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    Episode 198 - Fatty Liver

    enSeptember 26, 2023
    What benefits do Boll and Branch sheets offer?
    How does Burroughs Furniture enhance customer satisfaction?
    What health improvements can result from a 10% weight loss?
    Which medications are mentioned for liver inflammation treatment?
    Who are the podcast guests and their areas of expertise?

    Podcast Summary

    • Discovering Comfort and Satisfaction with Boll and Branch, Burroughs Furniture, and Mint MobileBoll and Branch's organic cotton sheets soften with each wash, Burroughs Furniture prioritizes customer satisfaction, and Mint Mobile defies industry norms by lowering prices

      Boll and Branch's organic cotton sheets get softer with every wash, ensuring a comfortable and cozy sleeping experience for years to come. Burroughs Furniture prioritizes customer satisfaction by offering easy assembly, new color options, and fast free shipping. Mint Mobile defies industry norms by lowering prices in response to inflation. In the podcast episode, the hosts discussed fatty liver disease, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and expertise when addressing cultural topics. Burrow is offering significant discounts during their Memorial Day Sale. And Ryan Reynolds introduced Mint Mobile's price reduction for new customers.

    • The liver's role in processing toxins and preventing jaundiceLimit alcohol consumption and other harmful substances to protect liver health and prevent jaundice. WHO recommends women consume 7 or fewer drinks per week and men consume 14 or fewer.

      The liver plays a crucial role in processing toxins in the body, including waste from old red blood cells. When the liver is unable to keep up with this process, waste builds up and can cause damage, leading to symptoms such as yellowing of the skin (jaundice). It's important to take care of the liver before it reaches this stage by limiting alcohol consumption and other harmful substances. The World Health Organization recommends that women consume no more than 7 standard drinks per week and men consume no more than 14, but individual metabolism and other factors can affect these limits. It's essential to understand the importance of liver health and the potential consequences of neglecting it.

    • Excess Sugar Stored as Liver Fat Causes Inflammation and Liver DiseasesExcess sugar in the body due to insulin resistance or metabolic issues can cause the liver to store fat, leading to inflammation, liver damage, and advanced diseases like cirrhosis. Risk factors include obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension.

      The liver processes all the energy we consume, and if we take in too much, the liver can become fatty and inflamed, leading to various liver diseases. Alcohol is a common cause, but nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, is now the most common form. This condition occurs when the body stores excess sugar as fat in the liver, often due to insulin resistance or other metabolic issues. The fat can cause inflammation, leading to liver damage and advanced liver diseases like cirrhosis. Risk factors for NAFLD include obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension, among others. It's crucial to address these conditions before they cause irreversible damage to the liver.

    • NAFLD: New Leading Cause of Liver CirrhosisNAFLD, the new leading cause of liver cirrhosis, can be reversible with early detection and lifestyle modifications. However, if left untreated, it can lead to liver failure or cancer.

      Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now the most common cause of liver cirrhosis in the United States, surpassing alcohol as the leading cause. This change in nomenclature was made to eliminate the stigmatizing term "fatty" and raise awareness about this common condition. While it's less likely that people with NAFLD will die in the short term compared to those with alcohol-related liver disease, it's crucial to address this condition early on. If detected and treated promptly with lifestyle modifications like weight loss and exercise, NAFLD can be reversible. However, the longer the condition progresses, the harder it becomes to reverse, and the risk of developing liver failure or liver cancer increases. It's essential to remember that it's never too late to make positive changes to support liver health.

    • Renaming fatty liver disease to reduce stigmaRenaming fatty liver disease to Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease aimed to reduce stigma, but the new name may not be easily understood or relatable for some patients. Using more alarming words could grab attention and encourage action.

      Changing the name of a health condition to make it less stigmatizing is a complex issue. In the case of fatty liver disease, the medical community went through a lengthy process to rename it Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease. The goal was to reduce stigma and improve communication with patients. However, the new name is quite a mouthful and may not be easily understood by everyone. Some patients may not care about the name, while others may find it intimidating or confusing. The speaker suggests that using more alarming words, such as "emergency" or "attack," could be more effective in getting people's attention and encouraging them to take action to improve their health. Ultimately, the success of the new name in reducing stigma and improving communication remains to be seen. The speaker also acknowledges that not everyone with fatty liver disease is at death's door, but stresses that it is a serious condition that requires attention and action.

