Diet and exercise improves kidney function in fatty liver patients

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterised by excess fat in the liver that can cause inflammation and scarring. This may progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer; it can also compromise kidney function. A recent study has found that patients with confirmed NASH, who were put on a low-calorie/fat diet and participated in an exercise programme, experienced reduced liver inflammation and an improved kidney function.

These results were seen after controlling for compounding factors such as diabetes, hypertension and medications. However, the exact mechanism by which these outcomes were made is not fully understood yet. The researchers have hypothesised that oxidative stress, insulin sensitivity,inflammation, and vascular endothelial function all have roles to play. Hopefully, more research will be done in this area to fully understand the therapeutic benefits of such programs for patients with NASH.