Vitamin Agent The Health & Naturalistic Source
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, cirrhosis and chronic
liver disease is the 11th leading cause of death. As per their latest data
published in 2006 – there were over 26,500 deaths in the US alone for 2004.
The liver is a vital organ that filters pollutants from the blood, maintains
glucose levels, assists in blood clotting, stores vitamins, processes fats and
produces urea among hundreds of other functions. Cirrhosis occurs when the liver’s
tissues get scarred due to alcohol abuse, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, drugs and
chemicals, blocked bile ducts, genetic disorders such as haemochromatosis, Alpha-1
antitrypsin deficiency, Wilson disease, galactosemia, and glycogen storage
diseases.
Steps to treat and prevent cirrhosis:
1. Abstain from alcohol – Alcohol abuse is the single most important reason for
liver damage. Up to 100 percent of heavy drinkers show evidence of fatty liver,
about 10 to 35 percent develop alcoholic hepatitis, and 10 to 20 percent develop
cirrhosis. (Ref: Grant, B.F.; Dufour, M.C.; & Harford, T.C. Epidemiology of
alcoholic liver disease. Seminars in Liver Disease 8(1):12-25, 1988.)
2. Change your diet – Reduce sodium in your diet drastically. Avoid canned and
packaged foods. Use salt sparingly while cooking and seasoning. Eat several small
meals a day. Take adequate protein. Reduce fat. Blood sugar levels may be too high
or too low. Eating carbohydrates in moderation at every meal will help to control
blood sugar levels. You must be well nourished as liver damage can cause you to
inadequately process nutrients and lose weight.
3. Herbal Remedies – Milk Thistle is recommended as a herbal remedy for liver
damage. In addition the ayurvedic formulation Liv 52 is also well known for
detoxification and liver support in cirrhotic and pre-cirrhotic conditions. Its
ingredients include Capers (Capparis spinosa), Wild chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Negro coffee (Cassia occidentalis), Yarrow (Achillea
millefolium), Tamarisk (Tamarix gallica)
Source by M Roy
