The silent disease affecting thousands of over-50s
<p>When we think about the biggest killers in our country, generally the first things to spring to mind are heart disease, cancer, stroke and dementia. However, one silent killer is slowly creeping up the list – non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).</p>
<p>According to the Gastroenterological Society of Australia, more than six million of us are affected by liver disease, including 40 per cent of all adults over the age of 50. If left unmanaged, NAFLD could lead to serious – and potentially fatal – complications such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or even liver cancer. Of the more than 400 million adults around the world suffering from obesity, an estimated 75 per cent are believed to have NAFLD, while up to 20 per cent may have progressed to NASH.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, as there are no symptoms of the disease per se, the only way to know for sure whether or not you suffer NAFLD is with a blood test. In fact, many people only discover they’re affected after being tested for other medical reasons.</p>
<p>While the exact cause is not yet known, experts believe some people are more prone to NAFLD than others, including those suffering from obesity, diabetes, hypertension, insulin resistance and high “bad” cholesterol and low “good” cholesterol levels. A diet rich in fat, sugar and regular alcohol consumption also increase chances of the disease.</p>
<p>Thankfully, the disease is completely preventable and even reversible. Staying away from alcohol, processed, sugary foods and taking care of your body with regular exercise (thus maintaining a healthy weight) are just some of the measures you can take to lower your risk of developing NAFLD. In addition, doctors recommend controlling blood sugar levels, treating high cholesterol, avoiding medicines known to negatively interact with the liver and quitting smoking are also essential steps to take.</p>
<p>If you have concerns about your liver health, discuss them with your GP as soon as possible to ensure early intervention. Have you ever suffered NAFLD and overcome it? How? Share your story with us in the comments below.</p>
