Throughout the United States, U.K., and Australia, more and more cases of liver disease are arising in the absence of alcohol abuse. Decades ago, we only saw conditions like Fatty Liver Disease and cirrhosis occur as a direct result of excessive alcohol indulgence, however, this trend has changed in the current day. Today, more and more adults and children are being diagnosed with NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE (NAFLD).
NAFLD is a medical condition that is characterized by an excessive accumulation of fats, within liver cells. This means normal, healthy liver tissue becomes partly replaced with fatty tissue. The fat starts to invade the liver, gradually infiltrating the healthy liver areas, decreasing the amount of healthy active liver tissue.
While it�s normal for your liver to contain some fat, accumulations of more than 5 percent to 10 percent of your liver�s weight are problematic.
70 million Americans have fatty liver disease and don�t even know it.
Anatomy & Function of the Liver
The liver is one of the hardest-working organs in the body, working tirelessly day in and day out. So here�s what your liver does, in a nutshell. Your liver regulates most chemical levels in the blood and excretes bile. Bile is necessary to break down fats. All of the blood leaving the stomach and intestines must pass through the liver for filtering. It�s the liver�s responsibility to detoxify this blood. Here are several other important functions of the liver:
Detoxifies chemicals and metabolizes (breaks down) drugs.
Manufactures proteins important for the regulation of blood clotting
Breaks down excess hormones circulating in bloodstream
Produces cholesterol (necessary for vitamin D and hormone production and for healthy nerves)
Stores and releases glucose, as needed
Stores iron
Converts harmful ammonia to urea (urea is an end product of protein metabolism that gets excreted in the urine)
Clears the blood of alcohol, medications, drugs and other harmful chemicals
Produces immune factors and removes bacteria from the bloodstream
Clears and removes bilirubin (excessive buildup causes jaundice -yellowing of skin and eyes)
It�s the liver�s responsibility to process (store) nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and iron, so they�re more efficiently absorbed.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) has become increasingly common in the United States and Western Europe as weight gain, obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and metabolic syndrome have risen in epidemic proportions. It is now the most common cause of liver disorders in the United States and other Western industrialized countries, such as Australia and the United Kingdom. It�s estimated that 1 in 5 people (25%) throughout these regions have NAFLD.
Although research has shown that NAFLD is most commonly caused by excess weight & obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes, studies have also revealed that the excessive use of prescribed medications and pain killers (or the toxicity of these) can lead to fatty liver disease, as well.
Symptoms of Liver Disease
A non-alcoholic fatty liver is often referred to as a �Silent Disease�. Initially there may be no symptoms, meaning, you can live with the condition for many years, even decades, and not realize it. Over time, however, some signs may begin to surface. These symptoms include:
feeling tired
fatigue
weight loss
loss of appetite
weakness
nausea
confusion
trouble concentrating
pain in the center or right upper part of belly
enlarged liver
bloating and gas
dark urine
bruising easily
sweating, excessively
constipation
dry and dark patches on neck and under arms
Over time, fatty liver disease can lead to cirrhosis of the liver. This occurs when scar tissue develops in the liver, preventing the liver from functioning properly. The scar tissue blocks the flow of blood through the liver and slows the processing of nutrients, hormones, drugs and naturally produced toxins, as well as the production of proteins and other substances made by the liver. Symptoms of cirrhosis are severe and include the buildup of fluid in the body (especially the abdominal cavity called ascites), muscle weakness, internal bleeding, yellowing of the skin and eyes, and liver failure.
Fatty Liver Diagnosis
The best way to diagnose a fatty liver is with an abdominal ultrasound or a biopsy, although an ultrasound is far less invasive. Often, people with NAFLD will not have elevated liver enzymes, so the blood tests may look normal. Elevated liver enzymes however, do indicate that you have inflammation of the liver which may be do to NAFLD or a more serious condition called NASH.