    • Global health concern: Fatty liver disease on the rise in countries with Western diet shiftsUnhealthy diets leading to fatty liver disease prevalence increase in China, India and other countries, contributing to rising obesity rates

      The issue of fatty liver disease is a growing global health concern, with high prevalence in countries like China and India, where diets are shifting towards Western, high-calorie and processed food consumption. The speaker notes that this trend was once thought to be particularly prevalent in the US due to early research, but now it seems that other countries may have even higher rates of the disease. The speaker's personal experience in China, where KFC was being built at an alarming rate, underscores the shift towards unhealthy diets. This trend is leading to an increase in both the prevalence and diagnosis of fatty liver disease, which tracks with rising obesity rates. The speaker also acknowledges their personal role in contributing to this issue through operating an ice cream truck business in China for a decade.

    • Doctors and weight discussions: Sensitivity and trustDoctors should approach weight discussions with sensitivity, focusing on controllable factors and making small lifestyle changes. Weight loss is the first line treatment for liver conditions related to weight, leading to resolution of inflammation and scar tissue healing.

      Doctors have historically struggled to discuss weight and health with patients due to a lack of sensitivity and trust. This has made it difficult to have open conversations about weight and its impact on health. To manage this conversation effectively, doctors should start with a non-judgmental approach, focusing on the controllable factors and making small, attainable lifestyle changes. It's essential to emphasize that weight loss is not about blame but about improving health and treating liver conditions. The first line treatment for liver conditions related to weight is weight loss, which can lead to the resolution of inflammation and the healing of some scar tissue once a person reaches around 7.5-12% body weight loss. Other treatments for liver conditions include medication and surgery, but weight loss remains a crucial aspect of treatment. Looking forward, research is being conducted to explore new treatments, such as gene therapy and stem cell therapy, for liver conditions.

    • Losing 10% of body weight can improve health, including liver healthLosing 10% of body weight significantly improves health, including liver health. New medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists and thyroid receptor agonists show promise in addressing liver inflammation and scar tissue.

      Losing just 10% of your body weight can significantly improve your health-related quality of life, including liver health. This improvement can be challenging to achieve solely through diet and exercise, but new medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists (such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mangerons, semaglutide, and Tirzepatide) and thyroid receptor agonists (like ResMedirom) are showing promise in addressing liver inflammation and scar tissue. These medications may be approved in the coming years. While a 10% weight loss is a good starting point, it's essential to continue making healthier choices for optimal overall health. Dietary recommendations include cutting out sugary drinks and limiting starches like potatoes, pasta, rice, and chips. Instead, focus on a diet rich in vegetables and lean proteins.

    • Revaluate Eating Habits with a Focus on Plant-Based FoodsFocus on plant-based meals, limit meat and cheese, eliminate processed sugars, choose diet sodas over sugary drinks, exercise regularly for liver health

      Our eating habits need to be reevaluated, with a focus on making plant-based foods the main component of our meals, while meat and cheese serve as ornaments. Consolidating meat consumption into fewer, higher-quality meals is a step in the right direction. Additionally, eliminating processed sugars, including sugary drinks and diet sodas, is crucial for improving overall health. While not ideal, choosing diet sodas over sugar-laden options is a harm reduction strategy. Exercise is another essential component of liver health, even for those who don't lose weight. It improves insulin sensitivity and helps the body use fat for energy, leading to less overall fat in the liver. For those struggling to start an exercise routine, simple activities like huffing and puffing to ensure sweating at least three times a week can be a good starting point.

    • Health insurance covering gym memberships for better accessibilityHealth insurance companies covering gym memberships can make regular exercise more accessible and affordable for individuals, potentially reducing the need for costly medical treatments in the future. Individuals with health concerns or older adults may especially benefit from this preventative measure.

