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Natural herbal &
homeopathic remedies for Liver Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis
Of The Liver
HEALTH HERBS & NUTRITION
- REMEDIES - DIGESTIVE SYSTEM - CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER
Our liver is the biochemical factory of the body. It performs a
multitude of functions (as many as 500 of which 22 are vital
functions) including metabolism,
detoxification (it removes and
neutralizes poisons, drugs,
nicotine and alcohol in the bloodstream)making of blood proteins and clotting substances,
breaking down of excess amino acids (which are formed while
digesting proteins) into urea which is consequently eliminated by
the kidneys etc., but the main function of our liver is the
production of bile, a yellow fluid consisting of various
substances and is used in digesting fats and counteracting stomach
acids.
Liver is located in the upper right part of the abdomen and is
protected by the ribs from outside. Liver is the largest organ of
the human body.
Sometimes, due to certain infections like the viral hepatitis or by
drugs including alcohol, there is an inflammation inside the
liver. If it becomes chronic, it leads to scarring of the
liver tissues wherein the cells die. This condition is known as
cirrhosis of the liver or simply cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis is a life threatening disease as, although the
liver has a remarkable ability to regenerate itself; the damaged
cells, even if they regenerate, take the form of nodules and
restrict the blood from flowing normally through the organ. This
results in impairing of nearly all the functions of this important
organ resulting in even death. This extremity happens as the disease
develops when the normally soft liver tissue is infiltrated with
fibrous scar tissue and is less able to remove toxins from the
blood.
Cirrhosis obviously has to be taken very seriously as, although it is
almost impossible to repair the damage caused, the imminent
potential life threatening damage has to be controlled. A patient
whose cirrhosis is mild may have a marked improvement in his
condition but someone who ignores his cirrhosis is doomed to suffer
badly with the development of a scarred, shrunken liver that is hard
and leathery.
The
onset of cirrhosis is often gradual with little or no symptoms,
although the irreparable damage to liver begins immediately. A
perfectly healthy and nourished looking person may have developed
serious complications by the time he comes to know about his
disease. It is therefore very essential, as is always the case with
any other problem, to give due importance and notice to any symptom
that comes up, especially if the symptom or symptoms are recurring.
The usual symptoms in case of liver cirrhosis are:
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Jaundice (Abnormal yellow discoloration seen on the skin
and in the eyes.) |
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Dark urine |
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Light-colored stools (due to no bile as bile not only
takes the odor away from the stools but also imparts
that yellow color!!) |
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Nausea, vomiting and general indigestion as the fats and
other rich food eaten are not digested due to
non-availability of bile |
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Loss of appetite and weight loss |
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Abdominal swelling & tenderness |
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Abdominal pain |
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Itching of the skin |
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Bloody/black stools |
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Constipation or diarrhea
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Fatigue |
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Loss of body hair |
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Loss of libido |
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Bleeding problems as the disease slows down the blood
clotting mechanism (remember, liver produces blood
clotting substances) |
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Advanced stage cirrhosis results in
edema or dropsy
wherein excessive fluid & salt retention causes local or
general swelling of the body tissues |
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Low grade fever and
bad breath |
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Another advanced stage symptom is
anemia due to blood
loss |
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Spidery red marks may appear on the face, arms and chest |
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Loss of memory or general disorientation which may even
culminate into coma (these brain abnormalities are due
to accumulation of ammonia in the blood) |
The
presence of cirrhosis can be confirmed by blood and urine tests
and also by conducting needle biopsy of the liver by extracting
tissue samples.
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Persistent alcohol abuse is definitely the most common
cause of cirrhosis, especially in the western world.
Almost 15% of the alcoholics develop cirrhosis.
Alcoholic liver disease does not affect everyone who
drinks alcohol. Though it is dependant on the amount of
alcohol drunk over time, some people seem to be more
susceptible to the adverse effects of alcoholic
beverages. This kind of cirrhosis is called alcoholic
cirrhosis. Some people also argue that it is not just
the alcohol that can be held responsible, but that the
poor eating habits usually associated with excessive
drinking, along with the alcohol itself, make for a
deadly combination. Alcohol anyway impairs the
absorption, and accelerates loss, of several vital
nutrients (vitamins and minerals) in the liver. |
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Infection from viral hepatitis (type B, C and D) |
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Chronic blockage or inflammation of the ducts in liver |
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Chemical damage from anesthetics or other drugs and
cleaning fluids |
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Certain inherited diseases such as cystic fibrosis,
hemochromatosis, and Wilson’s disease may also lead to
cirrhosis of the liver |
Damaged caused by cirrhosis is irreparable but
the disease responds
well to a holistic approach, which includes herbal medicine along
with avoidance of alcohol, drugs and other toxins as well as a
healthy & sensible diet. These measures can prevent further organ
damage, improve liver functioning and ward off irreversible changes
due to toxins. As the treatment options in allopath are extremely
limited and liver transplants are also uncommon, a holistic approach
to cirrhosis is best for keeping this vital organ healthy and
functional till the very end.
Prevention is the best and most important treatment for any liver
disease. There are vaccines available for hepatitis A and B, but
these episodes can be prevented by avoiding the risk factors that
lead to them spreading.
