Liver Hepatitis and General Well-being Home

WHAT IS LIVER DISEASE

Liver disease is any disturbance of liver function that causes illness. The liver is responsible for many critical functions within the body and should it become diseased or injured, the loss of those functions can cause significant damage to the body. Liver disease is also referred to as hepatic disease.

Liver disease is a broad term that covers all the potential problems cause the liver to fail to perform its designated functions. Usually, more than 75% or three quarters of liver tissue needs to be affected before decrease in function occurs. The liver is the largest solid organ in the body; and is also considered a gland because among its many functions, it makes and secretes bile. The liver is located in the upper right portion of the abdomen protected by the rib cage. It has two main lobes that are made up of tiny lobules. The liver cells have two different sources of blood supply. The hepatic artery supplies oxygen rich blood that is pumped from the heart, while the portal vein supplies nutrients from the intestine and the spleen.

Normally, veins return blood from the body to the heart, but the portal vein allows chemicals from the digestive tract to enter the liver for “detoxification” and filtering prior to entering the general circulation. The portal vein also efficiently delivers the chemicals and proteins that liver cells need to produce the proteins, cholesterol, and glycogen required for normal body activities.
As part of its function, the liver makes bile, a fluid that contains among other substances, water, chemicals, and bile acids (made from stored cholesterol in the liver). Bile is stored in the gallbladder and when food enters the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), bile is secreted into the duodenum, to aid in the digestion of food.

IMPORTANCE OF THE LIVER

The liver is the only organ in the body that can easily replace damaged cells, but if enough cells are lost, the liver may not be able to meet the needs of the body.

The liver can be considered a factory; and among its many functions include the following:

-production of bile that is required in the digestion of food, in particular fats.

-storing of the extra glucose or sugar in the body into stored glycogen in liver cells; and then converting it back into glucose when the the body needs it for energy.

-production of blood clotting factors.

-production of amino acids (the building blocks for making proteins), including those used to help fight infection.

-processing and storage of iron necessary for red blood cell production.

-manufacture of cholesterol and other chemicals required for fat transport.

-conversion of waste products of body metabolism into urea that is excreted in the urine.

-metabolizating medications into their active ingredient in the body.

Cirrhosis is a term that describes permanent scarring of the liver. In cirrhosis, the normal liver cells are replaced by scar tissue that cannot perform any liver function.

Acute liver failure may or may not be reversible, meaning that on occasion, there is a treatable cause and the liver may be able to recover and resume its normal functions.

DRUG-INDUCED LIVER DISEASE:

Liver cells may become temporarily inflamed or permanently damaged by exposure to medications or drugs. Some medications or drugs require an overdose to cause liver injury while others may cause the damage even when taken in the appropriately prescribed dosage.

Taking excess amounts of acetaminophen (Tylenol, Panadol) can cause liver failure. This is the reason that warning labels exist on many over-the-counter medications that contain acetaminophen and why prescription narcotic-acetaminophen combination medications (for example, Vicodin, Lortab, Norco, Tylenol #3) limit the numbers of tablets to be taken in a day. For patients with underlying liver disease or those who abuse alcohol, that daily limit is lower and acetaminophen may be contra-indicated in those individuals.

Staten medications are commonly prescribed to control elevated blood levels of cholesterol. Even when taken in the appropriately prescribed dose, liver inflammation may occur. This inflammation can be detected by blood tests that measure liver enzymes. Stopping the medication usually results in return of the liver function to normal.
Niacin is another medication used to control elevated blood levels of cholesterol, but liver inflammation for this medication is related to the dose taken. Similarly, patients with underlying liver disease may be at higher risk of developing liver disease due to medications such as niacin. Recent studies have found that niacin may not be as effective as previously thought in controlling high cholesterol. Patients who take niacin may want to see their health care professional to determine if other treatment options may be appropriate.

There are numerous other medications that may cause liver inflammation, most of which will resolve when the medication is stopped. These include antibiotics such as nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Furadantin, Macrobid), amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (Augmentin, Augmentin XR), tetracycline (Sumycin), and isoniazid (INH, Nydrazid, Laniazid). Methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall), a drug used to treat autoimmune disorders and cancers, has a variety of side effects including liver inflammation that can lead to cirrhosis. Disulfiram (Antabuse) is used to treat alcoholics and can cause liver inflammation. Some herbal remedies and excessive amounts of vitamins can cause hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver failure. Examples include vitamin A, kava kava, ma-huang, and comfrey. Many mushrooms are poisonous to the liver and eating unidentified mushrooms gathered in the wild can be lethal.

INFECTIOUS HEPATITIS:

The term “hepatitis” means inflammation, and liver cells can become inflamed because of infection.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that is spread primarily through the fecal-oral route when small amounts of infected fecal matter are inadvertently ingested. Hepatitis A causes an acute inflammation of the liver which generally resolves spontaneously. The hepatitis A vaccine can prevent this infection. Thorough handwashing, especially when preparing food is the best way to prevent the spread of hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B is spread by exposure to body fluids (needles from drug abusers, contaminated blood, and sexual contact) and can cause an acute infection, but can also progress to cause chronic inflammation (chronic hepatitis) that can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine can prevent this infection.

Hepatitis C causes chronic hepatitis. An infected individual may not recall any acute illness. Hepatitis C is spread by exposure to body fluids (needles from drug abusers, contaminated blood, and sexual contact). Chronic hepatitis C may lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. At present, there is no vaccine against this virus.

