Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Causes, Risks, and Management. The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing worldwide. Once considered an age-related, largely insignificant condition, it now accounts for 30% of end-stage liver disease cases globally. Previously, liver cancer was primarily associated with viral hepatitis or excessive alcohol consumption, but by 2030, NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) is expected to cause the majority of these cancers. According to Dr. András Gelley, hepatologist at MIND Clinic, this condition has reached epidemic proportions. But what causes NAFLD, and what role does the gut microbiome - the approximately 5,000 bacterial species living in our intestines, 70% of which are unique to each individual - play in its development?

Conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and elevated lipid levels - especially triglycerides - can contribute to fatty liver development. NAFLD is a treatable condition: abnormal liver enzyme levels and morphological changes can be restored, preventing severe outcomes. Diagnosis is painless, and modern ultrasound devices can measure both fat accumulation and fibrosis, making the disease and its treatment both measurable and trackable.

Our specialists, Dr. András Gelley and Dr. Richárd Schwab, gastroenterologist, discuss these topics in detail.

How Can Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Be Prevented? NAFLD can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle, primarily by consuming a plant-based diet and healthy fats. Maintaining a healthy body weight (BMI below 21), especially reducing abdominal fat, is crucial. Daily physical activity is also important. If you need guidance in creating the right preventive diet, contact us for support!

Propionate: The New Cholesterol. High propionate levels are associated with elevated insulin levels, an increased risk of diabetes, and obesity. This insulin resistance leads to fat accumulation not only in body tissues but also in the liver.

We present the story of our patient, who had abnormalities in liver enzyme values, including an exceptionally high ferritin value. In Zsolt's case, lifestyle changes were clearly needed immediately: reduced carbohydrate intake, exercise, and complete abstinence from alcohol. How can we eat more vegetables without stomach problems? Anett Révész, senior dietitian, and Dr. Richárd Schwab, gastroenterologist, talk to Zsolt.

Sándor was diagnosed with fatty liver. His problems began after a long course of antibiotics for a suspected Lyme disease. Subsequently, he experienced digestive issues, bloating, and fatigue. Other prominent symptoms included muscle weakness, insomnia, and tremors.

A microbiome test revealed critically low bacterial diversity and a severely impaired intestinal barrier. Today, Sándor is symptom-free.

In this episode of Kossuth Radio's program Felfedező, two of our patients share the stories of their recovery. Andrea suffered from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for years, while Zsuzsa experienced unpleasant symptoms caused by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In both cases, the root of their problems lay in the microbiome, and the solution was targeted treatment and microbiome restoration. In the studio, Dr. Richárd Schwab, internist and gastroenterologist, and Anett Révész, dietitian, discuss the details of the diagnostics and successful treatments.

How do bacteria living in the gut insidiously cause fatty liver, even in patients who do not consume alcohol? You can watch the explanation in this video, in the presentation by Dr. András Gelley and Dr. Richárd Schwab.

The epidemic-like spread of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is closely linked to the unfortunate rise of obesity and metabolic disorders in the developed world over recent decades. Research on the microbiome has opened new perspectives for understanding its pathomechanism and identifying forms at risk of progression. In this, inflammation and damage to the intestinal barrier - associated with changes in the composition and function of the gut flora - play a key role, and their targeted restoration may contribute to successful treatment of the disease and prevention of its progression.

In a study conducted by the staff of Mind Klinika, we examined the causal role of the human microbiome in the development of type 2 diabetes and its complication-related diseases, such as fatty liver. Research on the human microbiome appears to be revolutionizing our understanding of the development of many inflammatory and metabolic diseases. The clinical significance of this is that it may allow for causal prevention in patients who belong to high-risk groups for the development of type 2 diabetes.

The causal approach also connects the treatment of these conditions through the identification of important comorbidities relevant to complications, giving lifestyle medicine a larger role than ever before. These conditions include obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hypertension, certain forms of irritable bowel syndrome, and peripheral neuropathies.

The aim of this publication is to illuminate the connections between these conditions in light of the latest findings from human microbiome research, using the most important literature references. Regarding personalized prevention, nutritional therapy, and treatment planning, the key to pathogenesis lies in the diversity of the microbiome (species richness) and its impairments, the resulting forms and severity of pathogenic dysbiosis, and primarily the condition of the intestinal and other biological barriers and their damage.

Today, it appears that the human microbiome is the primary mediator of the causal effects of environmental factors, while hereditary factors play a smaller role (under 5%) in the development of the aforementioned diseases.