A condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fat in the liver (steatosis) in individuals who consume little to no alcohol. It is the most common chronic liver disorder in the Western world and is considered the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. NAFLD can range from simple fat accumulation to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which involves inflammation and liver cell damage.
The primary dietary drivers of NAFLD are refined carbohydrates and high-fructose corn syrup, which stimulate de novo lipogenesis in the liver. Because the liver is central to glucose and lipid metabolism, fatty liver disease further exacerbates insulin resistance, creating a vicious cycle of metabolic decline that can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer if not addressed through dietary intervention.
The definitive guide by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN