EP. 104: Fatty Liver 101 | Solo Episode

Obesity and alcoholism can lead to fatty liver, a condition that can have serious consequences, including death. The recent passing of Steve Harwell, lead singer of Smash Mouth, and George Michael, iconic musician, serve as tragic reminders of this. Both struggled with obesity and alcoholism, which likely contributed to their fatty liver diagnoses. Their stories underscore the importance of addressing these risk factors to prevent this condition and its potential complications. It's a critical issue that is often overlooked in the medical community and can impact anyone, regardless of fame or fortune.

Metabolic syndrome, a condition characterized by metabolic processes going awry inside the body, is a leading cause of fatty liver, which can progress into inflammation, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. This condition, which affects both alcoholics and non-alcoholics, is a major public health concern as it is a common, often silent, condition that can lead to serious health complications. Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the new term for this condition, emphasizing its connection to metabolic dysfunction. It's important to note that early signs of fatty liver are often overlooked or normalized, but recognizing and addressing this condition early can prevent or delay the progression to more severe health issues. Additionally, common risk factors for MAFLD include alcohol consumption, certain medications, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a significant health issue affecting over 30% of the global population, and its prevalence is increasing rapidly. This condition, which can lead to more serious forms like Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and liver cancer, is often normalized or overlooked. The obesity epidemic and high consumption of processed foods, particularly high fructose corn syrup, are major contributors. Among various demographics, Mexican Americans and Asian populations are disproportionately affected. For Asian and Eastern Indian populations, even seemingly normal weight individuals carrying excess weight in their midsection face higher risks. The progression of this condition can lead to severe health complications, including cardiovascular diseases and increased mortality. It's crucial for individuals, especially those of Asian descent, to be aware of the risks and take steps to prevent and manage NAFLD.

Having excess weight in the midsection, even for lean individuals, can lead to serious health risks such as cardiovascular disease and fatty liver disease. Metabolic dysfunction, which affects nearly all Americans, can be a sign of early liver damage. This condition, which ranges from mild to severe, can manifest as high blood pressure, creeping waist circumference, and elevated blood sugar levels. If you suspect you may have metabolic dysfunction, consider getting tested for fatty liver, especially if you have a waist circumference over 35 inches for women or over 40 inches for men, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure. Don't ignore the early signs, as untreated metabolic dysfunction can lead to more severe health issues. For more information, download the "Assess Your Metabolic Health Guide" from Doctor Tina's website.

Certain health markers, such as high blood pressure, large waist circumference, high triglycerides, and elevated liver enzymes, can indicate metabolic dysfunction and potential risk for conditions like type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. These markers serve as red flags, and individuals should aim to stay below specific threshold numbers based on their height. For example, a healthy waist circumference for women is below 35 inches and for men is below 40 inches. High triglycerides, especially when they equal or come close to total cholesterol, can also be a sign of liver issues. It's essential to have regular health check-ups and discuss any concerns with a healthcare professional. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and good sleep habits, can help prevent and manage these conditions.

Being lean does not always mean being healthy. The speaker shared examples of individuals, including marathon runners and middle-aged individuals, who appeared lean but had prediabetes labs and fatty liver infiltrate. Factors contributing to this condition included insulin resistance, lack of strength training, and poor diet choices such as consuming refined carbohydrates and artificial sweeteners. The speaker also emphasized the importance of essential amino acids for muscle protein synthesis and highlighted the benefits of using a product like Keyon Aminos for optimal muscle growth and energy. Overall, the discussion underscores the importance of focusing on overall health and wellness, not just appearance.

Functional and integrative healthcare professionals can streamline their lab kit process and save time by using RUPA Health. This platform allows for lab kits to be shipped directly to patients' homes or sets up a branded storefront for patients to order tests themselves. The best part is that Rupa handles the money and sends results directly to the practitioner's portal, eliminating the need to log into multiple portals or handle kit shipping. Additionally, offering lab testing through Rupa can attract new patients seeking specialty labs and astute practitioners to interpret the results. The NBC News article highlights the soaring rates of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which is largely lifestyle-induced by factors such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. While genes may play a role, lifestyle choices are the primary drivers of this condition, which can lead to life-threatening conditions like cirrhosis and cancer of the liver. To uplevel your strength game, consider incorporating Kion Aminos into your routine, and for healthcare professionals, RUPA Health can help simplify lab testing processes.