Root Causes & Risk Factors of Liver Disease
There are a number of risk factors that increase your chances of having NAFLD:
Obesity
Gastric bypass surgery
High cholesterol
High levels of triglycerides in the blood
Type 2 diabetes
Metabolic syndrome
Medications
Sleep apnea
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
Underactive pituitary gland (hypopituitarism)
Hemachromatosis (excess iron accumulation)
A 2006 review published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology states that NAFLD is a common finding among patients undergoing bariatric surgery, with an occurrence ranging between 84 percent to 96 percent. The review also noted that the disease seems to be most common among men, and it increases with menopause in women.
Foods That Can Lead to Fatty Liver Disease
High-Carbohydrate & Refined Foods
Foods such as bread, rice, and corn should be avoided. All white bread and carbs should be eliminated or significantly, reduced from your diet, and even whole grains should be consumed in moderation (because grains convert to sugar). All refined When we consume too many refined carbohydrates, insulin levels spike, and insulin sensitivity is a major factor in the cause of liver disease.
Sugary Drinks
Sports drinks (Gatorade/powerade), soda, energy drinks and fruit juices are full of sugar and artificial sweeteners. This sugar that enters your body causes fatty liver disease. The average 12-ounce can of soda, for example, has 10 teaspoons of sugar! Your body isn�t able to break down the amount of sugar that most Americans consume every day, and it�s impacting the liver, big time.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends no more than 6 tsp (25g) of sugar per day for women and 9 tsp (38g) per day for men. A child�s sugar intake should not exceed 3 tsp per day.
The average person consumes 20 tsp or more of sugar per day � equating to 66 pounds and more of sugar per year.
According to a study conducted at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, sugars, particularly fructose, are suspected to contribute to the development of NAFLD and its progression. Fructose has been shown in research to do extensive damage to liver cells. There have also been substantial links between increased fructose consumption and obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance.
Processed Foods
Hydrogenated oils, refined sugar, convenience foods and lunch meats are notoriously toxic to your system. Nitrates and nitrites, for example, are commonly found in processed foods and lunch meat, and they have been linked to serious conditions, including cancer. The high fructose corn syrup found in our processed foods is the single biggest cause of fatty liver; you must stay away from these products in order to heal liver disease.
Foods That Improve Fatty Liver Disease
A review published in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry states that natural enzymes found in vegetables, as well as fruits, plant extracts and herbs, have been traditionally used for treating liver diseases. It�s incredibly important to add vegetables to your everyday diet.
An easy way to do this is by juicing vegetables for near-perfect health. With impaired liver function, juicing vegetables has the added benefit of making the vegetables easier to digest and more readily available for absorption. Vegetables ideal for a liver detox include kale, cabbage, lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, beets and celery.
Beets
Beets naturally cleanse and purify the blood, which boosts liver function and nutrient production in your body. Beets are also high in antioxidants, folate, iron, fiber and betaine (a natural digestive enzyme). Beets go great in juicing recipes and thrown into smoothies (a little goes a long way). Shred some beets and throw on your salads, daily.
Broccoli
Broccoli and other members of the cruciferous family (brussel sprouts, cauliflower, arugula, cabbage, collard greens, kale, bok choy) are high in fiber and glucosinolates, which help the liver naturally cleanse the body of carcinogens and other toxins.
Ginger Root
Ginger has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, especially necessary with a dysfunctional liver due to NAFLD. Ginger has also been found to drastically lower blood sugar levels. Elevated glucose and insulin resistance are 2 key factors in the development of a fatty liver. Make ginger tea by boiling ginger slices in green tea or water. You can also add ginger to a stir-fry, salad or smoothie.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes, along with carrots, butternut squash and pumpkin) are rich in beta-carotene, a natural anti-inflammatory. A deficiency of potassium can disrupt liver function. Sweet potatoes, naturally high in potassium, are beneficial because they help support liver function. One sweet potato contains nearly 700 milligrams of potassium! It�s also rich with vitamins B6, C, D, magnesium and iron. Sweet potatoes are easy to eat because they�re naturally sweet, and the sugars are slowly released into the bloodstream through the liver, so it won�t cause a spike in blood sugar.
Lemons
Lemons are great for your liver. They provide a wealth of antioxidants and help your liver produce more enzymes giving you more energy and help with digestion.. Lemons are also naturally high in electrolytes. Although lemons are acidic, once they enter the body they become alkalinizing, which helps neutralize toxins, excrete wastes. Juice 1 fresh lemon, daily and drink-undiluted on an empty stomach every morning.
Bananas
Containing 470 milligrams of potassium, banana nutrition is also great for cleansing the liver and overcominglow potassium levels; plus, bananas assist in digestion and help release toxins and heavy metals from the body. A great way to decrease the liver�s burden.
Garlic, Whole Cloves
Garlic is rich in allicin and selenium, two powerhouse nutrients for your liver. They act in cleansing and in nourishing the entire body, especially the blood. Selenium is a naturally detoxifying mineral and allicin helps ward off immune system invaders, which helps lighten the load on your liver. Garlic also activates enzymes in the liver which help with overall digestion and flushing out toxins. Use whole garlic cloves as the best option, instead of processed minced garlic or powder.
Leafy Greens
The nutritional all-star ingredients for just about every health issue are leafy greens. Spinach, kale, chard, romaine, arugula, and collards are all some of the most nutrient dense leafy greens to enjoy. They�re packed with chlorophyll, which assists in liver function by purifying the blood, alleviating toxins, decreasing inflammation and promotes wound healing. Chlorophyll is also amazing at neutralizing heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and even pesticides that burden the liver.
Supplements That Improve Fatty Liver Disease
Dandelion Root
The vitamins and nutrients present in dandelions help cleanse our livers and keep them working properly. Dandelions also aid our digestive system by maintaining the proper flow of bile. They�re natural diuretics and allow the liver to eliminate toxins quickly. Dandelion tea or stems are also high in vitamin C, which helps with mineral absorption, reduces inflammation and prevents the development of disease.
Milk Thistle
As a liver support and aid, milk thistle is a powerful detoxifier. It helps rebuild liver cells while removing toxins from the body that are processed through the liver. According to a study published in Digestive Diseases and Sciences, milk thistle has the power to improve mortality in patients with liver failure; it�s able to naturally reverse the harmful effects of alcohol consumption, pesticides in our food supply, heavy metals in our water supply, pollution in the air that we breathe in and even poisons. According to a 2010 study, milk thistle benefitshelp treat alcoholic liver disease, acute and chronic viral hepatitis, and toxin-induced liver diseases.
Vitamin D
Recent studies have indicated that deficiencies in vitamin D can result in Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Vitamin D deficiency was shown to cause severe degrees of NAFLD along with liver inflammation and liver fibrosis (hardening). This research also revealed that vitamin D deficiencies also resulted in insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. All of these factors play a significant role in the development of peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage). Optimum vitamin D levels should be between 70-100 ng/ml.
Curcumin
Curcumin, the active component of turmeric is arguably the most powerful herb on the planet at fighting and potentially reversing disease. Currently there have been over 6,000 peer-reviewed published articles proving the health benefits. Studies have also shown that curcumin may prevent the progression of fatty liver disease and reduces inflammation of the liver and body.
Black Seed Oil
This amazing oil can greatly speed the healing process for people with fatty liver disease. A study published in the European Review for Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciencesmeasured black seed oil�s ability to inhibit liver oxidative stress markers. The results of the study indicated that black seed oil benefitsliver disease patients because it�s able to reduce the complications and progression of fatty liver disease.
The best thing you can do to treat fatty liver disease is maintain a healthy diet. Many people with fatty liver disease are overweight and malnourished. A healthy diet that provides the vitamins and nutrients that your body needs to function is very important.
The number one treatment of fatty liver disease is weight loss and a healthy diet. It�s essential that you eat a well-balanced diet that is predominately plant-based; plus, you should exercise regularly � shoot for doing physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day, even if it�s taking a walk.
