Learn more about "Foie Gras Disease"
Guillaume Trottier
Learn more about "Foie Gras Disease"
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, more commonly known as fatty liver disease, is a recent discovery. It is now the second leading cause of liver transplants in North America. Unknown to the general public this disease which is characterized by an accumulation of fats in the liver could soon become a real epidemic according to the hepatologist Giada Sebastiani of the McGill University Health Center (MUHC). If the disease is considered benign initially, it is possible to see it progress over time. If it is not taken seriously or ignored, fatty liver disease can develop into cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Liver
The liver is the largest organ of the human body and therefore an important organ that must be kept healthy. The liver plays a key role in metabolism. In addition to manufacturing and transforming different substances, this organ also has the function of storage and purification. Several preventive measures and some healthy lifestyle habits can help your liver function properly. For example: the quality of food, the maintenance of a healthy weight and the moderation of alcohol. It is also recommended to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
In the past, health experts have directly associated steatosis with excessive alcohol consumption. However, in recent years, there has been a significant increase in cases of overweight.
Risk factors
You are at higher risk of developing fatty liver disease if:
- You are overweight;
- You are sedentary;
- you take certain medicines;
- you have diabetes;
- You have high blood cholesterol.
To date, there is no medicine. The treatment of the disease is mainly done through the elimination of risk factors. People at risk are then encouraged to change their lifestyle, become physically active and adopt a more balanced diet.
Signs and symptoms
In the case of steatosis there are a large number of symptoms that one way or another can be confused with other types of diseases. It may be difficult to know that we have fatty liver disease. In some cases, steatosis causes abdominal discomfort, fatigue, loss of appetite. On palpation, the doctor may also notice an increase in the size of the liver.
However, it is mainly after performing blood tests that irregularities can be observed. If you have doubts and think you have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, consult your doctor for further tests. Often, a liver biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Choosing a healthier, more balanced lifestyle is the best choice for you. The health professionals are there to guide you and show you the way to follow both in terms of diet and physical activity.
We can conclude that physical activity will have a positive impact on your body and also on your mind! We often forget the range of benefits (other than physical) that physical activity brings you. It will improve your mood, increase your ability to concentrate, promote better sleep and reduce your stress level. Go, move!