Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a type of scan where powerful and controlled magnetic fields, radio waves, and computer technology amalgamate to produce highly detailed images of the inside of the human body. Basically, it is a medical imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and computer-generated waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues in your body.
Here’s what the expert says:
Dr. Aakaar Kapoor ,Medical Advisor and Chief Radiologist at City X Ray & Scan Clinic Pvt. Ltd. says, “It is a non-invasive technology that produces three-dimensional detailed anatomical images. MRI uses a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer to produce these detailed images. It doesn’t use X-rays (radiation). It is often used for disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring. Most MRI machines are large, tube-shaped magnets. A few advantages of MRI are that it offers radiation-free imaging with no side effects.”
MRI scan examination can be helpful in following:
Diagnose joint and bone disordersIdentify cardiovascular diseasesDetect the risk of breast cancerSpot spinal and brain problemsDiagnose womb and liver cancerDetect uterine abnormalities in women who are undergoing infertility treatmentEvaluate the causes of pelvic pain in women, including endometriosis and fibroidsDiagnose cysts, tumors, or other abnormalities in different parts of the body
The procedure
Before the MRI procedure, you need to wear a hospital gown and remove all metal objects from your body. During the scan, you are required to lie flat on a retractable table with your chest up. The table then goes inside a dome-shaped scanner with either your head or feet first.When you lie inside an MRI machine, the magnetic field temporarily realigns water molecules in your body. Radio waves cause these aligned atoms to produce faint signals, which are used to create cross-sectional MRI images — like slices in a loaf of bread.To get accurate and in-depth images, it is important to remain still during the procedure. You may hear loud thumping or tapping noises during the scan but there is nothing to worry about. The noises happen when the electric current in the MRI scanner coil turns on and off.Individuals cannot go for an MRI scan if they have any metal objects inside their body, such as bullets, shrapnel, cochlear implants, pacemakers, etc.
After the test: Results & time taken for reports
“Depending on the part of the body being scanned and the number of images taken, the entire process may take 15 to 60 minutes. After the scan, an experienced radiologist will scrutinize the images and prepare a report, mentioning anomalies, if any,” says Dr. Kapoor.
Benefits of MRI scan
A non-invasive and painless imaging technique that does not involve exposure to radiation.MRI images of the soft-tissue structures of the body, such as the brain, spine, joints, heart, liver, and many other organs are likely to be identified more accurately.A valuable tool in diagnosing a broad range of conditions, including cancer, heart diseases, muscular and bone abnormalities, and more.
Fatty liver disease can lead to several life threatening diseases
Fatty liver disease is a condition where there is excess fat accumulation in the liver. This can either happen due to excessive alcohol consumption or else due to an unhealthy lifestyle.Fatty liver condition does not have any symptoms. But usually after a long time the patient is likely to be fatigued, lose weight and have abdominal pain.If left untreated fatty liver condition leads to diabetes, heart attacks and strokes.
Alternate day fasting is good for patients with fatty liver disease
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have found that following an alternate day fasting diet and exercise improved the liver condition of those with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.For the study, the nutrition researchers studied 80 people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.“When we compared the results of our study groups, we saw clearly that the most improved patients were in the group that followed the alternate-day fasting diet and exercised five days a week,” Study author Krista Varady said. “The people who only dieted or only exercised did not see the same improvements, which reinforces the importance of these two relatively inexpensive lifestyle modifications on overall health and on combating chronic diseases like fatty liver disease,” Varady added.The paper titled "Effect of alternate day fasting combined with aerobic exercise on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized controlled trial" is published in Cell Metabolism.
Brisk walking significantly reduces fatty liver
A study by the researchers at Pennsylvania State University-College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA found that 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic activity per week is enough to reduce liver fat. The study was published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.While prior research suggested that physical activity was beneficial, it had not determined the specific amount of exercise needed to make clinically meaningful improvement, the researchers have said.
Mediterranean diet can be helpful in reducing the risk of fatty liver disease
A study by researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that a Mediterranean diet, containing more green vegetables can reduce the risk of fatty liver disease by almost half."The so-called green Mediterranean diet—which includes daily consumption of green tea and an aquatic plant called Mankai, both of which contain beneficial compounds known as polyphenols—was also found to reduce liver fat more than the other two healthy diets tested during the study," the study, published on January 18, 2021 in Gut, has said.
Understanding the risk factors of fatty liver
In order to find the right remedy to counteract fatty liver one needs to understand the risk factors associated with it.Obesity, sleep apnea, high levels of triglycerides, hypothyroidism and diabetes increase the risk of fatty liver diseaseSometimes certain medications can also lead to accumulation of fat in the liver.
The conclusion
Fatty liver condition can be controlled by choosing a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and exercise.One should understand the risk factors of fatty liver and then find the right remedy to it.Weight loss can reduce fat in the liver, inflammation and fibrosis.It is difficult to detect fatty liver as there are no specific symptoms. However if you have been experiencing abdominal pain and are fatigued you should get yourself tested for fatty liver. Fatty liver symptoms: 4 digestive problems that may signal advanced stages of fatty liver disease.
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