Sources:
Bedogni G, Miglioli L, Masutti F, Tiribelli C, Marchesini G, Bellentani S. Prevalence of and risk factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: the Dionysos nutrition and liver study. Hepatology. 2005;42:44�52. [PubMed]
Adams LA, Lymp JF, Sauver J, St, et al. The natural history of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a population-based cohort study. Gastroenterology. 2005;129:113�121. [PubMed]
Peripheral Neuropathy and Fatty Liver Disease
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the most common liver disorder in the Western world. It�s recognized as one of the most common forms of chronic liver disease across the globe.
A study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (2003) reported a link between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and peripheral neuropathy. The research revealed that 73% of people with NAFLD would develop peripheral nerve damage leading to the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
As if the development of peripheral neuropathy isn�t bad enough, science shows that the longer you have NAFLD, the more likely it is to progress into liver fibrosis (accumulation of abnormal fibrous tissue), cirrhosis (accumulation of scar tissue in the liver) and NASH (severe liver inflammation and cell damage).
Although, NAFLD is most likely to happen in people who are overweight with metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes, recently there are more and more cases of children with NAFLD. This is a direct result of the standard American diet. Pediatric NAFLD have been reported in children as young as 3 years old.
If you have been diagnosed with NAFLD or are overweight, suffer from metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance or diabetes, it�s important to take action. The good news is � The liver is the only organ capable of fully regenerating itself. As long as you have at least 15% of your liver that is working and functional, your body can repair and regenerate your liver.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Whole Body Wellness
Following a balanced nutrition, participating in regular physical activity and getting plenty of rest are fundamental factors for maintaining whole body wellness. While all of these can make you look and feel healthy, its also essential to address the health of your spine in order to maintain the proper function of all the body�s structures. Chiropractic care is a well-known alternative treatment option utilized by many individual�s to restore the health of the spine as well as maintain it. Chiropractic can also help prevent complications related to spinal injuries and conditions.
Each year, cases of liver disease developing without the instance alcohol abuse are increasing throughout the United States, the U.K, and Australia. Decades ago, fatty liver disease and cirrhosis were diagnosed due to excessive alcohol consumption. Currently, however, more and more adults and even children are diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a medical condition that is characterized by an excessive accumulation of fats within liver cells. More precisely, NAFLD causes normal, healthy liver tissue to become partially replaced with fatty tissue. Although it’s common for the liver to have some fat, an accumulated amount of more than 5 to 10 percent of the individual’s liver weight can create complications. Excess fat can begin to invade the liver, eventually covering healthy regions of the liver and decreasing the amount of healthy liver tissue.
According to statistics, approximately 70 million Americans may have fatty liver disease and not even know it.
The Function of the Liver
The liver is one of the most active and highly functioning organs in the body, working hard and tirelessly to maintain the body’s overall health and wellness. The liver is in charge of regulating chemical levels and toxins in the blood as well as excreting bile. Bile is necessary to break down fats stored in the body. All of the blood which leaves the stomach and intestines must be filtered through the liver. The liver’s primary function is to detoxify the blood. Other essential functions of the liver include:
Detoxifies chemicals and metabolizes (breaks down) drugs.
Manufactures proteins important for the regulation of blood clotting
Breaks down excess hormones circulating in bloodstream
Produces cholesterol (necessary for vitamin D and hormone production and for healthy nerves)
Stores and releases glucose, as needed
Stores iron
Converts harmful ammonia to urea (urea is an end product of protein metabolism that gets excreted in the urine)
Clears the blood of alcohol, medications, drugs and other harmful chemicals
Produces immune factors and removes bacteria from the bloodstream
Clears and removes bilirubin (excessive buildup causes jaundice -yellowing of skin and eyes)
The liver is also responsible of processing and storing important nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and iron, in order for these to be more effectively absorbed by the body.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, has become a prevalent condition in the United States and western Europe as weight gain, obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and metabolic syndrome have dramatically increased over the population. It is now the most common cause of liver disorders in the United States as well as in other western countries, such as Australia and the U.K. Approximately 1 in 5 people, amounting up to 25 percent of the population in these regions have NAFLD.
