Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Fatty Liver: One sign in the morning could provide a hint of the disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is reported to be growing worldwide.

Fatty Liver: One sign in the morning could provide a hint of the disease

According to some health experts, many people don’t even know they have a fatty liver. However, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is reported to be growing worldwide, at extraordinary speed and it is the most common liver disease.

New findings reveal that the condition is a leading cause of liver-related illness and death around the globe. It is also reported to affect nearly a third of the population to date.


Though the disease sometimes causes no problems, health experts say that doesn’t mean it should be ignored, as the build-up of fat can damage the liver cells. It can also cause inflammation.

According to the Express, recent reports suggest that one sign after waking up in the morning could provide a hint of the disease.

Are you feeling fatigued as soon as you wake up? It could be an indication of liver disease. But it should be kept in mind that exhaustion can also be caused by other underlying diseases.

According to the Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, fatigue is a complex symptom encompassing a range of complaints including exhaustion, lethargy, and malaise.

So, what exactly is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?

It is the term for a range of conditions caused by the build-up of fat in the liver. According to information on Health Plus, a healthy liver contains small amounts of fat, however, a fat build-up in the liver amounting to more than anything over 5 percent of the weight of the liver can lead to fatty liver disease.

A number of symptoms are associated with NAFLD but one of the most prevalent complications is fatigue. The other symptoms include nausea, yellowing of the skin, and abdominal pain.

“Fatigue is a significant problem in NAFLD, is similar in degree to that in primary biliary cirrhosis patients, and is associated with impairment in physical function. Fatigue in NAFLD appears to be unrelated to either severity of underlying liver disease or insulin resistance, but is associated with significant daytime somnolence,” explained researchers in the journal, Gut in 2008.

It is believed that the symptoms of the disease can impact the quality of life of those who suffer from it. Therefore, it can lead to lower work productivity and decreased academic performance as well. It is also known to cause issues that regulate the mood and emotions, thereby leading to relationship and social issues as well.

So, if you are experiencing persistent fatigue, ensure you meet a doctor, as NAFLD that is not treated can cause liver scarring or cirrhosis, a condition caused by alcohol abuse, iron build-up in the body, and chronic viral hepatitis. Cirrhosis may also be caused by certain medical conditions.

Mayo Clinic states that at times, those with NAFLD can also develop nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) – an aggressive form of fatty liver disease. It is marked by liver inflammation and could progress to advance scarring of the liver and liver failure as well.

Harvard Health reportedly added that regular screenings are important for liver cancer in individuals who already have cirrhosis. “Control over health conditions that might also affect your liver, and check with your doctor if you might have other underlying, treatable diseases contributing to your fatty liver.”

Scientists in Canada have warned that the rise in NAFLD cases is exceeding expectations and growing at an alarming rate. In response, Abdel-Aziz Shaheen, and colleagues with the University of Calgary said, “Greater awareness of NAFLD and the development of cost-effective risk stratification are needed to address the growing burning of NAFLD.”

Some studies have revealed that a Mediterranean diet is particularly helpful in decreasing the amount of fat stored in the liver. This diet focuses on vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and the replacing of butter with canola or olive oil, reports the Express.

When it comes to the treatment of this disease, weight loss is supposed to be the most effective, as it prevents the buildup of fat cells in the liver. In terms of physical activity to lose weight, aerobic exercise is reported to help decrease the amounts of fat in the liver.

But experts advise that it is best to combine regular physical activity with a healthy diet for optimal results. However, meeting your doctor before starting any type of exercise is important.

NAFLD and NASH are both linked to the following:

•              Obesity or being overweight

•              High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, which is an indication of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes

•              High levels of fats (particularly triglycerides) present in the blood

•              Insulin resistance, (a condition in which your cells don't take up sugar in response to the insulin hormone)

Source: Mayo Clinic

More For You

National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less
Navroop Singh

Navroop Singh was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. (Photo credit: Metropolitan Police)

Man jailed for life over rape and attempted rape in west London

A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for rape, attempted rape and firearm offences following a Metropolitan Police investigation in west London.

Navroop Singh, of Mellow Lane East, Hayes, was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on Friday, July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. He must serve a minimum of 14 years.

Keep ReadingShow less
Lepra

'The 100 Club offers a powerful way to support and scale-up this work,' said the organisers.

Lepra launches 100 Club to support community-based leprosy detection

LEPRA launched its first high-value giving network, the 100 Club, on June 26. The event was held at Quilon Restaurant in London and brought together philanthropists, business leaders and supporters of the charity’s work.

The event was hosted by Kalpesh Solanki, Group Managing Editor of Asian Media Group and President of the 100 Club. Remarks were delivered by Lepra’s Chair of Trustees Suzanne McCarthy and CEO Jimmy Innes, who spoke about the organisation’s ASPIRE project.

Keep ReadingShow less
family-centre-iStock

Currently, one in four families with children under five do not have access to local children’s centres or Family Hubs. (Representational image: iStock)

£500 million plan to expand family services across England

THE UK government has announced the nationwide rollout of Best Start Family Hubs across every local authority, aiming to support 500,000 more children by 2028.

The hubs are intended to offer easier access to family services and reduce pressure on parents.

Keep ReadingShow less