Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease means something is very wrong with your body.
Can this condition, which is often brought on by poor diet, actually raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol?
“Yes. LDL receptors are located primarily in the liver and their number is regulated by the cholesterol content in the liver cells,” explains Jeffrey Fine, MD, chief of gastroenterology at the Medical Surgical Clinic of Irving.
“When a person’s diet is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, the cholesterol content generally rises. This causes the LDL receptors to fall and plasma LDL levels to rise.”
It’s important to note that the biggest perpetrator in raising cholesterol levels in the body is refined carbohydrates.
The influx of added sugars and white-flour-based foods really does a number on body chemistry and health.
- Avoid white flour as much as possible.
- Limit saturated fats, and avoid trans fats (partially hydrogenated oils).
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is often caused by poor diet. High LDL cholesterol is a risk factor for heart attack.
Symptoms of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Also known as NAFLD, this condition encompasses numerous liver diseases that affect those who drink only a little or no liquor at all.
Too much fat gets stored in the liver cells and can lead to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, which can permanently damage the liver.
In fact, the damage is similar to what can occur with a heavy drinker, and can lead to failure of this organ.
Usually there are no symptoms, but they may be fatigue and pain in the upper right abdomen.
But the steatohepatitis can cause fluid retention in the stomach, causing it to swell.
Other symptoms of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: visibly enlarged blood vessels under the skin’s surface, red palms, enlarged breasts in men, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
Dr. Fine has been in practice for over 30 years and specializes in digestive health, integrative medicine and food sensitivities.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
.
