NASH is non-alcoholic fatty liver inflammation. It is necessary to be conscious about NASH disease, which can lead to very serious consequences. exp. Dr. Taner Akyol said, “NASH has emerged as the main etiology of liver cirrhosis in Western societies in recent years and it is expected to be the first responsible for liver transplantation and liver-related deaths all over the world in the coming years.
DEATH RATE WILL INCREASE IN THE COMING YEARS
exp. Dr. Taner Akyol, NASH (Non-Alcoholic SteatoHepatitis) abbreviation in English, non-alcoholic fatty liver inflammation; He stated that it is a progressive type of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is the most common chronic liver disease in the world. Stating that NASH has emerged as the main etiology of liver cirrhosis in Western societies in recent years, Uzm. Dr. Taner Akyol pointed out that the disease is expected to be responsible for liver transplantation and liver-related deaths all over the world in the coming years.
It occurs in 1 out of 4 people
Stating that non-alcoholic liver disease, which has become widespread in parallel with the increase in the prevalence of obesity in societies and develops as a result of fat accumulation (steatosis) in the liver, is seen in 1 out of every 4 people. Dr. Taner Akyol shared the following information:
“Excessive fat accumulation in the liver can be seen alone or together with inflammation. Twenty percent of these patients progress to NASH with chronic liver inflammation, which can cause liver cirrhosis and cancer. In recent years, NASH has emerged as the main etiology of liver cirrhosis in Western societies and is expected to be responsible for liver transplantation and liver-related deaths worldwide in the coming years.
PROGRESS
Noting that NASH sometimes causes a feeling of fullness and mild pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, it usually does not cause any obvious complaints and progresses silently and insidiously. Dr. Taner Akyol continued:
“Therefore, it is diagnosed late in the stage of decompensated liver cirrhosis, where the chance of cure is reduced and the mortality rate is high. Most people with fatty liver disease (80 percent) will not develop progressive liver disease (NASH, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis). However, studies have emphasized that those with progressive liver disease or who are at risk should be identified early and these people should be followed closely.
THOSE WHO HAVE THESE DISEASES HAVE A HIGHER RISK OF NASH
Pointing out that NAYK (non-alcoholic liver disease) patients with obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and elevated liver enzymes have a higher risk of developing NASH. Dr. Akyok said:
“Since it does not cause a specific complaint, patients who are suspected as a result of coincidental elevation of liver enzymes in examinations performed for other reasons and fatty liver in ultrasonography are referred to the gastroenterology polyclinic. NASH is diagnosed with sonoelastographic methods or liver biopsy after excluding other diseases that cause liver enzyme elevations and alcohol with the studies conducted here.
AN UNHEALTHY LIFESTYLE MUST BE CHANGED
Despite the promising results of new research in terms of drug treatments, if the unhealthy lifestyle is not corrected, drug therapy alone may not be enough. Dr. Akyol said, “Lack of physical activity is a critical factor that adversely affects the outcome of liver diseases. Even in advanced stages of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis, exercise can be very beneficial. Therefore, at least 20 to 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and aerobic exercise at least 5 days a week are effective for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. “A diet that promotes weight loss, prevents overeating, and reduces liver fat has been shown to reduce inflammation and fibrosis associated with NASH.”
STAY AWAY FROM TABLE SUGAR
Expressing that it is recommended to lose 1 kilogram per week for overweight and obese people with a diagnosis of NASH, Dr. Dr. Akyol said, “While table sugar and fructose (sweetened beverages, fruit juices, corn syrup, etc.) are the main carbohydrates that cause NAFLD development, consumption of soluble or insoluble fibers increases satiety, restricts calorie intake, slows gastric emptying and reduces blood sugar. useful in the treatment. A high intake of cholesterol and saturated fatty acids (eating with convenience foods and fast food) contributes to NASH/NAFLD, while intake of monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids has been shown to be beneficial against NASH/NAFLD. Among the micronutrients, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin D, curcumin and caffeine have been tested to be beneficial in studies.