Most are aware of the twin epidemics affecting the world today — obesity and type II diabetes. There is a third unsung partner joining them in ravaging the health of millions: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD].

It is estimated that over 30 million Americans have NAFLD. It can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even liver failure. The sad part is it’s usually caused by SADness: the Standard American Diet.

NAFLD occurs when fatty lipids occupy enough liver cells to exceed 5% of the liver’s weight. More often than not, there are no symptoms of NAFLD — though fatigue and pain in the upper right abdomen may be a sign.

Unlike a common misconception, it is not primarily caused by a diet of excess saturated fats. It is more related to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome — caused by diets of excess sugars. In fact consuming non-processed, good quality saturated fats will not cause fatty liver.

Fatty Liver

The primary villain in NAFLD is high fructose corn syrup [HFCS]. The insidious use of HFCS — check food labels and it is in so many products, many not sweet — has played a large role in the attack on the liver.

Mike Adams says:

“Out of 120 calories from glucose, one calorie gets stored as fat. Cells throughout the body metabolize glucose rapidly. The same 120 calories of HFCS results in 40 calories worth converted to fat that remains mostly in the liver.”

To make matters worse, a high percentage of HFCS comes from, you guessed it, genetically engineered corn — a double whammy to the liver and your body.

The great news about NAFLD is it is reversible, as are most lifestyle diseases if dealt with early enough.

In the last of the four part series on the liver, all things good and healing for the liver will be revealed.