Fatty Liver vs. NASH

[karen mullins]

My 23 year old son was just diagnosed [via liver biopsy] with fatty liver with steatosis.  Is this the same as NASH, since he is a non drinker?

We are in the process of changing insurances and hospitals that we can use, and he was told to diet and excersise losing the weight slowly...but no specifics on diet for this illness were given other than low fat.  Should he avoid carbs too?  Simple sugars?  Any help would be appreciated.

Karen

PS...my father, grandfather [two of his brothers] and his father, my great grandfather all died of cryptogenic liver disease, and our hepatologist believes it may have been undiagnosed fatty liver that cirhossed so bad by the time they found it that they couldn't determine the cause...but because my son is so young [I insisted on a liver panel when he went for his physical, or we'd have never known this...thank God for genealogical research and death records] and they caught it early, we should be alright...I hope so.

[roxnsox]

I think the answer to your first question is yes.  I assume that he had elevated enzymes on his blood tests?  Elevated enzymes means that he has inflamation (inflammation).  The "steato" means fatty.  And "hepatitis" means inflamed.  There is research being done on NASH right now at the National Institute of Health.  The only treatment the doctors have is to tell the patient to lose weight gradually (one pound per week is recommended).  And to get exercise (30 minutes per day).  I have NASH and I have lost 25 pounds and I feel much better.  As far as the diet, I would say a balanced diet that cuts back on fat and carbohydrates would be best.  I cut out sugar and increased whole grains.  I find that my body needs the proteins.  I also highly recommend cutting out as much of the trans fats (hydrogented oils) as you can.  Get the book, Eat, Drink and be Healthy by Walter Willet.  This is the book that my doctor recommended that I read.  
   I'm gald you did the family tree research--good job!

[karen mullins]

thank you so much for the reply.

I know that they said that weight loss should be gradual...but he has lost about 10 pounds in the first 2 weeks.  I think the dieting is just sloughing off the weight quickly here at first.  I work at a library, and get books at cost [yeah] so I will be ordering the book as soon as I get back to work on Monday.

Thank you for the advise. [I also ordered Dieting for a Healthy Liver...is that one any good?]

Karen

[roxnsox]

I work in a library too!  Why not get the liver diet book by interlibrary loan to see if it is any good?  Or look at the reviews of books on Amazon.  Most people that have NASH, have insulin resistance as well.  So I am following a diabetic type diet.  (Insulin resistance is discussed in the Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy book.)

[toosick]

I just got home from the doctor's office and I have a fatty liver. My  right side hurts when I bend over or stretch. Is there anything that I can do to help or correct this illness. I have never drunk alcohol and have taken fairly good care of my body. I am scared and I need help. I am going to a gastroendrodogist this week.( I butchered that word) but you know what I am talking about. Any comments will help me. Thank you.

[roxnsox]

I don't drink alcohol either and I have always tried to take care of myself.  The doctors are just now learning more about fatty liver.  The only treatment is to avoid fat in your diet and any over-the-counter medicines that are bad for the liver, like Tylenol.  If you are overweight you should try to lose weight, but do it gradually.  Drink lots and lots of water.  I tell everyone to avoid hydrogenated fats in your diet.  They are also called trans fats.  These are liquid fats that have been treated so they stay hard at room temperature.  (Stick margarine and shortening are the best examples of hydrogenated oils/fats.) I don't eat them any more and I feel so much better.  My cholesterol went back down to normal and my liver enzymes went back to the normal range.  It took about two months for them to get cleaned out of my body but it was worth it.  I'm not so cranky anymore.  I sleep better.  I lost twenty pounds. It is wonderful.  And I did it all with diet and exercise--no expensive prescription drugs from the doctor.