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a growing health concern, affecting up to 25% of the global population in 2013, with numbers likely rising. This condition, which can lead to advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis, is closely linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and inflammaging in older adults. MAFLD is not limited to alcoholics, as metabolic syndrome plays a significant role in its development. The condition can be addressed through lifestyle changes, including building muscle and working with healthcare professionals such as functional doctors, naturopaths, health coaches, or nutritional therapists. It's essential to take metabolic dysfunction seriously, as it can lead to liver transplantation. Additionally, be cautious when combining alcohol consumption with Tylenol or acetaminophen, as this combination can lead to liver damage.

Many people underestimate the importance of understanding their medication dosages and the potential risks they face when consuming acetaminophen, especially when combined with alcohol or an unhealthy diet. The liver, which is responsible for processing these substances, can suffer significant damage leading to irreversible conditions like cirrhosis. This damage can be exacerbated by metabolic syndrome, which is increasingly common in heavier individuals. Visceral fat, a dangerous type of fat surrounding organs, is a significant contributor to metabolic health issues, including liver disease. High fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners are also culprits in this regard. It's crucial to be aware of these risks and take steps to maintain a healthy waist circumference, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and make informed decisions about medication use. Ignoring these issues can lead to serious health consequences, including the need for a liver transplant.

Maintaining good metabolic health goes beyond just diet and exercise. Artificial sweeteners, even for those who are active and seemingly healthy, can negatively impact liver function and contribute to metabolic dysfunction. Strength training, on the other hand, is essential for mitigating and modulating metabolic health. It sets off a biochemical cascade that is critical for maintaining insulin resistance, mitochondrial function, and overall cellular health. Without strength training, it's difficult to change body composition and reduce inflammation, even if weight is lost. Therefore, it's important to assess metabolic health regularly, educate yourself, and prioritize strength training as part of a holistic approach to maintaining optimal health.

For effective weight loss and improving overall body composition, it's crucial to incorporate strength training into your routine. This not only helps build muscle mass but also offsets insulin resistance and positively impacts various metabolic processes. Neglecting strength training while relying solely on weight loss tools may lead to a smaller version of an unhealthy body composition. Furthermore, it's essential to be aware of potential liver stressors, such as certain medications, alcohol, and environmental factors, as they can contribute to insulin resistance and liver issues. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding your diet, lifestyle, and medication use.

Strength training is an essential investment in your health. It's recommended for everyone, regardless of fitness level. Start with basic workouts and consider hiring a coach if you plan to lift heavy weights. Additionally, be aware that COVID can induce liver inflammation, which can worsen health complications. Prevent this by ensuring good health and avoiding chronic inflammation and obesity. Stay informed about your health by getting regular check-ups and assessments from your doctor. Furthermore, consider following Doctor Tina's podcast, "Doctor Tina Show," and her new podcast, "Digest This," for more health and wellness information. Remember, this information is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.

Bethany's podcast, Digest This, is an informative and easy-to-digest resource for all things related to health, nutrition, and wellness. Each episode features interviews with experts and delves into topics such as gut health, food industry, and specific ingredients. Bethany also provides a weekly segment called "bite of knowledge," where she explores the benefits or dangers of various ingredients commonly used in food, skin care, and household products. With new episodes every Monday and Wednesday, Digest This has quickly become a top resource in the nutrition category on Apple Podcasts. Whether you're interested in learning about the health benefits of olive oil or the potential dangers of certain ingredients in your cereal, Bethany has you covered. Tune in to Digest This on your favorite podcast app for insightful and accessible information on all things health and wellness.