Conditions

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis of the liver is a degenerative inflammatory disease that results in the hardening and scarring of liver cells. The liver becomes unable to function properly due to the scarred tissue, which prevents the normal passage of blood through the liver.

The most common cause of cirrhosis of the liver is excessive alcohol consumption. A less frequent cause of cirrhosis is the hepatitis C virus. Malnutrition and chronic inflammation can also lead to liver malfunction.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Constipation or diarrhea
• Fever
• Upset stomach
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Poor appetite
• Generalized itching
• Weight loss
• Enlarged liver
• Vomiting
• Red palms
• Swelling of the abdomen and legs
• Anemia
• Bruising due to bleeding under the skin
• Jaundice
• Edema

People with alcoholic cirrhosis may experience no symptoms or they may develop very slowly.

Diagnosis:
Cirrhosis is diagnosed by a combination of physical examination and x-ray, and confirmed by liver biopsy. Blood tests of liver function are done to monitor the progress of the disease and evaluate thee success of treatment.

Treatment Options:
The liver is a remarkably resilient organ. If exposure to all toxins is removed, the liver can often repair much of the damage if given the proper help and support, unless too much tissue has been destroyed. Recovery of liver function is a slow process, however.

Traditional Treatments:

• In general, most treatments for cirrhosis of the liver are aimed at removing as much stress on the liver as possible while waiting to see if the liver retains enough regenerative capacity to improve.
• Nutritional supplementation for this illness, particularly with folic acid and/or iron for certain anemias and vitamin K for bleeding problems, is standard practice.
• A balanced diet is recommended with some protein being restricted if the disease is severe enough that hepatic encephalopathy or coma has occurred.
• Colchicine is used to slow progression of disease.
• Ascites is handled first by restricting salt intake. If this proves insufficient, diuretics are prescribed. More severe cases are handled by drawing the fluid out with large needles and administering intravenous doses of serum protein to prevent blood volume from declining too far. Extreme cases that do not improve with either of these therapies are handled with shunts, which are pipelines implanted surgically to move the fluids back into the circulatory system.
• If hepatic encephalopathy develops, all unnecessary drugs are withheld, though antibiotics are used to kill bacteria that might produce ammonia. Lactulose, a synthetic sugar, may be administered to encourage the bacteria to make a non-absorbable form of ammonia.
  If systemic infections develop, antibiotics are prescribed.
• In the end stage of this disease, a liver transplant offers the only chance of survival. This is extremely serious surgery, complicated by the fact that there is a tremendous scarcity of available organs.
• After transplant surgery, anti-rejection drugs are needed, which wreak havoc on the immune system.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies:

Complementary and alternative therapies are an important part of treating this disease. Even conventional practitioners are recognizing nutritional supplementation as a valid tool to help encourage the liver's regenerative properties.

Nutritional Supplementation:

• Acidophilus and bifidus supplements restore friendly flora in the gastrointestinal tract. Follow product labels.
• Choline is very beneficial to the liver. Take 500 mg a day until recovery is complete.
• N-acetylcysteine has beneficial effects on liver inflammation. Take 250 to 500 mg three times a day.
• Take a good B-complex supplement that supplies at least 25 mg of each of the major B vitamins.
• Vitamin C and the bioflavonoids have anti-inflammation action and help hasten healing. Take 500 to 1,000 mg of vitamin C and 500mg of mixed bioflavonoids three times a day.
• Unless your doctor prescribes one, avoid any nutritional supplements containing iron. A stressed liver cannot process iron effectively.
• Primrose oil can help prevent an imbalance of fatty acids that is often found in cirrhosis of the liver. Take 500 mg twice a day, with meals.

Alternative Therapies:

• Alfalfa helps to build a healthy digestive tract and is a good source of vitamin K. It helps to prevent bleeding as a result of vitamin K deficiency.
• Aloe vera helps to cleanse and heal the digestive tract. Drink _ cup of aloe vera juice every morning and evening. It can be taken in a cup of herbal tea if you wish.
• Burdock root, dandelion, and red clover aid in liver repair by cleansing the blood stream.
• Silymarin (milk thistle extract) has been shown in scientific studies to help repair and rejuvenate the liver. Take 200 mg of silymarin three times daily.
• Barberry, black radish, celandine, echinacea, rose hips, fennel, fringe tree, goldenseal, hops, horsetail, Irish moss, suma, thyme and wild Oregon grape are all considered beneficial for cirrhosis of the liver. Warning: Do not use barberry, celandine, goldenseal or wild Oregon grape during pregnancy. Do not take goldenseal on a daily basis for more than one week at a time, and use it only under supervision of a doctor, if you have a history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or glaucoma.
• Bupleurum and dong quai, a Chinese herbal combination formula, is used to harmonize the liver and pancreas.
• Jigucao is a Chinese patent medicine that can be effective in bringing down elevated liver enzymes.
• Tumeric contains substances that help prevent the liver form being damaged by toxic chemicals. It also enhances the flow of bile.
• A warm castor-oil pack can reduce acute inflammation and help restore proper liver function.
• Consult a homeopathic physician for a constitutional remedy formulated especially for you.
• The following acupressure points are helpful for this condition: Bladder 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 23; gallbladder 34 and 41; liver 3; stomach 36.

General Recommendations:

• Avoid constipation as this can worsen symptoms.
• Obtain protein from vegetable sources; do not eat foods containing animal protein.
• Limit your intake of fish ­ haddock, bluefish, salmon, and sardines ­ to a maximum of two servings a week, and do not eat raw or undercooked seafood. A damaged liver cannot handle the amount of vitamin A contained in these foods. Avoid cod liver oil.

Warnings:

• Do not ingest any alcohol.
• Do not take acetaminophen or anything that contains acetaminophen.
• Do not eat raw or undercooked seafood. A damaged liver cannot handle the amount of vitamin A contained in these foods. Avoid cod liver oil.