. If you’re a 150-pound woman, that’s just 7.5 pounds!

Engage in consistent exercise. All it takes is 20-30 minutes of (any type of) movement per day.

For more insight about how to combat NAFLD, check out the December 2020 issue of my monthly Logical Health Alternatives newsletter (“Four simple ways to fight fatty liver disease and slash your risk of early death”). Not yet a subscriber? Click here now to become one!

Happy Labor Day!

Until next time,
Dr. Fred

Source:
“About 1 in 4 adults has an often-missed liver disorder linked to higher heart disease risk.” American Heart Association Newsroom, 04/14/2022. (newsroom.heart.org/news/about-1-in-4-adults-has-an-often-missed-liver-disorder-linked-to-higher-heart-disease-risk