Hepatitis D is a virus that requires concomitant infection with hepatitis B to survive, and is spread via body fluid exposure (needles from drug abusers, contaminated blood, and sexual contact).

Hepatitis E is a virus that is spread via exposure to contaminated food and water.

OTHER VIRUS

Other viruses can also cause liver inflammation or hepatitis as part of the cluster of symptoms. Viral infections with infectious mononucleosis (Epstein Barr virus), adenovirus, and cytomegalovirus can inflame the liver. Non-viral infections such as toxoplasmosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever are less common causes.

NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE

NASH or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (also referred to as “fatty liver”) describes the accumulation of fat within the liver that can cause inflammation of the liver and a gradual decrease in liver function.

HEMOCHROMATOSIS

Hemachromatosis (iron overload) is a metabolic disorder that leads to abnormally elevated iron stores in the body. The excess iron may accumulate in the tissues of the liver, pancreas, and heart and can lead to inflammation, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. Hemachromatosis is an inherited disease.

WILSON’S DISEASE

Wilson’s disease is another inherited disease that affects the body’s ability to metabolize copper. Wilson’s disease may lead to cirrhosis and liver failure.

GILBERT’S DISEASE

In Gilbert’s disease, there is an abnormality in bilirubin metabolism in the liver. It is a common disease that affects up to 7% of the North American population. There are no symptoms and it is usually diagnosed incidentally when an elevated bilirubin level is found on routine blood tests. Gilbert’s disease is a benign condition and requires no treatment.

CANCERS

Primary cancers of the liver arise from liver structures and cells. Two examples include hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma.

METASTATIC CANCER

Metastatic cancer (secondary cancer of the liver) begins in another organ and spreads to the liver, usually through the blood stream. Common cancers that spread to the liver begin in the lung, breast, large intestine, stomach, and pancreas. Leukemia and Hodgkin’s lymphoma may also involve the liver.

BLOOD FLOW ABNORMALITIES

Budd Chiari syndrome is a disease in which blood clots form in the hepatic vein and prevent blood from leaving the liver. This can increase pressure within the blood vessels of th eliver, especially the portal vein. This pressure can cause liver cells to die and lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. Causes of Budd Chiari syndrome include polycythemia (abnormallyelevated red blood cell count), inflammatory bowel disease, sickle cell disease, and pregnancy.

CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

This is where poor heart function causes fluid and blood to back up in the large veins of the body can cause liver swelling and inflammation.

Normally, bile flows from the liver into the gallbladder and ultimately into the intestine to help with the digestion of food. If bile flow is obstructed, it can cause inflammation within the liver. Most commonly, gallstones can cause an obstruction of the ducts that drains bile from the liver.

Abnormalities of the opening of the bile duct into the small intestine (sphincter of Oddi) can lead to abnormalities of bile flow. The sphincter of Oddi acts as a “valve” that allows bile to flow from the common bile duct into the intestine.
Primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis can lead to progressive scarring of the bile ducts, causing them to become narrow, which results in reduced bile flow through the liver. Eventually, damage and scarring of the liver architecture occurs resulting in liver failure.

OTHER DISEASES AND CONDITIONS

Since the liver is responsible for the functions that affect so many other organs in the body, liver disease and failure may cause complications.

EXAMPLES INCLUDE:

-Hepatic encephalopathy: Increased ammonia levels due to the liver’s inability to process and metabolize proteins in the diet can cause confusion, lethargy and coma.

-Abnormal bleeding: The liver is responsible for manufacturing blood clotting factors. Decreased liver function can cause increased risk of bleeding in the body.

-Protein synthesis or manufacture: proteins made in the liver are the building blocks for body function. Lack of protein affects many bodily functions.

-Portal hypertension: Because the liver has such a great blood supply, damage to the liver tissue can increase pressure within the blood vessels in the liver and adversely affect blood flow to other organs. This can cause spleen swelling, and the development of varices or swollen veins in the gastrointestinal tract, from the esophagus (esophageal varices) and stomach to the anus (these are different than the swollen veins of hemorrhoids)

What are the risk factors for liver disease?

The principle cause is excessive consumption of alcohol, although it can be caused by hepatitis or poor nutrition.

The liver can also be damaged in a variety of ways which include:

Cells can become inflamed (such as in hepatitis: hepar=liver + itis=inflammation).

Bile flow can be obstructed (such as in cholestasis: chole=bile + stasis=standing).

Cholesterol or triglycerides can accumulate (such as in steatosis; steat=fat + osis=accumulation).

Blood flow to the liver may be compromised.

Liver tissue can be damaged by chemicals and minerals, or infiltrated by abnormal cells.

Alcohol abuse

Alcohol abuse is the most common cause of liver disease in North America. Alcohol is directly toxic to liver cells and can cause liver inflammation, referred to as alcoholic hepatitis. In chronic alcohol abuse, fat accumulation.

Cirrhosis is a late-stage of liver disease. Scarring of the liver and loss of functioning liver cells cause the liver to fail.

What are the symptoms of liver disease?

Classic symptoms of liver disease include:

-nausea,
-vomiting,
-right upper quadrant abdominal pain
-jaundice (a yellow discoloration of the skin due to elevated bilirubin concentrations in the bloodstream).
-Fatigue, weakness and weight loss may also be occur.

