Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an umbrella term for a range of conditions triggered by a build-up of fat in the liver. While the early stages of NAFLD don’t usually spur on symptoms, red flag signs often crop up as the condition progresses. Noticing problems associated with NAFLD could therefore mean it has become irreversible.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease develops in four main stages, with the last destination being known as cirrhosis.
Unfortunately, “there’s no cure” for this most advanced stage of liver damage, according to the NHS.
Cirrhosis crops up after years of inflammation and causes your liver to shrink and become scarred and lumpy.
“This damage is permanent and can lead to liver failure (where your liver stops working properly) and liver cancer,” the health service adds.
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While this stage of fatty liver disease paints a scary picture, cirrhosis is often the only stage that shows warning signs.
One of the red flag symptoms of this irreversible condition can be spotted in your pee – choluria.
Choluria, or dark urine, is characterised by a dark brownish colour, resembling cola.
The reason why your pee turns dark is bilirubin – a yellow substance produced during the normal process of red blood cell breakdown.
How to manage non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
From a healthy diet to exercise, there are various lifestyle tweaks that can help manage the liver condition.
According to the NHS, you should aim for a healthy weight and follow a diet packed with fruits, vegetables, protein and carbohydrates, but low in fat, sugar and salt. Drinking water instead of sweet drinks could also help.
Other interventions such as exercise, quitting smoking and cutting down on alcohol could also be useful.
While NAFLD isn’t triggered by alcohol, drinking may make it worse so it’s advisable to cut down or stop drinking alcohol, the health service adds.
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