Everything you need to know about Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Today, escaping diseases can be a real challenge given our current lifestyle. Work stress, irregular eating habits, no exercise and sedentary lifestyle are all contributors that give rise to uncalled for diseases like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. What’s worse is that what is happening within our body is always a mystery until there are symptoms that show up or until we go for regular medical check-ups. Which is why, other than maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it is equally important to ensure that we go for regular medical check-ups.
One of the problems many people face these days is NASH. So what is NASH?
For people who wonder what is NASH, it is Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Basically, it is an advanced form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease i.e NAFLD and is caused by the build-up of fat in the liver. NASH is caused when this very build-up gets inflamed. But, the real problem is when there is scarring of the liver as it causes a more life-threatening disease known as cirrhosis. Generally, very few people encounter the last stage as in most cases the disease is reversible with proper diet and lifestyle.
Symptoms associated with NASH
Most people would not even know that they suffer from Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis as symptoms are common to other diseases as well. It is when they go to the physician for a check-up is only when the problem is identified with the help of additional tests and consultation. Following are some of the symptoms associated with NASH.
- Tiredness
- Mild pain in the upper right abdomen
When NASH leads to cirrhosis, people face one or some of the following symptoms:
- Easily bleeds
- Getting bruised easily
- Itchy and irritable skin
- Jaundice
- Fluid accumulation in the abdomen
- Loss of taste and appetite
- Feeling of vomiting
- Swelling of the legs
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Slurred speech
Like we mentioned earlier, these symptoms are true for other diseases as well, but keeping a close watch on oneself may help understand the problem.
There are quite a few risk factors associated with NASH. This means that people with pre-existing diseases can be prone to the disease more than those without a medical history. Here is a list of diseases that increase the chances of getting NASH.
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- High triglycerides
- Poor diet
- Metabolic syndrome
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Sleep apnea
- Hypothyroidism
If one faces one or more of these diseases, they would be more likely to develop NASH unless their medication, diet and overall lifestyle are not in check. Not contracting this problem can be possible only when you follow the doctor’s recommendations and practice it more religiously. Or else, this problem if not treated can only get worse.
How to Cure Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis?
If you are someone who is currently suffering from NASH or are afraid that in the near future it may affect you, then here is what you need to keep in mind in case you are wondering about how to cure Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis.
- Keep your weight in check. In general, being overweight or underweight is not good for health. Which is why, the ones who are obese have a higher chance of developing NASH. Eat healthy and be well within the BMI requirements as per your weight.
- Change your diet in case it isn’t healthy portions that you are consuming. A nutritionist or even the doctor treating you will tell you what is best for you. Keep in mind that a healthy diet is what will go a long way in treating this problem.
- Be more active by exercising on a regular basis. It can be a real challenge to hit
the gym or even workout at home. But in order to lead a healthy life, free from diseases, it is extremely vital that one follows a good exercise routine. Initially it may seem difficult to work-out because of the muscle aches, but once you get used to it, it’s a good habit you would never want to quit.
- If you are someone who suffers from Diabetes, then you need to follow every instruction that is laid down by your physician. You need to ensure that you consume your food and medication on time. It will help reverse the effects of NASH or prevent it altogether.
- The food you eat determines your overall health. If you have been eating foods high in fats, you then need to keep a check on your cholesterol. High cholesterol levels are an invitation to NASH and many other diseases.
- Relive your liver from any stress you may be putting it through. If you drink alcohol, make sure that you keep a check on your intake. Be careful of the medications that you are taking and if they have any side effects. Make sure you get it vetted by your doctor so as to avoid any further complications.
How will I know if my Fatty Liver improving?
Once you start taking your life seriously and follow a strict diet and exercise regime, be rest assured that you are on the road to recovery. In fact, you yourself will start feeling better. The doctor may run a few more tests to rule out the problem of fatty liver.
How Long Can I Live with Nash Disease?
Having NASH (Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis) is not the worst illness because it can be totally reversed. Yes! If you are wondering whether is Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis is reversible, then the answer is yes. Most people with NASH live a normal life. In some patients, those who neglect the basics, the symptoms can worsen and lead to cirrhosis. In all other cases, you will be just fine. Of course it will take a lot of work and effort on ones end to ensure that the disease does not progress, but that would be true for other diseases as well. Which is why, it is important that you follow the doctor’s advice and take care of your liver. After all, we have just 1 liver and taking good care of it is our responsibility.