While some research studies have demonstrated that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease most commonly develops due to excess weight and obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes, studies have also shown that the excessive use of prescribed medications and pain killers can lead to fatty liver disease as well.
Symptoms of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
NAFLD is referred to as a silent disease. People with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease may initially experience no symptoms from the disorder, where they will often live with the condition for many years, even decades without a diagnosis. Eventually, however, several signs and symptoms may begin to manifest. These symptoms include:
feeling tired
fatigue
weight loss
loss of appetite
weakness
nausea
confusion
trouble concentrating
pain in the center or right upper part of belly
enlarged liver
bloating and gas
dark urine
bruising easily
sweating, excessively
constipation
dry and dark patches on neck and under arms
If non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is left untreated for an extended period of time, it could eventually lead to the development of cirrhosis. Cirrhosis results when scar tissue develops in the liver, preventing the liver from functioning properly. This scar tissue can then block the normal flow of blood that passes through the liver and can also slow down the processing and absorption of nutrients, hormones, drugs and naturally produced toxins as well as the production of proteins and other substances produced by the liver. The symptoms of cirrhosis are usually severe and they include the buildup of fluid in the body, particularly in the abdominal cavity called ascites, muscle weakness, internal bleeding, yellowing of the skin and eyes, and liver failure.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Diagnosis
Utilizing an abdominal ultrasound or a biopsy is the best way to diagnose fatty liver disease. Individuals with NAFLD often don’t have elevated levels of liver enzymes, which is why blood tests generally appear normal. Elevated levels of liver enzymes do however indicate that there may be some inflammation in the liver due to non-alcoholic fatty liver disase or another more serious condition known as NASH.
Causes and Risk Factors of Fatty Liver Disease
There are numerous risk factors which may increase your chances of having NAFLD, including:
Obesity
Gastric bypass surgery
High cholesterol
High levels of triglycerides in the blood
Type 2 diabetes
Metabolic syndrome
Medications
Sleep apnea
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
Underactive pituitary gland (hypopituitarism)
Hemachromatosis (excess iron accumulation)
A research study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology in 2006 stated that NAFLD is commonly diagnosed in 84 to 96 percent of patients who are undergoing bariatric surgery. The study also recognized that the disease is most common in men but can increase with menopause in women.
Foods Which Can Lead to Fatty Liver Disease
High-Carbohydrate & Refined Foods
When we consume an excess of refined carbohydrates and other types of foods, insulin levels can spike significantly. Foods such as white bread and other carbs should be reduced or eliminated from your diet, even whole grains should be consumed in moderation as these can convert into sugar. Rice and corn should also be avoided. Insulin sensitivity is a major factor in the development of liver disease.
Sugary Beverages
Sports drinks, such as gatorade or powerade, soda, energy drinks and fruit juices, contain refined sugars and artificial sweeteners. When these substances are consumed in excess, they could eventually lead to fatty liver disease. The average 12-ounce can of soda, for instance, has about 10 teaspoons of sugar. The human body is not designed to be able to break down the elevated amounts of sugar the average American consumes on a daily basis and this can greatly impact the health of the liver. The average person consumes 20 tsp of sugar per day, equaling to about 66 pound of sugar per year.
The American Heart Association, or AHA, recommends that no more than 6 tsp of sugar per day for women and 9 tsp per day for men should be consumed. A child�s sugar intake should not exceed 3 tsp per day.
According to a research study conducted at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, refined sugars, particularly fructose, are suspected to be a common contributor to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Fructose has been demonstrated to cause extensive damage to liver cells. There have also been substantial connections between increased fructose consumption and obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance.
