The non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is fast becoming common in children, teenagers, and young adults; as a result of the heavy diets in fast foods and sedentary living. This non-infectious silent liver disease was previously observed to prevail primarily in the elderly but is currently threatening to young people with continuous high rates of occurrence.
The excessive consumption of carbohydrates in sugary drinks, refined carbohydrates, trans fats as well as ultra-processed foods stimulates insulin resistance and liver accumulation of fats. NAFLD in its early progression presents with little signs and symptoms making it easy to be overlooked until substantial liver damage has ensued.
The untreated NAFLD may develop to steatorrhhea, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and cardiovascular problems in the long run. This trend is being fuelled by the institutionalization of poor eating habits and sedentary lifestyles.
The early awareness, sound nutrition, minimized use of fast-food, physical exercises, and frequent metabolic check-up are prevention measures to be taken in endangered young people. The health of the liver should be guarded at the early stage, when the damage becomes irreversible.
Do you believe that the consumption of fast foods is slowly propagating serious metabolic illnesses amongst the youth of today?
MBH/PS