However, since there are a variety of liver diseases, the symptoms tend to be specific for that illness until late-stage liver disease and liver failure occurs.

What are the causes of liver disease?

Some liver diseases are potentially preventable and are associated with lifestyle choices.
Alcohol-related liver disease is due to excessive consumption and is the most common preventable cause of liver disease.
Hepatitis B and C are viral infections that are most often spread through the exchange of bodily fluids (for example, unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing unsterilized drug injecting equipment, using non-sterilized equipment for tattoos or body piercing).
Hereditary liver disease can be passed genetically from generation to generation. Examples include Wilson’s disease (copper metabolism abnormalaties) and hemochromatosis (iron overload).
Chemical exposure may damage the liver by irritating the liver cells resulting in inflammation (hepatitis), reducing bile flow through the liver (cholestasis) and accumulation of triglycerides (steatosis). Chemicals such as anabolic steroids, vinyl chloride, and carbon tetrachloride can cause liver cancers.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose is a common cause of liver failure. It is important to review the dosing guidelines for all over-the-counter medications and to ask for guidance from your health care professional or pharmacist as to how much may be taken safely.
Medications may irritate the blood vessels causing narrowing or formation blood clots (thrombosis).
Birth control pills may cause hepatic vein thrombosis, especially in smokers.

Symptoms

– High temperature
– Indigestion
– Constipation or diarrhea
– Jaundice (skin becomes yellow)
– Ascites (excess fluid in the space between the tissues lining the abdomen and abdominal organs ;the peritoneal cavity)

Examples of liver disease symptoms due to certain conditions or diseases include:

• A person with gallstones may experience right upper abdominal pain and vomiting after eating a greasy (fatty) meal. If the gallbladder becomes infected, fever may occur.

• Gilbert’s disease has no symptoms, and in an incidental finding on a blood test where the bilirubin level is mildly elevated.
•Individuals with cirrhosis will develop progressive symptoms as the liver fails. Some symptoms are directly related to the inability of the liver to metabolize the body’s waste products.

Others reflect the failure of the liver to manufacture proteins required for body function and may affect blood clotting function, secondary sex characteristics and brain function.

Symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver include:l

• Easy bruising may occur due to decreased production of clotting factors
• Bile salts can deposit in the skin causing itching
• Gynecomastia or enlarged breasts in men may occur because of an imbalance in sex hormones; specifically an increase in estradiol.
• Impotence (erectile dysfunction, ED), poor sex drive and shrinking testicles are due to decrease in function of sex hormones
• Confusion and lethargy may occur if ammonia levels rise in the blood stream (ammonia is a waste product formed from protein metabolism and requires normal liver cells to remove it)
• Ascites (fluid accumulation within the abdominal cavity) occurs because of decreased protein production
• Muscle wasting may occur because of reduced protein production.
  Additionally, there is increased pressure within the cirrhotic liver affecting blood flow through the liver. Increased pressure in the portal vein causes blood flow to the liver to slow down and blood vessels to swell.
• Swollen veins (varices) form around the stomach and esophagus and are at risk for bleeding.

When to seek medical care for liver disease

Often, the onset of a liver disease is gradual and there is no specific symptom that brings the affected individual to seek medical care. -Fatigue, weakness and weight loss that cannot be explained should prompt a visit for medical evaluation.
-Jaundice or yellow skin is never normal and should prompt an evaluation by a medical professional.
-Persisting fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain should also prompt medical evaluation as soon as possible.
-Acetaminophen or Tylenol overdose, whether accidental or intentional, can cause acute liver failure. Emergent evaluation and treatment is required. Antidotes to protect the liver can be provided, but are effective only when used within a few hours. Without this intervention, acetaminophen overdose can lead to liver failure and the need for liver transplant.

How is liver disease diagnosed

The precise diagnosis of liver disease involves a history and physical examination performed by the health care professional. Understanding the symptoms and the patient’s risk factors for liver disease will help guide any diagnostic tests that may be considered.

Sometimes history is difficult, especially in patients who abuse alcohol. These patients tend to minimize their consumption, and it is often family members who are able to provide the correct information.
Liver disease can have physical findings that affect almost all body systems including the heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, brain and cognitive function, and other parts of the nervous system.

The physical examination often requires evaluation of the entire body.
Blood tests are helpful in assessing liver inflammation and function.

Specific liver function blood tests include:

• AST and ALT ( transaminase chemicals released with liver cell inflammation);
• GGT and alkaline phosphatase (chemicals released by cells lining the bile ducts);
  bilirubin; and
• Protein and albumin levels.

Other blood tests may be considered, including the following:

• Complete blood count (CBC), patients with end stage liver disease may have bone marrow suppression and low red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. As a result, patients with cirrhosis may have bleeding;
• INR blood clotting function may be impaired due to poor protein production and is a sensitive measure of liver function;
  lipase to check for pancreas inflammation; electrolytes, BUN and creatinine to assess kidney function; and
  ammonia blood level assessment is helpful in patients with mental confusion. Imaging studies may be used to visualize, not only the liver, but other nearby organs that may be diseased.

Examples of imaging studies include:

• CT scan (computerized axial tomography),
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and
• Ultrasound (sound wave imaging, which is especially helpful in assessing the gallbladder and bile ducts.

Liver biopsy may be considered to confirm a specific diagnosis of liver disease. Under local anesthetic, a long thin needle is inserted through the chest wall into the liver, where a small sample of liver tissue is obtained for examination under a microscope.

