What is NASH?
Updated: May 28, 2022
What is Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and how does this diagnosis change one's life?
When being diagnosed with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, my doctor's notes showed that I had Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). So what does this mean?
"Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a condition in which fat builds up in your liver. The more severe form of NAFLD is called Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH causes the liver to swell and become more damaged." - The American Liver Foundation
The American Liver Foundation has a risk assessment quiz and a body mass index (BMI) calculator, to help you identify if you are at risk for getting NASH.
How does NASH develop?
NASH tends to be more commonly found in individuals who are overweight or obese, do not have their diabetes under control, may have high cholesterol and triglycerides and their dietary habits are not healthy. There are individuals, though who had no presenting risk factors, who still developed NASH.
Individuals who most commonly have NASH are those between the ages of 40 - 60' however, this is not always the case.
I have been diagnosed with NAFLD NASH stage 4 compensate, liver cirrhosis. I am a 28-year-old woman, with the liver of a 40+ year-old. Another interesting fact I learned was that NASH is more common in women than it is in men. When an individual becomes diagnosed with NASH, it is typically after years of disease progression. This is due to the disease not showing any symptoms until the progression of the disease causes symptoms of NASH to arise.
In the United States, NASH is one of the leading causes of cirrhosis in adults. Up to 25% of adults who have NASH may have cirrhosis. It is hard to find exact data on NASH in adults, due to it being highly undiagnosed.
What can I do?
The formula currently on how to improve your NASH is the same formula used for improving your NAFLD:
Maintain a healthy weight
Eat real whole foods
Exercise regularly
The rest of the list can be found in my article, "What is Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)?"
**Please note that this is not medical advice. I am in no way a medical professional and it is recommended that before starting anything you consult your primary care physician.
This blog is for me to document my journey and compile the information I learn about this disease while I am trying to save my life. Information that my doctors have given me, new information that I learn about my disease, and as I grow on this learning journey I will update my blog to reflect that.**
If there are any comments or questions, feel free to comment below. I would love to see what questions people may have about NASH. Have a wonderful day!
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