Latest news with #NaveenPolavarapu
New Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
NAFLD: Sober but still at risk
You may not feel it and there may be no symptoms at all. But deep inside your body, your liver could be quietly storing fat, even if you've never touched a drop of alcohol. That's the unnerving reality of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition that's crawling into more lives than ever, silently and steadily. What exactly do you mean by NAFLD? 'It is a condition where fat builds up in your liver, for reasons other than alcohol,' says Dr Narendra Teja Gogireddy, consultant surgical gastroenterologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderguda, further adding, 'This term is used for patients with chronic lifestyle diseases. In initial stages it is mild and reversible, however it can cause liver damage over time and lead to serious conditions like cirrhosis or liver failure.' The condition often stems from everyday habits that seem harmless at first; a sedentary routine, meals loaded with sugar and processed carbs, and that familiar struggle with weight gain. 'People who drink little or no alcohol may develop NAFLD. People who are overweight or obese frequently exhibit it. The most prevalent type of liver disease in the world today is NAFLD. Although NAFLD in its early stages is typically benign and asymptomatic, it can develop into more severe forms such as Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), which involves damage and inflammation of the liver. NASH can result in cirrhosis, scarring (fibrosis), and potentially liver failure or malignancy if treatment is not received,' explains Dr Naveen Polavarapu, senior consultant, medical gastroenterologist, liver specialist, lead, advanced endoscopic interventions & training, clinical director, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad. What's alarming is that NAFLD doesn't discriminate, 'Fat can build up in your liver even if you don't drink alcohol. This happens due to several factors like insulin resistance (often linked with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes), high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, poor diet (especially diets high in sugar and refined carbs), sedentary lifestyle (lack of physical activity), rapid weight loss or malnutrition, certain medications (like corticosteroids or some cancer drugs), hormonal imbalances or metabolic syndrome. These risk factors can lead to fat accumulation in liver cells, potentially causing inflammation, scarring, and liver damage over time if not managed,' says Dr Narendra.
News18
18-05-2025
- Health
- News18
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in India: Rising Incidence and the Role of Lifestyle
Last Updated: Observed annually on May 19, World IBD Day offers a global platform to raise awareness about inflammatory bowel disease and its growing impact—particularly in countries like India The prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has dramatically increased in India in recent years, especially in metropolitan areas. Once considered a Western disease, IBD is now emerging as a significant health concern in our country, with prevalence rates rising rapidly and projections indicating a continued upward trend. This surge is closely linked to increasing urbanization and shifting lifestyle patterns within Indian society. Our dietary habits have undergone significant changes—we now consume fewer fresh fruits and vegetables and more processed foods and refined oils. These dietary alterations disrupt the delicate balance of gut flora, increasing the risk of chronic inflammation in the intestines. Additionally, exposure to environmental pollutants and contaminated food further exacerbates the issue. Dr. Naveen Polavarapu, Consultant in Gastroenterology, Liver Diseases & Transplant Surgery, Yashoda Hospitals, shares critical insights into this growing problem. Modern urban life contributes further to the burden of IBD. Higher stress levels, sedentary lifestyles, and insufficient sun exposure are all factors that heighten both the risk and severity of the disease. Stress, in particular, not only triggers disease flare-ups but also impacts patients' overall quality of life and treatment outcomes. Since IBD commonly affects individuals between the ages of 20 and 40, the socioeconomic consequences are especially profound, affecting people during their most productive years. Despite these challenges, awareness about IBD remains limited—especially in rural areas—resulting in delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment. There is a pressing need to raise public awareness, encourage timely consultations for chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, and promote lifestyle changes such as stress management, regular physical activity, and healthier eating habits. Addressing the rising prevalence of IBD in India and improving patient outcomes will require a coordinated effort from the public, policymakers, and healthcare professionals alike. Observed annually on May 19, World IBD Day offers a global platform to raise awareness about inflammatory bowel disease and its growing impact—particularly in countries like India. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for education, early detection, and community support to improve the lives of those affected by IBD.