Suggested Treatment:

– Consume large amounts of vegetable proteins
– Use B-Complex supplement
– If jaundice is present, lower intake of foods containing vitamins A, E, D & K
– Eliminate milk, eggs, pork and all nuts since they can interfere with the functioning of the liver.
– If there is inflammation in the liver, eliminate coffee, salt, pepper and stimulants.
– Detox the liver.

Warning!

Do not consume fats, fish oil or vitamin A in large amounts, or even codfish oil and never drink alcohol.

Products

Our products for Liver Hepatitis and General Well-being are as follows:

• Aloe Vera Nectar (juice): 90 – 180ml daily, 60ml with each meal. Assists in detoxing the liver.

• Ginkgo Plus Tablets: 2 to 3 tablets daily, 1 with each meal. Contains Schizandra which has been proven to have excellent qualities in assisting the liver.

• Nutritional Shake: 1 daily meal substitute. Contains large spectrum of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins, fiber.

• Lycium Plus Tablets: 2 or 3 tablets, 1 with each meal. Effective blood and liver detoxifier.

• Royal Jelly Tablets: 3 tablets daily, 1 20 minutes before a meal. Contains full range of B vitamins.

FOREVER LIVING PRODUCTS RECOMMENDED FOR LIVER DISEASE:

FOREVER ALE BERRY NECTAR

You can drink Forever Aloe Berry Nectar™ with meals or alone. The delicious flavor is totally natural, prepared from a blend of fresh cranberries and sweet, mellow apples. Added fructose (a natural fruit sugar) sweetens it just enough to please both adults and children alike.

Forever Aloe Berry Nectar™ contains all of the goodness found in our Forever Aloe Vera Gel™, plus the added benefits of cranberry and apple.

Besides their reputation as a cleanser for the urinary tract, cranberries provide a high content of vitamin C. They are also a natural source of healthful proanthocyanidins.

Apple juice contains many flavonoids as well as pectin. You can drink Forever Aloe Berry Nectar™ with meals or alone. The delicious flavor is totally natural, prepared from a blend of fresh cranberries and sweet, mellow apples. Added fructose (a natural fruit sugar) sweetens it just enough to please both adults and children alike. All the benefits of Forever Aloe Vera Gel™ with the sweet taste of cranberries Contains healthful phytonutrients Natural source of Vitamin C.

FOREVER GINKGO PLUS

Feed your creativity with ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo has been shown to increase circulation of blood to the brain, elevate mood and energy, and increase concentration, alertness, and metabolism.

OVERVIEW
Feed your creativity with Ginkgo Biloba, the legendary “brain tonic” dating back five millennia. Forever Ginkgo Plus® is a unique blend of four Chinese plants. Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract, its chief ingredient, is combined with the powerful Chinese herbs of Ganoderma from Reishi mushrooms, Schisandra berries and cured Fo-ti.

The ginkgo tree is said to be the oldest surviving tree species. They live incredibly long (often over 1,000 years), and are extremely resistant to fungi and insects. Ginkgo Biloba is one of the most popular herbal supplements available in Europe and North America.
Extract from the ginkgo leaf yields flavonoids and terpenoids which strengthen capillaries. They also act as antioxidants. Ginkgo has been shown to increase circulation of blood to the brain, making it a remarkable “brain tonic.”

• Enhances blood supply to the brain.
• Helps support circulation. Energy level booster Includes tonic herbs to boost the benefits of ginkgo 50:1 leaf-to-extract ratio

ROYAL JELLY

Royal Jelly Makes You More Youthful. Royal Jelly is a milky substance produced by the young nurse worker bees (honey bees) in a beehive. It is secreted from the hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands situated in the heads of young workers and are derived from the proteins and nutrients in the pollen ingested by the secreting bees to feed all of the larvae in the colony, including those destined to become workers.

This rich jelly called Royal Jelly is manufactured solely in order to nourish the young larvae and sustain the queen.
Deep within every ordinary beehive a miracle unfolds. A single bee is chosen to become the Queen. As she feeds solely upon Royal Jelly in large quantities for the next four days, a wondrous food produced exclusively for her by the worker bees, she undergoes an amazing transformation that allows her to live nearly six years. The less fortunate worker bees, feeding only on honey and pollen, live about six weeks!

Astoundingly, if you take the Queen Bee off her diet of fresh Royal Jelly, she also lives about six weeks, just like the worker bees! The span of the worker bee’s life is about 35-40 days; while the queen lives 5-6 years and is extremely prolific. She is fertilized once, and from that moment on can lay as many as three thousand eggs a day during the season. As incredible as this may seem, she can lay that many eggs for five years. Any creature that has that amount of energy and vitality has to be respected!

It is clear that, when it comes to providing the Queen Bee with sustenance, energy and long life, Royal Jelly can only be described as one of nature’s miraculous foods.

Cultivation
Royal Jelly is produced by stimulating colonies with movable frame hives to produce queen bees. It is collected from each individual queen cell when the larva is about four days old. It is collected from queen cells because these are the only cells in which large amounts are deposited.

Composition & Uses
The overall composition of Royal Jelly is 67% water, 12.5% crude protein (including small amounts of many different amino acids), and 11% simple sugars, also including a relatively high amount (5%) of fatty acids.

It contains remarkable amounts of proteins, lipids, vitamins B-1, B-2, B-6, C, E, hormones, enzymes, mineral substances, and specific vital factors like gamma globulin, which helps your immune system fight off viral infections.
Although some of the elements found in Royal Jelly are in microgram quantities, they still can act supremely with co-enzymes as catalysts or can act synergistically.

Royal Jelly is rich in folic acid and pantothenic acid. In fact, it contains seventeen times as much pantothenic acid (one of the most important substances in the body, essential for the synthesis and metabolism of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and several hormones) as that found in dry pollen.

The amino acids in Royal Jelly are of significant interest to nutritionists. Long associated with the ability to fight ‘free-radicals’ in the body, amino acids form the basis of our chemical make-up, and are essential to growth and the ability to fight infection and disease.

In most cases we cannot create our own amino acid, so we must ingest them through the foods that we eat. The actual chemical make-up of Royal Jelly remains an unrevealed Royal secret. The fact is that we can’t recreate Royal Jelly by a recipe or something!
Royal Jelly is a delicate liquid. As soon as it’s removed from the sterile environment it can get infected. So once removed from the hive it must be processed quickly to prevent contamination, ideally within two or three hours.
Our Royal Jelly is gathered from dry, remote, high Sonoran desert regions where pristine conditions provide the ideal environment for our beehives.

It is extracted from the hive and immediately freeze-dried to remove only the excess water from the product, leaving all vitamins, minerals, enzymes and co-enzymes present. Freeze drying ‘locksin’ the nutritional content of the product and removes the water without affecting the nutrient quality of the product.

Moreover, Forever Royal Jelly is devoid of artificial colours or flavours and is preserved in it’s most natural state.
The source of your product is of vital importance as many bee-keepers may not be equipped to process the Royal Jelly efficiently, and this can lead to degraded nutritional content and various forms of contamination. Forever Royal Jelly is a powerful super-food which adds a potent punch to our diet and well-being.

FOREVER LYCIUM PLUS

A Chinese fruit used for centuries, lycium has been shown to enhance the complexion and help maintain energy and good vision. Forever Lycium Plus® is a dietary supplement containing antioxidants, bioflavonoids and other beneficial phytonutrients.
A fruit used in ancient China for centuries, lycium has been shown to enhance the complexion and help maintain energy and good vision. Forever Lycium Plus® is a dietary supplement containing antioxidants, bioflavonoids and other beneficial phytonutrients.

Lycium is known in China as a “yin tonic”, with many traditional uses for maintaining good health. Licorice is considered to be the most widely used herb in China. It is made up of over 150 different compounds, which have been shown to have many beneficial effects. Its most frequent use by far is as a complementary herb, with its main function being to bring out the best beneficial effects of other herbs. This makes it an ideal companion for lycium.

Licorice Flavonoid Extract is a concentrated form of licorice bioflavonoids. It is produced according to a process that removes most of the glycyrrhizin, an intensely sweet component of licorice that has been shown to produce undesirable side effects. Based on modern studies, licorice bioflavonoids are among the strongest antioxidants discovered to date.
Powerful antioxidant
Good source of phytonutrients
Beneficial to eyesight and skin
Powerful tonic

Cirrhosis – Disease of the Liver, disease of the Alcoholic

Cirrhosis is a degenerative process of the liver where an inflammation and aging of the cells and tissues is produced.
The principle symptoms are: Temperature , indigestion and constipation or diarrhea, jaundice (liver disease which causes the skin to become yellow), ascites (accumulation of serious fluid in the abdominal cavity). Subsequent problems include anemia, inflammation of the liver and gall bladder problems. The principle cause of cirrhosis is the excessive consumption of alcohol, although it can be caused by hepatitis or poor nutrition.

Suggested treatment:

Includes eating large amounts of vegetable proteins (eliminate all meat proteins), that will serve to strengthen damaged tissues, adding as a complement B-complex vitamins (of which Royal Jelly is a good source) especially B1, and the vitaminsC, D &K.

• Start a diet high in calories and high in carbohydrates, energy which will help regenerate the damaged cells.
• If jaundice is present (yellowing), lower the consumption of the foods that contain vitamins A, E, D & K.
• Eliminate milk, eggs, pork and all nuts since they can interfere with the functioning of the liver. If there is an inflammation in the liver, eliminate fatty foods like butter, margarine, milk and cheese; also coffee, salt, pepper and stimulants.

Warning!  Do not consume fats, fish oil or vitamin A in large amounts or even codfish oil, and never drink alcohol.

THE LIVER
The liver is the largest gland in the body, as well as the only organ that can reproduce itself if part of it is eliminated.

The functions of the liver:

• Production of the bile that is accumulated in the gall bladder ( pear shaped muscular sac under the liver). Bile is necessary for digesting fats by emulsifying them into little bubbles, which may later be absorbed.
• Help bile absorb vitamins A, D, E & K and calcium.
• Accumulate the excess of vitamins A, B12 & D for future use.
• Help in the synthesis of fatty acids and sugars as well as in the production of cholesterol and in the oxidation of fats to produce energy.
• Produce fat from foods that the body does not use, fat that later is transported through the blood and accumulated as a body fat (in the stomach and other areas).
• Control blood sugar, acting on the hormone thyroxin , responsible for cellular metabolism.
• Convert excess sugar in the body into glycogen (glucose) and store it, to be recovered into sugar when the body needs energy.

