Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver pathology among Western citizens, the incidence of which is increasing and, although its presence is uneven depending on the location, numerous studies already place it at around 30% of the population in Western countries.
According to a study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology of Peru, the United States is the country in the world with the highest prevalence of this disease, which affects one in three people. Research warns that this pathology is increasing, since it is related to the increase in obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The predictions in this regard are forceful: the Catalan Association of Liver Patients (ASSCAT) points out that, if measures are not put in place to stop this upward trend, the rates of non-alcoholic fatty liver will increase due to the increase in obesity, which will be at 42 % of the population in 2030.
"Fatty liver is a silent and asymptomatic disease, for which there is still no treatment. Although it is true that in many cases the practice of exercise, diet and the application of measures to control cholesterol, overweight and diabetes can help keep this pathology under control, this is not the case in all cases and sometimes the disease persists even if all these changes are applied," explains the specialist in digestive system and hepatology at the Teknon Medical Center, Mónica Guevara.
For her part, nutritionist Susana León recalls that, in addition to fatty liver, there are other pathologies that affect this organ: cholesterol and conditions such as cirrhosis, the latter derived from the consumption of toxins, among others.
"The main function of the liver is, in simple terms, to act as a blood filter, cleaning it of toxic substances that the body does not need. It also functions as a store of energy reserves that are transformed into glycogen and stored in the liver. liver in cases of need," explains León.
The expert recalls, on the other hand, that it is a fundamental organ for digestion, since "it is responsible for producing bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and allows us to take advantage of the nutrients in food." For this organ to function correctly, the expert insists that it is essential to lead a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular moderate physical exercise, as well as a correct diet with the presence of all these foods:
