Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an umbrella term for a range of conditions that have one thing in common – the build-up of fat in your liver. While the early stages of NAFLD don’t usually trigger warning signs, symptoms often crop up as the condition progresses. Worryingly, noticing problems associated with NAFLD could therefore mean it has become irreversible.
While this stage paints a worrying picture, cirrhosis is often the only stage of fatty liver disease that spurs on symptoms.
One of the red flag symptoms of this irreversible condition can be spotted in your abdomen – ascites.
Ascites describes a fluid build-up in your abdomen, or belly, according to the NHS.
The British Liver Trust explains that when patients suffer from cirrhosis, their liver and kidneys stop working properly, which means fluid stops being exchanged within the cells in the way it should, triggering ascites.
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How to manage non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
From a healthy diet to exercise, there are various lifestyle tweaks that can help manage the pesky liver condition.
According to the NHS, you should aim for a healthy weight while following a diet packed with fruits, vegetables, protein and carbohydrates. Drinking water instead of sweet drinks is also a useful tweak.
Other interventions such as exercise, quitting smoking and cutting down on alcohol could also be useful.
While NAFLD isn’t triggered by alcohol, drinking may make it worse so it’s advisable to cut back or stop drinking alcohol, the health service adds.