DETOXIFYING:
A 3 day juice fast is recommended based on the juices (orange and grapes) to which you should add aloe juice which is highly detoxifying.

Suggested Daily Intake Of Supplements:

Aloe Berry Nectar – Preferably taken with herbal teas during the day.

Forever Ginkgo Biloba – La Schizandra has been proven to have excellent qualities for helping the liver.

Forever Lite – Nutritional shake containing multi-vitamins, multi-minerals, vegetables proteins and amino acids, fibre, etc

Lycium Plus – Effective blood and liver detoxifier. Anti-inflammatory.

Royal Jelly – Contains B-Complex.

WHAT IS CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER?.

Cirrhosis of the liver refers to all forms of liver disease characterised by a significant loss of cells. It is one of the most serious hepatic diseases. The liver gradually con¬tracts in size and becomes hard and leathery.

The liver is one of the most important glandular organs in the body. It is located high up on the right side of the abdomen just under the diaphragm. It is a vast chemical laboratory which performs many important functions. It produces bile, cholesterol, lecithin, blood albumin which is vital to the removal of tissue wastes, pro thrombin necessary for the clotting of blood and numerous enzymes. It inactivates hormones no longer needed, synthesises many amino acids used in building tissues and breaks proteins into sugar and fat when re quired for energy. It stores vitamins and minerals. It also destroys harmful substances and detoxifies drugs, poisons, chemicals and toxins from bacterial infections. Liver damage interferes with all of these functions.

In cirrhosis of the liver, although regenerative activity continues, the loss of liver cells exceeds cell replacement. There is also distortion of the vascular system which in-terferes with the portal blood flow through,the liver. The progressive degeneration of liver structure and function may ultimately lead to hepatic failure and death. The most common of several form of cirrhosis is portal cir¬rhosis, also known as haennoc’s cirrhosis.

Symptoms: In the early stages of the disease, there may be nothing more than frequent attacks of gas and indiges¬tion, with occasional nausea and vomiting. There may be some abdominal pain and loss o1 weight. In the advanced stage, the patient develops a low grade fever. He has a foul breath, jaundiced skin and distended veins in the ab¬domen. Reddish hairlike markings, resembling small spiders, may appear on the face, neck, arms and trunk. The abdomen becomes bloated and swollen, the mind gets clouded and there may be considerable bleeding from the stomach.

Causes: Excessive use of alcohol over a long period is the most potent cause of cirrhosis of the liver. It has been estimated that 1 out of 12 chronic alcoholics in the United States develops cirrhosis. The disease can progress to the end-stage of hepatic failure, if the person does not abstain from alcohol. Cirrhosis appears to be related to the duration of alcohol intake and the quantity consumed daily. Recent research indicates that the average duration of alcohol intake to produce cirrhosis is 10 years and the dose is estimated to be in excess of 16 ounces of alcohol daily.

Poor nutrition can be another causative factor in the development or cirrhosis and a chronic alcoholic usually suffers from a severe malnutrition too, as he seldom eats. Other causes of cirrhosis are excessive intake of highly seasoned food, habitual taking of quinine for a prolonged period in tropical climate and drug treatments for syphilis, fever and other diseases. It may also result from a highly toxic condition of the system in general. In fact, anything which continually over-burdens the liver cells and leads to their final breakdown can be a contributing cause of cirrhosis.

FLP’s GREAT NATURAL FOOD FOR SUPPLEMENTS FOR PEOPLE WITH CIRRHOSIS OR LIVER PROBLEM DOSAGE

1.Aloe Berry Nectar – same cleansing with the aloe vera gel but flavored with natural cranberry and apple juice that is concentrated on kidney and liver.

2.Garlic Thyme – each soft gel contains odorless oil of garlic equivalent to 1000mg of fresh garlic cloves. Garlic is an anti=bacterial and anti-fungal and helps in improving conditions like bronchitis, soothes the digestive system, and is a powerful antioxidant which helps combat cancer; by including A Beta Care, Arctic Sea, nature Min and Garlic Thyme in our daily diets, it will increase the body’s defenses against potentially life-threatening chemicals ever present in our day-to-day diets and activities; may help people with heart problems, liver problem, yeast infections and sinusitis; natural decongestant and fights bacteria.

3. Forever Bee Pollen – over 96 nutritional elements including [B1-B3, B5-B6, B8 and B12 and vitamin C], minerals enzymes, carbohydrates, proteins and amino acids; lecithin – a fat tissue found in the brain and blood cells; contains all 22 essential nutrients needed for perfect health. Increases energy level in the body. Contains no preservatives, artificial flavors or colors.

4.Nature Min – [RDA Calcium – 800mg] – an advanced multi-mineral formula sourced from the sea bed. Contains nutrients such as chromium and selenium for maximum absorption in the body. Provides mineral and trace mineral supplements to prevent mineral deficiencies; the minerals contained within nature-min work with many enzymes and other proteins which are necessary for the release and utilization of energy; helps to strengthen bones and teeth; excellent source of trace minerals needed by the body, antidote for myalgic encephalomyelitis (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). osteoporosis, Candida Muscle Cramps.

5. Forever Lite – tasteful weight loss and or weight gain program. Contains nutrients, vitamins, minerals, proteins and carbohydrates… Combined with Aloe Vera Gel, Bee Pollen, Garcinia Plus, and a low calorie meal with 20 minutes exercise will ensure ideal weight loss; nutritious meal replacement that provides the proper amount of high quality protein and carbohydrates which might allow the reduction and removal of fats at an accelerated rate and at the same time prevent the loss of lean muscular tissues. ideal meal for recovering patients.