      Fitness and regular exercise are crucial components of maintaining good health, especially for older adults or those with health concerns. However, access to gyms and trainers can be a barrier for some people. An intriguing solution could be for health insurance companies to cover gym memberships, making it a more accessible and affordable option. This preventative measure could potentially reduce the need for costly medical treatments in the long run. Moreover, individuals diagnosed with conditions like fatty liver disease or mastoid should be cautious about their alcohol consumption. Alcohol can worsen these conditions and make them more likely to progress to severe stages. While moderation is often recommended, it can be challenging to regulate behaviors, and doctors may not recommend alcohol at all for those with these conditions. One listener, Turner, shared his personal experience of quitting alcohol after dealing with chronic back pain for years. He found relief through an elimination diet and eventually decided to give up alcohol altogether. This decision led him to better manage his health and improve his overall well-being.

    • Eliminating harmful substances can improve health and well-beingEliminating alcohol, sugar, caffeine, and gluten can lead to weight loss, increased physical activity, improved ability to cope with pain, and overall health improvements. Quitting alcohol can also benefit liver health, weight, sexual function, and well-being.

      Eliminating certain harmful substances like alcohol, sugar, caffeine, and gluten from one's diet can significantly improve overall health and well-being. For some individuals, this can lead to a reduction in weight and an increase in physical activity levels. In the case discussed, the person was able to go from being unable to exercise at all to running regularly after eliminating these substances from their diet. While the exact reason for the connection between these substances and back pain is unclear, it's believed that the reduction in inflammation and improved ability to cope with pain may play a role. Additionally, for those struggling with alcohol addiction, quitting can lead to improvements in liver health, weight, sexual function, and overall well-being. While giving up these substances can be challenging at first, the long-term benefits are often worth the effort.

    • Managing Fatty Liver Disease: Quitting Alcohol and PersistenceQuitting alcohol can solve 80% of fatty liver disease symptoms, but persistence and patience may be needed for the remaining 20%.

      For Elliott, dealing with his fatty liver disease involved a multifaceted approach. He found that quitting alcohol was essential for solving about 80% of his symptoms. However, the remaining 20% required medication, specifically amitriptyline, to help get his nerves under control. Now, off the medication, Elliott is doing well. The doctor also shared that when dealing with complex health issues without an obvious solution, patients may find their symptoms resolve on their own or develop into something diagnosable. In such cases, patients often discover ways to manage their conditions through adjustments in their daily routines. Elliott's experience as a comedian highlights the benefits of being sober in his profession, making the job easier and allowing him to handle hecklers more effectively. Overall, this conversation offers valuable insights into managing fatty liver disease and the importance of persistence and patience in the journey towards better health.

    • Insights from Liver Expert Elliot Turner and Fashion Entrepreneur Paige DeSorboListen to the podcast for valuable insights from Elliot Turner on liver research, follow him for updates, and catch Turner Sparks live for a laugh. Paige DeSorbo's affordable fashion brand Quince is worth checking out.

      Elliot Turner and Paige DeSorbo, the guests on the podcast, are experts in their respective fields and offer valuable insights in an approachable way. Elliot, a liver expert, can be followed on pubmed.gov, Instagram (@tappereb), and Blue Sky for updates on liver research. Turner Sparks, a comedian, can be found on Instagram (@turnersparks), Turnersparks.com for tour dates, and his podcast "Lost in America." Turner's ability to discuss complex topics in a relatable manner sets him apart. Paige, the founder of Giggly Squad, offers high-quality fashion at affordable prices through Quince. Both guests provide unique perspectives and valuable information in their fields. If you're interested in liver research, comedy, or fashion, following or checking out these guests is recommended. Additionally, if you're in the San Francisco area, catch Turner live at the Throckmorton Theatre on November 14th. Lastly, remember that this podcast is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

    • Be a little extra for better coverageQuince.com offers free shipping and returns for shopping, while UnitedHealthcare's Health ProtectorGuard plans provide extra health insurance coverage without usual requirements and restrictions.

      When it comes to health care, it's worth being a little "extra" to ensure you're fully covered. Quince.com offers this extra benefit with free shipping and 365-day returns on your purchases. Meanwhile, in the realm of health insurance, UnitedHealthcare's Health ProtectorGuard plans, underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company, provide an additional layer of coverage without the usual requirements and restrictions, such as deductibles and enrollment periods. This means you can manage your out-of-pocket medical costs more effectively. So, whether it's in shopping or health care, being a little extra can bring significant benefits. To learn more about Quince.com's offerings, visit quince.com/style. And for Health ProtectorGuard plans, go to uhone.com.

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