NAFLD in kids: Harvard-trained doctor explains why this silent liver disease is on the rise
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly becoming common among adolescents and
young adults
. Modern lifestyle factors, including poor diet, sedentary habits, and obesity, are key drivers of this issue. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist trained at Harvard and Stanford, has now shared the shocking information on how the incidence of NAFLD is rising among
kids
.
Dr. Sethi has explained how diet plays a key role in increasing the risk of NAFLD in kids.
What is NAFLD
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common condition where fat builds up in your liver. It affects people who consume little to no alcohol. NAFLD is often linked to being overweight and can usually be treated with healthy lifestyle changes. Also referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), this is a silent disease with few or no symptoms.
In some cases, people may not experience any symptoms even if they develop cirrhosis due to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), also referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
What makes NAFLD even more dangerous is that if left untreated, it can progress to chronic conditions such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. This, over time, may also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
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What are the symptoms of NAFLD
Most people with NAFLD do not show any
symptoms
. Some people do not realise they have the condition until they discover it in some other test.
Some of the symptoms include:
Chronic fatigue
Feeling generally unwell
Liver pain or discomfort in the upper right side of your abdomen, under the ribs
What causes NAFLD in children
Dr. Sethi revealed that an unhealthy diet is one of the biggest reasons why children develop this condition. He explained that feeding children sugary foods can lead to NAFLD. 'Serving your kid sugary foods like pastries, soft drinks, or cookies can be harmful.
Sugar is 50% glucose and 50% fructose. While glucose provides energy to the whole body, excess fructose is converted into fat in the liver, potentially leading to fatty liver,' he said, in a video shared on Instagram.
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The liver specialist also emphasized that leaving this condition untreated may even lead to the need for a liver transplant. 'If untreated, it can progress to severe liver issues including cirrhosis, which may require a liver transplant in extreme cases,' the doctor said.
How to prevent
The best way to prevent NAFLD is to focus on the lifestyle factors that are in your control, such as diet and exercise
Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, healthy oils, and low-fat dairy products.
Maintain a healthy weight
Exercise regularly
If you are overweight, lose the extra pound.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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