Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Patient Education

What is NAFLD?

NAFLD means there is extra fat in your liver that is not caused by drinking alcohol. Your liver helps clean your blood and digest food. Too much fat can harm your liver.

Causes and Risk Factors

Being overweight or obese
Having diabetes or prediabetes
High cholesterol or high blood pressure
Eating too much unhealthy food
Not exercising enough
Sometimes it runs in families

Signs and Symptoms

Most people don’t feel sick early on
You may feel tired or weak
Some people feel pain or discomfort on the right side under the ribs
Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) is rare but serious
Swelling in legs or belly in advanced disease

Complications if Untreated

Liver inflammation (called NASH)
Liver scarring (fibrosis)
Liver failure
Risk of liver cancer

Treatment and Self-Care

Lose weight slowly and safely (about 1-2 pounds per week)
Eat healthy foods: lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
Avoid sugary drinks, fried foods, and fatty meats
Exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week
Take medicines as prescribed by your doctor
Avoid alcohol and smoking

Common Medications

There is no specific medicine for NAFLD, but your doctor may give medicines for:
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Blood pressure
These help protect your liver from damage.
Medicines may cause side effects like stomach upset or dizziness—tell your doctor if you notice any problems.

Dietary Needs

Follow a balanced diet with less fat, sugar, and salt
Limit processed foods and red meats
Drink plenty of water
Avoid alcohol completely

Lifestyle Changes

Stay active with walking, swimming, or other exercises
Keep regular doctor appointments
Manage other health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure

Safety Considerations

Be careful with over-the-counter medicines, especially pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) which can harm your liver if taken too much
Always tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

Maintain a healthy weight
Stay physically active
Eat a liver-friendly diet
Get regular checkups and blood tests to monitor your liver health

When to Call for Help

Call Your Home Health Agency or Doctor if You Notice:

New or worsening tiredness or weakness
Belly swelling or pain
Yellowing of your skin or eyes
Sudden weight gain or loss
Nausea or vomiting that lasts more than 1 day
Confusion, trouble concentrating, or mood changes

Go to the Emergency Room Immediately if You Experience:

Severe belly pain
Vomiting blood or coughing up blood
Black or bloody stools
Difficulty breathing
Sudden confusion or passing out
Severe swelling in legs or belly

Patient Homework / Assessment

Instructions: Read each statement. Mark True or False. If False, correct the statement.

True or False: NAFLD is caused by drinking too much alcohol.
True or False: Being overweight increases your risk for NAFLD.
True or False: Most people with NAFLD feel very sick early on.
True or False: Eating a healthy diet can help manage NAFLD.
True or False: Exercise has no effect on NAFLD.
True or False: You should avoid alcohol if you have NAFLD.
True or False: Medicines can cure NAFLD completely.
True or False: Losing weight too quickly is safe for your liver.
True or False: Pain or discomfort on the right side under the ribs can be a symptom.
True or False: High blood pressure is a risk factor for NAFLD.
True or False: Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes) is common in early NAFLD.
True or False: You should tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take.
True or False: Drinking sugary drinks regularly is good for your liver.
True or False: You should see your doctor regularly to monitor your liver health.
True or False: Swelling in your legs or belly can be a sign of advanced liver disease.
True or False: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe to take in large doses if you have NAFLD.
True or False: Avoiding processed foods and red meats can help your liver.
True or False: Confusion or mood changes may mean your liver is not working well.
True or False: You should drink plenty of water every day.
True or False: If you vomit blood, you should wait and see if it stops before going to the EMERGENCY ROOM.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Individualized Questions for Patients

What was your last liver function blood test result? (Ask your doctor or nurse for numbers)
Are you currently taking any medicines for diabetes, cholesterol, or blood pressure?
How many days per week do you exercise, and what activities do you do?
Describe your typical daily diet. What foods do you eat most often?
Have you noticed any new symptoms like tiredness, belly pain, or swelling?
Do you avoid alcohol completely?
Have you had any hospital visits related to your liver health in the past year?
What steps are you taking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight?
Do you know when to call your doctor or emergency room if symptoms worsen?