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Time of India
18 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Fatty liver: Symptoms and warning signs seen during the night
Fatty liver disease, particularly Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), is a growing health concern, affecting an estimated 30.2% of the world's population. Prevalence varies by region, with rates above 40% in the Americas and Southeast Asia. What is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)? Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver, not caused by heavy alcohol consumption. It's often linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. NAFLD encompasses a spectrum of conditions, from simple fat buildup (NAFL) to more serious inflammation and scarring (NASH). Often termed the "silent epidemic," NAFLD can progress to more severe conditions like cirrhosis if left unchecked. While many symptoms manifest during the day, certain warning signs become more pronounced at night. Recognizing these nocturnal symptoms is crucial for early detection and management. Excessive night sweats One of the alarming nighttime symptoms of fatty liver disease is excessive sweating during sleep. Individuals may wake up drenched in sweat, even in a cool room. This occurs because the liver's impaired function affects the body's ability to regulate temperature effectively. Persistent fatigue and weakness Fatigue is a hallmark of fatty liver disease. However, when the liver's detoxification processes are compromised, individuals may experience overwhelming tiredness during the night. This isn't just typical tiredness; it's an overpowering fatigue that can interfere with daily life. Sleep disturbances and insomnia Individuals with fatty liver disease often report difficulty falling or staying asleep. The discomfort from liver inflammation or the body's struggle to process toxins can lead to restless nights. Moreover, the liver's reduced ability to store and release glycogen can cause blood sugar imbalances, further disrupting sleep patterns. Abdominal discomfort intensifying at night A common symptom of fatty liver disease is discomfort in the upper right abdomen. This sensation can worsen at night, making it hard to get a good night's sleep. People may feel a sense of fullness or pressure, which can be quite concerning. Loss of appetite during evening meals A decrease in appetite, particularly at night, may signify fatty liver disease. Individuals may find they have less interest in food, especially during dinner, which could eventually lead to weight loss and nutritional problems. Increased brain fog and mental fatigue As fatty liver disease progresses, the accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream can affect brain function. This may lead to symptoms like confusion, poor memory, or trouble focusing, commonly referred to as "brain fog." These cognitive disturbances can be more noticeable during the evening or night when the body is at rest. Swelling in the legs and feet While swelling can occur at any time, it may become more noticeable at night. Fluid retention due to liver dysfunction can lead to swelling in the legs and feet, causing discomfort and affecting sleep quality. Itchy skin Fatty liver disease can cause itchy skin, especially if liver damage affects bile flow. When bile salts build up under the skin, it can cause irritation and itching, even if there is no visible rash. Unexplained weight loss Unexplained weight loss can be an early indicator of fatty liver disease. The liver's involvement in various metabolic processes, including the regulation of body weight, can be disrupted, leading to unintended weight loss. Yellowing of the skin or eyes (Jaundice) In more advanced stages of fatty liver disease, jaundice can develop. This condition causes the skin and the whites of the eyes to turn yellow due to elevated levels of bilirubin, a waste product from red blood cells. Jaundice is a serious sign and should be checked by a doctor immediately. While adopting a healthy lifestyle – which consists of a balanced diet, regular exercise, checking alcohol consumption and smoking, and having adequate sleep – can significantly elevate liver health, if you experience any of the above symptoms, especially during the night, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional. Early detection through blood tests and imaging can help manage and potentially reverse the effects of fatty liver disease. Know the signs of liver problems in children One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
New York Post
14-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
‘Significantly higher' risk of early-onset colorectal cancer for 80M+ Americans with this ‘hidden' disease
Colorectal cancer diagnoses among younger people have skyrocketed in recent years. A staggering 20% of cases in 2019 were in people younger than 55, up from 11% in 1995. The trend is particularly scary because doctors are still trying to figure out what's causing it — and symptoms so often fly under the radar. But a new study has revealed a shocking relationship between early-onset colorectal cancer and a common condition that affects millions of Americans. Advertisement Colorectal cancer occurs when cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. Ahmet Aglamaz – The study, conducted by a research team in Korea, included over one million subjects under age 50 categorized into three populations: those with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), those without, and those with borderline NAFLD. As the name implies, NAFLD is marked by excess fat in the liver of people who consume little or no alcohol. The primary cause is obesity, along with metabolic risk factors such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obstructive sleep apnea. Advertisement NAFLD is present in 75% of people who are overweight and in 90% of those who are severely obese. It is the most common form of childhood liver disease in the US. Impacting between 80 million and 100 million American, NAFL is known as the 'silent epidemic' because it often has no symptoms or nonspecific symptoms, such as fatigue, brain fog, and abdominal pain. 'Although common, NAFLD is often hidden or missed in routine medical care,' Dr. P. Barton Duell, writing chair of the American Heart Association said in a statement. Advertisement The Korean research team found that people under the age of 50 with a history of NAFLD were nearly 24% more likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer compared to those without the condition. NAFLD is believed to affect 80-100 million Americans, most of whom are unaware they even have the disease. SUPERMAO – Those diagnosed as borderline had a 12% higher chance of developing the cancer compared to those without a history of NAFLD. They found a more substantial risk among men, people aged 20-29, and people without diabetes. Early-onset colorectal risk was observed only in the left colon and rectum. Advertisement Though the researchers urged further investigation, they believe the inflammation caused by NAFLD could spread to the colon, damaging cellular DNA in the process and ultimately leading to the formation of cancer cells. Early onset colorectal cancer is particularly dangerous as the disease tends to be diagnosed in the disease's later stages, making it harder to treat and cure, according to doctors who expect colon cancer to cause about 53,000 US deaths this year. 'NAFLD is positively associated with an increased risk of early-onset colorectal cancer, particularly in the left colon and rectum,' the researchers noted. 'These findings highlight the need for multifaceted preventive strategies, including lifestyle interventions and expanded screening for younger populations with NAFLD.' Due to the stealth nature of NAFLD, experts stress the importance of screening for fatty liver in patients with risk factors, even if there are no signs or symptoms of liver disease. Blood tests can measure inflammation in the liver, while imaging tests, such as ultrasounds or CT scans, can visually assess the organ's appearance. For those diagnosed with NAFLD, experts agree that a low-carbohydrate diet and regular exercise are key to managing the disease. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the more severe, progressive form of NAFLD, leads to swelling or inflammation of the liver and damage to liver cells. NASH is predicted to become the leading cause of liver transplantation in the U.S. by 2025.
