By Daphne Clarance: Among the lifestyle diseases affecting millions across the globe, the one that is increasing exponentially is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
This lifestyle ailment, which affects around 25 to 30 per cent of the world's population, has witnessed a high prevalence in India with close to 40 per cent affected by NAFLD.
What is NAFLD?
NAFLD means that excessive amounts of fat are accumulated in the liver due to various lifestyle habits. If the disease is ignored for a long period of time, it could lead to liver damage or liver cirrhosis (scarred liver and permanently damaged).
The signs of liver damage are jaundice (a yellowish discolouration of the eyes and skin), itchy skin, abdominal swelling like fluid inside the stomach, swelling of feet and anorexia, which are results of a fatty liver.
Dr Bhushan Bhole, Senior Consultant of Liver Transplant and GI Surgery at PSRI Hospital said that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease cases are increasing at a high rate in India.
As of 2022, according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, approximately one in three adults or children have NAFLD in India.
source:https://www.indiatoday.in/health/story/non-alcoholic-fatty-liver-disease-cases-rise-foods-to-keep-liver-safe-2398245-2023-06-26