1.9K Reviews    |    4.7 Star Rating    |    20+ years of experience    |    72k+ Patients Treated

NAFLD

Discover comprehensive expert NAFLD care in Houston with Dr. Bharat Pothuri at GastroDoxs. From precise diagnosis and personalized lifestyle plans to advanced procedures, our gastroenterologist will help you reverse liver damage, improve health, and restore well-being with tailored lasting treatments.

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Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Memorial hermann
Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare
Bharat Pothuri

About the Expert

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a board-certified gastroenterologist and the founder of GastroDoxs. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

What Is NAFLD?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs when excess fat accumulates in the liver of people who drink little to no alcohol. Over time, this buildup can lead to inflammation, scarring and even liver damage.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • Obesity and metabolic syndrome
  • Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
  • High cholesterol or triglycerides
  • Poor diet high in sugar and processed foods
  • Sedentary lifestyle

Signs and Symptoms

  • Often none in early stages
  • Tiredness or fatigue
  • Mild pain or fullness in the upper-right abdomen
  • Unexplained weight loss or weight gain

Expert Treatment for NAFLD by Dr. Bharat Pothuri

Dr. Pothuri uses a step-by-step approach:

Medical History and Exam

He reviews the onset, location, intensity and radiation of your pain, along with associated symptoms (nausea, vomiting, reflux), dietary triggers, medication use, alcohol history and prior GI diagnoses.

Laboratory Tests

We order:

  • Pancreatic enzymes (amylase, lipase) to screen for pancreatitis
  • Liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP) and bilirubin
  • CBC to check for anemia or infection
  • H. pylori breath or stool test when ulcer disease is suspected

Imaging Studies

  • Transabdominal ultrasound to evaluate gallstones, biliary dilation and pancreas
  • Upper endoscopy (EGD) to visualize the esophagus, stomach and duodenum for ulcers, gastritis or reflux changes
  • CT abdomen when complications (e.g., pancreatitis, perforation) need urgent assessment

Advanced Testing (if needed)

For persistent or unclear cases, he may recommend:

  • Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for high-resolution imaging of the pancreas and bile ducts
  • Gastric emptying study if functional dyspepsia or gastroparesis is suspected
  • MRCP to noninvasively evaluate the biliary and pancreatic ducts
Bharat Pothuri
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease).

1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications

  • Personalized meal plans to reduce sugar and unhealthy fats
  • Exercise programs to support steady weight loss
  • Guidance on how to lower liver enzymes through diet and fitness

2. Medications

  • Treatments follow the latest FDA and clinical practice guidelines for NAFLD and NASH.
  • We may prescribe an FDA-approved fatty liver disease drug to reduce inflammation or control cholesterol.

3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures

  • FibroScan for non-surgical monitoring
  • Clinical trials of new therapies for NASH or MASH liver disease
  • Endoscopic treatments for advanced scarring (in selected cases)
23K

Patients Treated

Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 23K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

20Y

Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NAFLD?

NAFLD is excess fat buildup in the liver not due to alcohol. It ranges from simple steatosis to NASH with inflammation.

How is NAFLD diagnosed?

Diagnosis uses ultrasound, FibroScan, blood tests (ALT/AST), and sometimes liver biopsy to grade inflammation and fibrosis.

What treatments help?

Weight loss through diet and exercise is first?line. Medications under study include vitamin E, pioglitazone, and investigational agents.

Can NAFLD be reversed?

Yes. Losing ?5-10% of body weight often improves liver fat and inflammation, advanced fibrosis may require medical therapies.

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