Cirrhosis of the Liver is an inflammatory disease that scars and hardens
liver cells. The liver becomes unable to function properly because the passage of blood is slowed or
even blocked
by the scarring. The most common cause of cirrhosis is
drinking too much alcohol. Early symptoms of cirrhosis of
the liver include: fatigue, weakness, upset stomach,
fever, poor appetite, red palms, vomiting, constipation
or diarrhea. Cirrhosis can be fatal and many do die from this serious
disease.
Cirrhosis has many causes. In the United States,
chronic alcoholism and
hepatitis
C are the most common causes. Alcoholic liver disease. To many people,
cirrhosis of the liver is synonymous with chronic alcoholism, but in
fact, alcoholism is only one of the causes. Alcoholic cirrhosis
usually occurs after more than a period of 5 years of heavy drinking. The
amount of alcohol that can injure the liver is different from person
to person. Note in females, as few as 2 to 3 drinks per day have been linked
with cirrhosis, while in men, as few as 3 to 4 drinks a day. Alcohol
appears to damage the person's liver by blocking the normal metabolism of
carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Chronic hepatitis C. The hepatitis C virus ranks with
alcohol as the major cause of chronic liver disease and
cirrhosis in the United States. Infection with this virus
causes inflammation of and low grade damage to the liver that
over several decades can lead to cirrhosis. Chronic hepatitis B and D. The hepatitis B virus is
probably the most common cause of cirrhosis worldwide, but in
the United States and Western world it is less common.
Hepatitis B, like hepatitis C, causes liver inflammation and
injury that over several decades can lead to cirrhosis. The
hepatitis D virus is another virus that infects the liver, but
only in people who already have hepatitis B. Autoimmune hepatitis. This type of hepatitis is caused by a
problem with the immune system.
Inherited diseases which may be a factor: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency,
hemochromatosis, Wilson's
disease, galactosemia, and glycogen storage diseases are
among the inherited diseases that interfere with the way the
liver produces, processes, and stores enzymes, proteins,
metals, and other substances the body needs to function
properly.
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis also called NASH. In NASH, fat
builds up in the liver and eventually causes scar tissue. This
type of hepatitis appears to be associated with
diabetes,
protein malnutrition, obesity,
coronary artery disease, and corticosteroid treatment.
Drugs, toxins, and infections which may relate: severe reactions to
prescription drugs, prolonged exposure to environmental
toxins, the parasitic infection schistosomiasis, and repeated
bouts of heart failure with liver congestion can each lead to
cirrhosis.
|
Nutrient /
Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
| vitamin
B complex |
10 |
the
B vitamin family is very important for the proper function of your brain and nervous system.
Supplements with natural vitamin B can help with liver
health problems such as
cirrhosis. They also help with digestion, allergies, stress, depression, and
other health problems. |
| Folic Acid |
10 |
helps to correct
deficiencies |
| L-carnitine |
9 |
helps prevent accumulation of fat in the
liver |
| L-methionine |
8 |
helps detoxify harmful toxins
from the body and liver |
| Omega
fatty acids |
8 |
helps with pain and stiffness and
inflammation often occurring with cirrhosis. |
| Carotenoids |
7 |
these
are free radical scavengers that help stimulate
immune system which people with liver problems and cirrhosis
normally need to boost their immune system. Supplements made from fruits and vegetables are a
good source of carotenoids. |
| Bioflavonoids |
8 |
protects the body and helps to
moderate inflammatory responses by the body of
the person with liver problems. Supplements made
from fruits and vegetables are a good source of bioflavonoids.
People drinking alcohol are often bad about eating
fruits and vegetables so a good supplement helps. |
| Aloe
vera |
9 |
herb that helps heal
and sooth works well with dandelion, fennel, and red clover. |
| Dandelion |
8 |
Herb that is helpful
to people with cirrhosis, liver or kidney disease, and urinary
problems. |
| Red
Clover |
8 |
herb good for
detoxification |
| Calcium |
5 |
mineral helps people with cirrhosis to help
with the stress caused to the body by the
disorder. Promotes healing of tissue (See also magnesium) |
| Magnesium |
6 |
influences metabolic rate and
also helps reduces body stress and is needed to
balance out calcium a good natural multi-vitamin
and mineral supplement. |
| Selenium |
7 |
this mineral is a good detoxifier |
| Zinc |
6 |
people with liver problems may
not be getting enough zinc. Often a multi-vitamin
and mineral supplement
that contains this mineral in a formula that includes selenium
and potassium. |
| Potassium |
5 |
needed for good adrenal gland and muscle
function. |
Other Changes To Make
-
drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or
filtered water a day
-
eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)
-
nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good
-
juice is good (make your
own with a juice machine)
-
do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods
-
carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack
-
a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)
-
do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
-
do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
-
use stress relief like going for walks in the park
(or the 10/90 rule - see
Stress)
-
brown rice is good to eat
-
avoid red meat and animal fats
-
reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
-
fast a few days a month
-
get at least 8 hours of sleep
-
exercise light to moderate amounts
-
avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
-
do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
-
do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal
-
do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry
-
do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else
|
