Patient Education
What is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)?
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NAFLD is caused by a build-up of fat in the liver in patients with little or no alcohol use.
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About 30% of adults have NAFLD.
About 5% of adults (15 million Americans) have NASH.
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Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) is the next stage of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver (NAFL) where liver cells have inflammation and damage, progressing to liver cell injury and scarring.
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It can be a silent disease that increases the risk of having or developing heart disease, diabetes and cirrhosis.
The most common cause of death in patients with NASH is heart disease, cancer or liver failure.
Treating the conditions associated with NASH including obesity, diabetes and hyperlipidemia.
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Components of
NAFLD can be improved with lifestyle interventions!
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Nutrition 101
What are whole grains?
​Whole grains are grains that contain all the essential parts of the seed while processed grains only have the least nutritious aspect of the grain.
What are healthy fats?
​“Good” unsaturated fats lower disease risk and include plant-based fats such as vegetable oils (olive, canola, sunflower, soy and corn), nuts, seeds, and animal-based fats like fatty fish.
​Bad fats increase risk of cardiovascular disease and should be limited in patients with NAFLD.
What are added sugars?
Added sugar is sugar not naturally found in the food, but added as an ingredient to sweeten the food. This adds more calories and carbohydrate quantity of the food.
What are "bad" fats?
What Is the Mediterranean Diet?
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​Most recommended dietary pattern for NAFLD management.
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Plant-based diet centered around whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats while limiting dairy and red meat.
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Eating less of foods with a high glycemic index, meaning foods with low fiber and high in carbohydrates.
What is healthy eating plate?
How Can I Get Started On a Healthy Diet?
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Monitor Your Servings of Food
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Serving Size is the amount of food listed on a product’s nutrition facts label.
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Being aware of the serving size can help you keep track of your caloric intake.
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Eating the Right Amount of Calories For Weight Loss
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Try keeping a food log to see how many calories you are eating daily.
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The quality of calories is just as important as the quantity.
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Try reducing your calories by 500 calories a day depending on exercise activity.
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Cooking Styles, Dinner Ideas
Physical Activities
Other Lifestyle Interventions
Smoking cessation
Stress
Sleep