How to keep your liver healthy(The master detoxification organ)

Liver, the largest and the most important detoxification organ in our body. When we eat, we consume lots of toxic substances through artificial preservatives, additives and others. These harmful toxins which are not water soluble, must be neutralized by liver, become water-soluble and passed to the kidney or bowel for excretion.

If the liver is overwhelmed by toxins, this may lead to a combination of problems which include:
• Overweight
• Abdominal bloating
• Fatigue
• Frequent headaches
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Bad breath
• Weak immune system.

These are three most common liver diseases:

1. Hepatitis B is the most common liver infection. The symptoms included loss of appetite, fever, headache, nausea, muscle aches and jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes. Hepatitis B can be transmitted from one person to another via body fluids or from mother to fetus during childbirth.

2. Fatty liver is the build-up of fat in the liver cells which may happen without any obvious symptoms. The causes of fatty liver include obesity, excessive alcohol intake, hepatitis, malnutrition and inflammatory bowel disease.

3. Cirrhosis (Hardening of liver) a chronic liver disease characterized by scarring of liver and cause the loss of functional liver tissue. It can result from excessive alcohol intake, or usually caused by hepatitis virus.

These forever products will be helpful:

Aloe Vera Gel
– Patented formula contains nutrient-rich 100% stabilized aloe vera gel.
– Rich in saponins, a natural cleansing agent help to cleanse intestine and improve bowel movement.
– A clean digestive system reduces the burden of liver in detoxification and frees up the liver to function normally.

Bee Propolis
– Bee Propolis has natural anti-inflammation properties which is beneficial for those who have liver disorder such as hepatitis and fatty liver.Bee Propolis rich in bioflavonoids, helps to enhance the immune system to fight against microbes.
– Sourced from the Sonoran high desert in Arizona, which is home to thousands of variety of flowering plants with almost non-existent air pollution.

Forever Lycium Plus
– Contains two Chinese herbs, lycium and licorice, which have been used for thousand of years in maintaining healthy liver function.
– Lycium, rich in beta-carotene, the precursor of vitamin A, helps in maintain good eyesight and healthy skin.
Forever Pomesteen Power
– Perfect blend of high antioxidant fruit juice that include pomegranate,
blueberry, blackberry, mangosteen, pear, raspberry and grape seed extract.
– The antioxidants help to reduce the damage from free radicals thus providing protection for the liver cells.

☆Forever Living Products are 100% natural!

TIPS FOR A EALTHY LKIVER
– Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
– Pack your diet with antioxidants.
– Cut down the intake of coffee, tea and alcohol.
– Avoid high fat diet such as fast food, fried stuff and excessive meat intake.
– Avoid taking moldy food
– Laugh, rest and feel good.
– Do exercise regularly.
– Drink at least 2 liters of water per day.

WHAT IS HEPATITIS?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It may be caused by drugs, alcohol use, or certain medical conditions. But in most cases, it’s caused by a virus that infects the liver.

This is known as viral hepatitis, and the most common forms are hepatitis A, B, and C.

HEPATITIS SYMPTOMS
Sometimes there are no symptoms of hepatitis in the first weeks after infection – the acute phase. But when they occur, the symptoms of hepatitis A, B, and C may include fatigue, nausea, poor appetite, belly pain, a mild fever, or yellow skin or eyes (jaundice.) When hepatitis B and C become chronic, they may cause no symptoms for years. By the time there are any warning signs, the liver may already be damaged.

Hepatitis A: What Happens?
Hepatitis A is highly contagious and can spread from person to person in many different settings. It typically causes only a mild illness, and many people who are infected may never realize they are sick at all. The virus almost always goes away on its own and does not cause long-term liver damage.

Hepatitis A: How Does It Spread?
Hepatitis A usually spreads through contaminated food or water. Food can be tainted when it’s touched by an infected person who did not wash his hands after using the bathroom. This transfers tiny amounts of infected stool to the food. Raw shellfish, fruits, vegetables, and undercooked foods are common culprits in hepatitis A outbreaks. The virus can also spread in daycare centers if employees aren’t careful about washing hands after changing diapers.
Hepatitis A: Who Is at Risk?

A prime risk factor for hepatitis A is traveling to or living in a country with high infection rates. You can check the CDC’s travel advisories to learn about recent outbreaks. Eating raw foods or drinking tap water can increase your risk while traveling. Children who attend daycare centers also have a higher risk of getting hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B: What Happens?
Many adults who get hepatitis B have mild symptoms for a short time and then get better on their own. But some people are not able to clear the hepatitis B virus from the body, which causes a long-term infection. Nearly 90 percent of infants who get the virus will carry it with them for life. Over time, chronic hepatitis B can lead to serious problems such as liver damage, liver failure, and liver cancer.

Hepatitis B: How Does It Spread?
You can get hepatitis B through contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person,hepatitis B is most often spread through unprotected sex. It’s also possible to get hepatitis B by sharing an infected person’s needles, razors or toothbrush. And an infected mother can pass the virus to her baby during childbirth. Hepatitis B is not spread by hugging, kissing, sharing food or coughing.

