To guide you on non alcoholic fatty liver disease, here is a compilation of frequently asked questions, or FAQ, about this subject.

Q: What is Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (or NAFLD)?

A: NAFLD occurs when fat is deposited in the liver although not due to excessive alcohol intake. Fat is deposited through a process called steatosis.

Q: What kind of fat is deposited in the liver when one has NAFLD?

A: Triglyceride is the kind of fat that is deposited in the liver through steatosis.

Q: What is steatosis?

A: Steatosis occurs when there is an abnormal retention of lipids within the cell.

Q: What causes NAFLD?

A: NAFLD has been linked to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome (combined obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure).

NAFLD can also be brought about by certain medications such as antiviral drugs, methotrexate, tamoxifen, tetracycline, and aspirin.

Q: What is the most extreme form of NAFLD?

A: The worst form of NAFLD is the non alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It is also considered as a major cause of cirrhosis of the liver. The reason for which, however, is unknown.

Q: What are the signs and symptoms of NAFLD?

A: A dangerous thing about NAFLD is that it is an asymptomatic disease, wherein there are no or only a few symptoms that are evident in persons suffering the said disease. Patients have complained about malaise, abdominal discomfort, and fatigue. Mild jaundice is also noticed, albeit rarely.

Q: How is NAFLD diagnosed?

A: Most of the time, NAFLD is diagnosed during routine blood tests that occur after abnormal liver function tests. However, if alcoholic intake exceeds 25 ml per day, the condition is called alcoholic fatty liver disease. A liver ultrasound can also detect steatosis. However, the most accepted test to distinguish NASH from other liver diseases is through a liver biopsy, which can also determine the inflammation's level of severity.

Q: What is the treatment for NAFLD?

A: To treat non alcoholic fatty liver disease, one should target the causes of the disease. Thus, the treatment could be composed of proper diet and regular exercise to remove excess body weight. Gradual weight loss helps improve the process for obese patients, while rapid weight loss can be dangerous.