Omega 3 for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD | Fish Oil Blog

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD is becoming a huge threat to the American population. Like regular fatty liver disease (which is alcohol related), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can lead to chronic liver disease and permanent liver damage that can be fatal to the body. This liver disease can be caused by various factors like high cholesterol levels, excessive amount of triglycerides, obesity or rapid weight loss, type 2 diabetes and other factors. Those who have this disease may  have accumulation of triglyceride fats in their liver.

Symptoms of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: The simple form of fatty liver disease is called steatosis which may cause accumulation of fat in the liver. But this does not cause liver damage.  Steatohepatitis  is a more serious form of fatty liver disease which is related to inflammation and liver damage, possibly leading to permanent scarring and cancer. Some of the symptoms of the disease are:

• Unusual fatigue
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in the upper right abdomen
• Lack of concentration, memory loss
• Unfocused behavior
• Venal and intestinal bleeding
• Weakened immune system
• Excess fluid in the abdomen
• Itching of entire body, especially legs and hands
• Fluid retention and swelling in legs
• Lack of interest in libido

Cure for NAFLD: Accumulation of fat in the liver may occur for several reasons including obesity, hyperlipidemia, excess cholesterol in the blood, diabetes and intoxication. Though the nonalcoholic type, NAFLD can lead to serious and fatal liver disease.

Research has revealed that there is cure for NAFLD in the form of fish oils. Yes, omega 3s in the fish oil, along with omega 6s and their high DHA and EPA content can alleviate the problems caused by fatty liver condition. People with liver disease tend to have low levels of omega 3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the cells of their liver. For example, an increase in the size of fat droplets in liver cells has been associated with a reduction in omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentanoic acid or EPA. So, a good supply of EPA and DHA would help in quick recovery.

Fish oil for NAFLD: Omega 3s are a long chain of polyunsaturated fatty acids which are available in fish oil and fish oil supplements and which have anti-inflammatory that can lower LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels and triglycerides. Recent studies have shown that fish oil supplements can reduce fat deposits in the liver and improve insulin resistance. This way, fish oil can control the cause of fatty liver disease like diabetes, cholesterol, obesity etc.

Though fish oil can provide positive health benefits, you have to be careful in choosing a fish oil supplement. You should not choose cod liver oil because its high rate of vitamin A can put extra pressure on the liver. It is also advisable not to take fish oil that is of lower quality as the amount of omega 3 fatty acids in such oils may vary or contain impurities. So, take only fish oil supplements that are of pharmaceutical grade to ensure you get the best health benefits.