Hepatitis B: Who Is at Risk?
Anyone can get hepatitis B, but people who have multiple sex partners or inject illegal drugs have a higher risk. Other risk factors include being a health care worker who is exposed to blood or living with someone who has chronic hepatitis B.

Hepatitis C: What Happens?
About 25% of people who get hepatitis C defeat the virus after an acute infection. The rest will carry the virus in their body for the long term. Chronic hepatitis C can cause very serious complications, including liver failure and liver cancer. Fortunately, there are ways to manage the virus and reduce its impact on the liver.

Hepatitis C: How Does It Spread?
Hepatitis C spreads through infected blood. In the U.S., sharing needles or “works” to inject drugs is the most common cause of infection. Getting a tattoo or body piercing with an infected needle is another means of exposure. A mother may pass the virus to her child at birth. In rare cases, unprotected sex spreads hepatitis C, but the risk appears small. Having multiple sex partners, HIV, or rough sex seems to increase risk for spreading hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C: Who Is at Risk?
People who have injected illegal drugs at any time, even one time, many years ago, could be walking around with chronic hepatitis C. Because there are often no symptoms, many former drug users may not realize they have the infection. People who received a blood transfusion before 1992 also have an elevated risk. Prior to that year, donated blood was not screened for the hepatitis C virus.

How Is Hepatitis Diagnosed?
Chronic hepatitis can quietly attack the liver for years without causing any symptoms. Unless the infection is diagnosed, monitored, and treated, many of these people will eventually develop serious liver damage. Fortunately, blood tests can determine whether you have viral hepatitis, and if so, which kind.
Who Should Be Tested for Hepatitis?
Testing is important for anyone with the risk factors we’ve mentioned, particularly injection drug users and people who have had multiple sex partners. Health advocates are also urging people of Asian heritage to get tested. Stanford University’s Asian Liver Center estimates that 1 in 10 Asians living in the U.S. has chronic hepatitis B. Many of them have probably had the virus since birth.

What If You Test Positive?
If you test positive for viral hepatitis, you can take steps to protect the ones you love. For hepatitis A, wash your hands frequently. For hepatitis B and C, avoid sharing your nail clippers, razor, or toothbrush. Make sure everyone in your household gets the hepatitis B vaccine. An important step is to see a specialist to discuss your treatment options.

Treatment: Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A almost always goes away on its own, and no medication is needed. If nausea is a problem, try eating several small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones. Drink water, juice, or sports drinks to stay hydrated. And avoid strenuous exercise until you’re feeling better.

Treatment: Chronic Hepatitis B
The goal of treating chronic hepatitis B is to control the virus and keep it from damaging the liver. This begins with regular monitoring for signs of liver disease. Antiviral medications may help, but not everyone can take them or needs to be on medication. Be sure to discuss the risks and benefits of antiviral therapy with your doctor.

Treatment: Chronic Hepatitis C
The most common treatment for chronic hepatitis C is a combination of antiviral medications called interferon and ribavirin. Interferon is given as a shot and ribavirin is a pill. Studies suggest this combination can cure or control hepatitis C in about half of patients. But it can cause serious side effects. In addition, not everyone needs treatment. Your doctor will explain your options based on how active the virus is.

Monitoring Chronic Hepatitis
Careful monitoring is the cornerstone of managing chronic hepatitis B and C. Your doctor will order regular blood tests to check how well your liver is working. Ultrasounds and CT scans can also reveal signs of liver damage. If the virus is not causing any liver problems, you may not need treatment. But it’s important to have regular tests to watch for changes. Complications are easiest to treat when found early.

Complications: Cirrhosis
One of the most common complications of chronic hepatitis is cirrhosis. This is a scarring of the liver that can be detected with a biopsy. Cirrhosis makes it difficult for the liver to do its job and can lead to liver failure, a life-threatening condition. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, weight loss, and swelling in the belly and legs. In severe cases, patients may experience jaundice and confusion.

Complications: Liver Cancer
Viral hepatitis is the top cause of liver cancer, so people with chronic hepatitis B or C need monitoring even if you feel “fine.” Blood tests can detect proteins that suggest the presence of liver cancer. Ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs can reveal abnormal lesions in the liver (seen here in green). A biopsy is needed to determine if these areas are cancerous. Tumors that are found early may be surgically removed. But most liver cancers are difficult to treat.

Liver Transplant
The liver is a vital organ that aids in metabolism, digestion, detoxifying, and the production of many proteins needed by the body. If a large part of the liver is damaged beyond repair, it will no longer be able to perform these important jobs. People cannot live without a working liver. In this case, a liver transplant may be the best hope. This option provides the patient with a healthy liver from a donor.

HEPATITIS A AND B VACCINES

 

There are vaccines to protect against hepatitis A and B. The CDC recommends hepatitis A vaccination for all children ages 12 to 23 months and for adults who plan to travel or work in areas with hepatitis A outbreaks. People with chronic hepatitis B or C should also get the hepatitis A vaccine if they don’t already have immunity to hepatitis A. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants at birth and for adults who have any of the risk factors we discussed earlier. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

PROTECTING THE LIVER

If you have chronic hepatitis, there are steps you can take to keep your liver resilient. Avoid alcohol, which can cause additional liver damage. Check with your doctor before taking any medications or supplements, because some are tough on the liver or may not be safe in people with liver disease. Most importantly, keep your appointments for regular monitoring. By watching for any changes in your liver, you and your health care provider can stay one step ahead