What Does a Liver Specialist Recommend for NAFLD Patients?
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is becoming one of the most common liver problems in India today. Urban lifestyles, long working hours, lack of exercise, and unhealthy food habits are major reasons. Many patients are surprised when they are diagnosed, as NAFLD often has no clear symptoms in the early stages.
A liver specialist in Chennai plays a crucial role in guiding patients with NAFLD through accurate diagnosis and long-term care. Early diagnosis, lifestyle correction, and timely medical treatment can prevent serious liver damage. According to Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy, a leading Gastroenterologist in Chennai, proper evaluation and personalised treatment are the keys to managing NAFLD effectively.
Understanding NAFLD in Simple Terms:
NAFLD occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver of a person who does not consume significant alcohol. It is commonly seen in people who have obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, or metabolic syndrome.
There are two main stages of NAFLD. The first is simple fatty liver, which is usually reversible. The second is Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), where inflammation and liver damage occur. If untreated, NASH can progress to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer.
This is why early consultation with a liver expert is essential.
When Should You See a Liver Specialist?
Many patients ignore fatty liver because they feel normal. This can be risky. A liver specialist recommends evaluation if you have:
- Persistent tiredness
- Upper abdominal discomfort
- Elevated liver enzymes in blood tests
- Diabetes or obesity
- Fatty liver seen on ultrasound
At centres offering Liver Diseases Treatment in Chennai, specialists focus on identifying the exact stage of NAFLD and preventing further damage.
Medical Evaluation Recommended for NAFLD Patients
Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy advises a detailed assessment rather than relying only on ultrasound reports.
A proper evaluation may include:
- Blood tests to assess liver function
- Metabolic screening
- FibroScan to assess liver stiffness
- Imaging studies when required
As an experienced Laparoscopic Surgeon in Chennai with advanced training in liver diseases, Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy ensures that patients receive accurate diagnosis using modern tools.
Lifestyle Changes a Liver Specialist Strongly Recommends:
Lifestyle modification is the foundation of NAFLD treatment. Medicines alone are not enough.
- Weight Management: Losing just 5–10% of body weight can greatly reduce fat in the liver and improve liver function. Weight loss should be slow and steady, as sudden or crash dieting can harm the liver. Healthy eating and regular activity give the best results.
- Healthy Diet: A liver specialist recommends reducing sugar and refined carbohydrates like sweets, white rice, and bakery items. Fried and processed foods should be avoided. Daily meals should include more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein. Indian diets need careful planning to stay balanced without excess calories.
- Regular Physical Activity: Regular exercise is very important for improving fatty liver. A liver specialist recommends at least 30–45 minutes of brisk walking or moderate exercise on most days of the week. Activities like walking, cycling, yoga, or light workouts help reduce liver fat, control weight, improve blood sugar levels, and keep the liver healthy in the long term.
- Control Blood Sugar and Cholesterol: Many NAFLD patients have diabetes or high cholesterol. Poor control increases fat build-up in the liver. Regular blood tests, healthy food habits, exercise, and taking medicines as advised help protect the liver and slow disease progression.
- Avoid Alcohol Completely: Even small amounts of alcohol can worsen fatty liver. Though NAFLD is not caused by alcohol, drinking increases liver inflammation and damage. Liver specialists strongly advise complete alcohol avoidance to allow the liver to heal and recover safely.
- Manage Stress Effectively: Chronic stress affects hormones and worsens fatty liver. Simple practices like yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or short breaks during work help reduce stress. Better stress control supports long-term lifestyle changes and liver recovery.
- Avoid Unnecessary Medicines and Supplements:Some painkillers and herbal supplements can harm the liver if taken without advice. NAFLD patients should consult a liver specialist before using any medicine or supplement to prevent avoidable liver damage.
Role of Medications in NAFLD:
Currently, there is no single medicine that cures NAFLD. However, medications may be prescribed to control associated conditions such as diabetes, cholesterol, or insulin resistance.
A liver specialist decides medication based on individual patient needs. Self-medication should always be avoided.
When is Surgical Opinion Needed?
Most NAFLD patients do not need surgery. However, advanced liver disease or associated complications may require surgical evaluation. Patients with obesity-related NAFLD may benefit from weight-loss procedures in selected cases. Minimally invasive techniques offer better recovery and fewer complications. As a highly skilled Robotic Surgeon in Chennai, Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy is experienced in advanced minimally invasive procedures when surgical intervention becomes necessary.
Importance of Regular Follow-Up:
NAFLD is a long-term condition. Regular follow-up helps monitor liver health and prevent progression.
A liver specialist recommends:
- Periodic blood tests
- Repeat imaging or FibroScan
- Ongoing lifestyle guidance
Consistent monitoring is essential even when symptoms are absent.
Why Choose Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy for NAFLD Care?
Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy is a trusted name in liver care and minimally invasive surgery in Chennai. With over 17 years of clinical experience, he has successfully treated a wide range of liver conditions, including Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), using a patient-centred and evidence-based approach.He is specially trained in advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery techniques and is proficient in managing complex liver and gastrointestinal conditions. Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy has co-authored and published 34 research papers in leading national and international medical journals, reflecting his strong academic background and dedication to best clinical practices.
His expertise has been recognised at both national and international levels. He has received a Travel Grant Award for the best laparoscopic paper presentation at the AHPBA International Conference in Seoul and has been invited as a faculty member at several prestigious surgical conferences in India and abroad. These achievements highlight his leadership and experience in minimally invasive liver and pancreatic surgery. Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy approach to NAFLD care focuses on early and accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment plans based on individual risk factors, the use of advanced technology for better outcomes, and long-term liver health through continuous monitoring and lifestyle guidance. His experience, academic excellence, and patient-first philosophy make him one of the most respected specialists for Liver Cirrhosis Treatment in Chennai.
Conclusion:
NAFLD is reversible when detected early. Ignoring fatty liver can lead to serious complications later in life. Timely guidance from a liver specialist can protect your liver and improve your quality of life.
If you have been diagnosed with fatty liver or have risk factors, consult Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy, a leading Robotic and Laparoscopic Liver Surgeon in Chennai, for expert evaluation and care.