A Cross-Sectional Study on the Relationship Between Timing of Food Intake and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract

Background & Objective: Nowadays, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)  is becoming the most common liver disease worldwide. In a recent study from the  United States (US), the increase in liver mortality was associated with an increased  prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It is considered as a  Santarpanajanya Vadhi as per Ayurvedic literature. Dietary factors are one of the  primary causes for the manifestation of NAFLD. Food timing also matters in the  course of disease development. Ayurvedic literature strictly laid down on certain  principles and one among them is the Aaharavidhi Vidhanam. It clearly explains  the need for taking the food in right time and in the right amount. This study aims  to establish the relationship between the timing of food and NAFLD.  Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the 30 participants visiting the Kayachikitsa OPD of Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College, Ollur  diagnosed with NAFLD and enquired about their timing of food.  Results & Discussion: Among the 30 participants, 76.7% had irregular food habits  in which 68.8% belong to female and 85.7% to male. The odds of irregular food  habits in females are more than those in males who are diagnosed with NAFLD,  but the p value 0.399 indicates there is no significant gender wise priority while  analysing the relation between time of food and NAFLD. Conclusion: This study establishes a positive relationship of time of food intake  and NAFLD ie, those who are taking food at an irregular time is tend to develop  NAFLD