With NAFLD fast rising its ranks in becoming a major non communicable disease in India and across the globe, this study aims at primary prevention of the condition. NAFLD is a spectrum of diseases characterised by the deposition of fat within hepatocytes and is a precursor of liver inflammation. Global estimates peg the prevalence to be around 30 to 40%, but there are not many studies which have documented the prevalence in India. With the epidemiological transition, the cases of NAFLD are also on a rise as metabolic syndrome is an important risk factor.

It is apparent that the westernized way of our lifestyle especially the junk food culture comprising of super portions of loads of calories, sugars and salts is the main driver of this nutritional pandemic. The traditional diets in India were rich in fruits and vegetables, low in simple carbohydrates and high in fibre. Cereals are the main source of calories in any diet, forming the base of the food pyramid. Managing our cereals from being refined to the more complex ones being rich in fibre, protein and good quality fat could be a major player in the whole game of dietary modifications not just therapeutically but also prophylactically. Hence our therapeutic focus should be in increasing the consumption of cereals that are not only high in fibre, low in carbohydrates but also that have the potential to modulate the intestinal bacterial ecology to a more favourable type thus helping in intensifying the effects of overall dietary modifications.

Gut microbiota is currently explored for its role in NAFLD and there are gaps in knowledge which preclude having therapeutic strategies through its modulation. Millets, which were once considered to be poor man’s diet are now becoming a part of the plate more frequently, especially for its unique nutritive content, with increased fiber, low carbohydrates, high protein and good quality fats. The processing methods may alter glycemic responses. Thus, the present study is proposed to look into the effect of millet based diets in reduction of hepatic steatosis and the resultant alterations in the gut microbiota