Fatty liver is a common liver disease characterized by excessive fat accumulation within the liver. According to the World Health Organization, about 2 billion people worldwide suffer from fatty liver disease, most of which are non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). So, how is fatty liver caused?This article will analyze in detail from three aspects: fatty liver disease, pathogenesis and preventive measures.
1. Fatty liver disease.
1.Improper diet: Long-term high-calorie, high-fat, high-sugar diet can easily lead to fat accumulation in the liver. In addition, excessive intake of unhealthy fats such as trans fatty acids and saturated fatty acids can also increase the risk of fatty liver.
2.Lack of exercise: Being sedentary and not exercising can lead to reduced energy expenditure, which in turn can lead to fat accumulation in the liver.
3.Obesity: Obesity is a major risk factor for fatty liver disease, especially abdominal obesity. Studies have shown that men with a waist circumference of more than 80 cm and women with a waist circumference of more than 70 cm have a higher risk of fatty liver disease.
4.Diabetes: Due to insulin resistance, blood sugar cannot be used by cells normally, resulting in fat accumulation in the liver.
5.High blood pressure: Patients with high blood pressure often have insulin resistance, which can easily lead to fatty liver.
6.Hyperlipidemia: High blood lipids can cause fat to be deposited in the liver, forming fatty liver.
7.Genetic factors: Some patients with fatty liver have a genetic predisposition, such as certain genetic mutations that may cause abnormal fat metabolism in the liver.
2. Pathogenesis of fatty liver.
1.Insulin resistance: Insulin resistance can lead to disorders of glucose metabolism, which prevents the liver from using glucose properly, resulting in increased fatty acid synthesis, which in turn leads to fatty liver disease.
2.Lipid metabolism disorders: Lipid metabolism disorders in the liver cause an imbalance in fatty acid synthesis and oxidation, resulting in fat accumulation in the liver.
3.Inflammatory response: The inflammatory response within the liver can lead to liver cell damage and death, further aggravating the development of fatty liver.
4.Oxidative stress: Oxidative stress can lead to lipid peroxidation, damage to cell membrane structure, and affect liver function.
5.Decreased autophagy: Decreased autophagy can lead to the inability of intracellular waste and excess lipids to be removed in a timely manner, which can aggravate the development of fatty liver.
3. Measures to prevent fatty liver.
1.Reasonable diet: Maintain a low-calorie, low-fat, and low-sugar diet, eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and reduce the intake of high-calorie foods such as fried and barbecued.
2.Increase exercise: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, etc., to increase energy expenditure and reduce fat accumulation in the liver.
3.Weight control: Maintain a normal body mass index (BMI) and avoid obesity. For patients who are already obese, weight loss should be gradual, not more than 1 kg per week.
4.Control blood sugar and lipids: Check blood sugar and lipid levels regularly and seek medical attention if there is any abnormality**. For patients with diabetes and hyperlipidemia, blood glucose and lipid levels should be tightly controlled.
5.Avoid excessive alcohol consumption: Long-term heavy alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage and increase the risk of fatty liver disease. It is recommended that men drink no more than two drinks a day (about 30 grams of alcohol) and women no more than one drink a day (about 15 grams of alcohol).
6.Regular physical examination: Regular liver ultrasound examination in order to detect the presence and development of fatty liver in time. For patients who have been diagnosed with fatty liver, they should make corresponding ** and lifestyle adjustments according to the doctor's advice.
In short, fatty liver is a disease closely related to lifestyle, and the occurrence and development of fatty liver can be effectively prevented and controlled through reasonable diet, exercise, weight control, blood sugar and blood lipid control. At the same time, regular physical examination and timely medical treatment are also the key to preventing fatty liver disease.