Use Silybum marianus (Milk Thistle) to protect the liver from damage
by viruses and toxins, including alcohol and drugs. It is also a
potent antioxidant, and laboratory studies indicate it may have
useful anti-cancer properties. Taraxacum officinale, more commonly
known as Dandelion, has a beneficial effect on the liver and
digestive system.
It is considered a very effective general tonic and is known to
improve bile flow and reduce inflammation associated with hepatitis
and cirrhosis. In addition, Verbena officinalis treats inflammation
of the gallbladder and is also used for jaundice. It is also
well-known for its ability to relieve tension, stress and mild
depression.
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Silybum marianus (Milk Thistle) - This herb has
been used since ancient times for treating a wide
variety of ailments but particularly liver problems.
Milk Thistle is widely prescribed for preventing and
treating liver disorders including viral hepatitis and
liver disease associated with long-term alcohol usage.
Studies suggest that this herb protects the liver from
damage by viruses and toxins including alcohol and drugs
and is widely used for treating Hepatitis C. Milk
Thistle is also a potent antioxidant and laboratory
studies indicate it may have useful anti-cancer
properties. |
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Taraxacum officinale - More commonly known as
Dandelion, this herbal ingredient contains bitter
principles which have a beneficial effect on the liver
and digestive system. It is considered a very effective
general tonic and is known to improve bile flow and
reduce inflammation associated with hepatitis and
cirrhosis. Dandelion also improves gall bladder
functioning and helps to dissipate gallstones. Dandelion
is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including
Vitamin A, D, C, various B Vitamins, iron, lecithin,
silicon, potassium, magnesium, zinc and manganese. |
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Verbena officinalis - Also known as Vervain or
Wild Hyssop, this herb is native to the Mediterranean
region. Used as a hepatic (liver) remedy, it will treat
inflammation of the gallbladder and is also used for
jaundice. It is well-known for its ability to relieve
tension and stress and relieve mild depression. |
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Liver Dr.
Improve liver health and functioning
naturally.
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Initial treatment (after the patient is diagnosed with
cirrhosis) should consist of fresh juices of
beetroot, carrot, lemon or papaya which not only help in
cleansing the whole system including the liver itself
but also help to increase the flow of bile secreted by
the liver. They basically force the body to excrete the
waste products out of it. |
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Later, for replacement of the lost nutrients (especially
vitamin B12, folic acid and selenium) and also to make
up for the weight loss, one should eat plenty of complex
carbohydrates like rice, potatoes and wholegrain bread.
For vitamins, eat lots of green vegetables and fresh fruits (both provide
sufficient vitamin B12 and citrus fruits are also
excellent sources of vitamin C; vitamin C is an
excellent anti-oxidant and antioxidants are required in
abundance in cirrhosis). Take fish and low-fat dairy products (both provide for folate) and eggs (vitamin B12)
Selenium deficiency gets compensated by introducing liver,
shellfish, wholegrain cereals and fish. |
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Meager amounts of lean red meat, oily fish, and poultry
and Soya products are excellent sources of low fat
protein. Remember, there is severe shortage of calorie
and protein in cirrhosis sufferers but still, care has
to be taken with regards to protein consumed as
cirrhotic liver is less able to detoxify ammonia, a
major product of protein digestion. This may lead to
brain abnormalities and therefore protein intake should
always be increased under medical supervision or advice. |
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Foods containing high fat like fatty meat and full-fat
dairy products like hard cheese are to be strictly
avoided as the damaged liver won’t be able to cope up
with large amounts of fat. This occurs due to less
production of bile which is extremely necessary for
breaking down fat. Sugar and salt consumption is also to
be restricted. Avoid refined, processed, canned and
fried foods, especially during the initial phase of
treatment. Use as little or no oil, ghee or butter in
the preparation of foods. |
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Carrots - People with cirrhosis should eat plenty
of carrots which is considered (particularly in France)
extremely beneficial in liver problems and bilious
diseases. |
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Lemon - You should try this wonderful home remedy
for cirrhosis. Cut a lemon into 4 equal parts without
separating them. Fill them with salt, sugar, dried
ginger powder and black pepper powder respectively. Keep
it overnight covered in a plate. Heat it on the
following morning and suck it. It will not only cure
your liver problem but also increase your appetite.
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Some people with cirrhosis (especially if cirrhosis
followed Wilson’s disease) are found to have excess
copper stored in the liver. Along with medications to
remove excess copper, one should avoid foods like
shellfish, liver and chocolates. |
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Cut down on salt and sodium intake if you start
suffering from
edema (fluid retention) |
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No alcohol please – Immaterial of the cause of
cirrhosis, the patient has to abstain himself from
alcohol consumption. In case of alcoholic cirrhosis, the
body’s (liver’s) ability to absorb and store
life-sustaining vitamins and minerals would already have
got affected. Therefore in case of alcoholic cirrhosis,
even moderate alcohol consumption is a strict no. |
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Avoid chemicals like that present in spicy and rich
foods usually as chemical additives, as also barbecued
foods which may contain toxins. |
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Liver Dr.
Improve liver health and functioning
naturally.
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