The liver is the largest internal organ and ‘chemical factory’ in our body. The liver helps in detoxification of the toxins in the food we eat, produces bile for digestion, and stores energy. However, the condition in which more than 5 to 10 percent of the total weight of the liver is accumulated in the liver cells is scientifically called fatty liver disease. Although there are no symptoms in the initial stage, this can slowly damage the liver’s function completely. Here are the 5 main scientific reasons behind this:
Insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes: The most important scientific reason for fatty liver (NAFLD – Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease) in non-alcoholics is insulin resistance. When cells are unable to properly absorb glucose from the blood, the body produces more insulin. This excess insulin transports large amounts of free fatty acids from the blood to the liver and causes them to be stored as fat. This risk is higher in people with diabetes.
Obesity & Visceral Fat: People who are overweight for their height, especially those with central obesity, are more likely to develop fatty liver. Visceral fat, which is the fat around the internal organs in the abdomen, constantly leaks fatty acids into the liver, damaging liver cells.
Changed diet and high fructose diet: The carbohydrates and sugars in the food we eat turn into fat in the liver. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS), an artificial sweetener found in baked goods, soft drinks, and packaged juices, is especially dangerous. While glucose is used by all the cells in the body, fructose can only be digested in the liver. When fructose is in excess, the liver converts it directly into fat (Triglycerides) and stores it there. This is caused by processed flour foods and fried foods.
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD): This is a condition that occurs in people who drink alcohol excessively for a long time. The liver metabolizes and excretes the alcohol (Ethanol) we consume. During this process, severe chemical changes occur in the liver, which damages the liver cells and causes fat to accumulate.
High cholesterol and metabolic syndrome: An excessive increase in the levels of bad cholesterol (Triglycerides) and LDL in the blood and a decrease in good cholesterol (HDL) leads to fatty liver. Along with this, hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, and PCOS also affect the metabolism of the liver.
