Liver Disease
Understanding liver health, disease prevention, and comprehensive treatment approaches for optimal liver function.
The information provided is for general overview purposes and may not apply to everyone. Any treatment protocol should be discussed with a qualified healthcare practitioner. Medical & Legal Disclaimer
The Function of our Liver
The liver is a unique organ in its versatile ability to chemically convert a wide range of toxins into safer, less harmful waste products that are shunted off to the kidneys and colon for excretion.
The liver cleans the blood and also makes proteins that help fight infections.
Proper liver function is critical for good health.
⚠️ Limit Toxic Substances
Because of its importance in toxin removal, limit your intake of substances such as alcohol and cigarette smoke. Minimize environmental toxins that are within our control.
Learn about toxic home environments →🌿 Milk Thistle Protection
Research in India demonstrates that milk thistle can help the liver fight off free radicals generated by environmental toxins.
Causes of Liver Disease
Medication & Drugs
According to Consumer Report On Health magazine, the leading cause of acute liver disease in the U.S. is ordinary acetaminophen. This ingredient is found in many pain medications like Tylenol, Advil, Motrin IB, and Naproxen (Aleve).
Consumer Report Recommendations:
- Avoid remedies with multiple ingredients
- Choose by active ingredient, NOT brand name
- Stop the drug and call your doctor if symptoms persist
- Ask your doctor about precautions
Diet High in Fat & High-Fructose Corn Syrup
A study by Saint Louis University found that a diet high in fat and high fructose corn syrup may cause severe liver problems in people with sedentary lifestyles.
Study Details:
- • 40% fat diet + high fructose corn syrup
- • Equivalent to typical McDonald's meal
- • About 8 cans of soda per day
- • Sedentary lifestyle
Results in 4 Weeks:
- • Liver enzyme increase
- • Glucose intolerance (pre-diabetes)
- • Fatty liver disease signs
- • Severe liver damage
Key Finding: Fructose suppresses the body's feeling of fullness, leading to overeating and exceptionally high calorie intake.
Liver Cirrhosis (Scarring of the Liver)
Causes of Cirrhosis
- Heavy alcohol use
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (often from obesity)
- Environmental chemicals in food
- Toxic metals and genetic diseases
- Malnutrition
- Autoimmune diseases
- Viral infections (Hepatitis B, C, D)
Symptoms Progression
Early Stages:
No symptoms in early stages
Progressive Symptoms:
- • Feeling weak or tired
- • Loss of appetite
- • Nausea and weight loss
- • Spider-shaped blood vessels
- • Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)
Associated Problems:
- • Nosebleeds and easy bruising
- • Swelling in legs and abdomen
- • Confusion and severe itching
- • Gallstones and liver cancer
Important Note:
A functional liver is necessary for survival and a liver with extensive scar tissue cannot function properly. However, early treatment can prevent cirrhosis from getting worse.
Treatment & Management
Scar tissue on a liver can't be reversed; however, patients can stop the progression by identifying the cause and making lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle Changes:
- Maintain normal weight
- Avoid alcohol completely
- Stop smoking
- Avoid illegal drugs
Medical Care:
- Treat hepatitis B, C, and D
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis A & B
- Avoid raw shellfish
- Review all medications with doctor
Nutritional Therapy
Avoid processed foods that contain chemicals and consume nutrient-dense foods instead. Eat ORGANIC! Chemically treated produce increases the burden on the liver.
Balanced Diet Requirements:
Take in recommended daily amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins (A, C, B, especially thiamine [B1]), and minerals (calcium and iron).
Alternative Treatments (Discuss with Your Doctor)
Research-Backed Supplements
- SAMe: 1999 UC study showed 30% reduction in deaths and liver transplants in alcoholics
- Vitamin E: 800 IU daily successful for fatty liver disease treatment
- Castor Oil Packs: Traditional detoxification method
Beneficial Foods & Herbs
- Beets: Contains betaine, stimulates liver cells and protects liver/bile ducts
- Wheat Grass: Cleanses blood, detoxifies liver, provides essential nutrients
- Herbs: Aloe, Milk Thistle, Psyllium, Dandelion, Carrot Seed
⚠️ Aloe Vera Caution
Important Note: There are documented cases where aloe vera capsules harmed the liver. Discuss with a holistic healthcare professional whether administration is recommended for your specific situation.
Support Groups
American Liver Foundation
75 Maiden Lane, Suite 603
New York, NY 10038
(800) 465-4837
Hepatitis Foundation International
504 Blick Drive
Silver Spring, MD 20904-2901
(800) 891-0707
(301) 622-4200
United Network for Organ Sharing
1100 Boulders Parkway, Suite 500
Richmond, VA 23225-8770
(800) 24-DONOR
(804) 330-8500
Information contained on this website is provided as general reference only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought.
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