Processed Foods
Refined sugars, hydrogenated oils, convenience foods and lunch meats can be toxic to your body in the long run. Nitrates and nitrites, for instance, are commonly found in processed foods and they have been closely associated to the development of serious conditions, including cancer. The high fructose corn syrup found in processed foods is the single biggest cause of fatty liver disease. It’s essential that you eliminate these products from your diet to heal liver disease.
Foods Which Can Improve Fatty Liver Disease
A research study published in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry revealed that natural enzymes found in fruits and vegetables as well as in plant extracts and herbs, can be utilized traditionally to treat various liver diseases. It’s essential to add these foods into your everyday diet. Fruits and vegetables can be easily added into your diet through juicing.
When the proper function of the liver is impaired due to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and/or due to other liver conditions, juicing fruits and vegetables has the additional benefit of making these easier to digest for better absorption. Vegetables ideal for a liver detox include, kale, cabbage, lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, beets and celery.
Beets
Beets can naturally cleanse and purify the blood, boosting the function of the liver and increasing nutrient production in the body. Beets are also rich in antioxidants, folate, iron, fiber and betaine, a natural digestive enzyme. Beets are great additions to juicing recipes and can also be added into smoothies. You can also daily shred some beets and toss them into your salads.
Broccoli
Broccoli and other members of the cruciferous family, such as brussel sprouts, cauliflower, arugula, cabbage, collard greens, kale and bok choy, are rich in fiber and glucosinolates, which help the liver naturally cleanse the body of carcinogens and other toxins.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes, carrots, butternut squash and pumpkin are rich in beta-carotene, a natural anti-inflammatory. When an individual has a potassium deficiency, it can disrupt the proper function of the liver. �Sweet potatoes, which are naturally high in potassium, can be tremendously beneficial because they help support healthy liver function. One sweet potato contains nearly 700 milligrams of potassium. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins B6, C, D, magnesium and iron. These are also easy to eat because they�re naturally sweet and their sugars are slowly released into the bloodstream through the liver, preventing blood sugar spikes.
Lemons
Lemons are great for your liver. They provide a variety of antioxidants and can help the liver produce more enzymes to give you more energy and help with digestion. Lemons are also naturally rich in electrolytes. Although lemons are acidic, once they enter the body they become alkaline, which helps neutralize toxins and excrete wastes. Juice 1 fresh lemon, daily and drink it undiluted on an empty stomach every morning to enjoy its wonderful benefits.
Bananas
With about 470 milligrams of potassium, bananas can also be great for cleansing the liver as well as for overcoming low levels of potassium in the body. In addition, bananas can help with digestion, helping to release toxins and heavy metals from the body, decreasing the liver’s work load.
Garlic, Whole Cloves
Garlic is high in allicin and selenium, two fundamental nutrients for the liver. These function by cleansing and nourishing the entire body, especially the blood. Selenium is a naturally detoxifying mineral and allicin helps counter immune system invaders, also assisting to decrease the load on the liver. Garlic also activates enzymes in the liver which aid digestion and flush out toxins. Use whole garlic cloves instead of processed minced garlic or powder.
Ginger Root
Ginger has powerful anti-inflamatory properties and it’s also an excellent antioxidant. For people diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, consuming ginger can be fundamental. Ginger root can also drastically lower blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance and elevated glucose levels are major factors in the development of NAFLD. You can make ginger tea by boiling slices of ginger in green tea or water. You can also add ginger to a stir-fry, salad or smoothie.
Leafy Greens
Consuming leafy greens are a huge part of a balanced nutrition as these can be beneficial for just about any type of health issue. Spinach, kale, chard, romaine, arugula, and collards are all some of the most nutrient dense leafy greens to enjoy. These are rich in chlorophyll, which assists in liver function by purifying the blood, alleviating toxins, decreasing inflammation and promoting the healing of wounds. Chlorophyll is also amazing at neutralizing heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and even pesticides that can burden liver function.
Supplements Which Can Improve Fatty Liver Disease
Dandelion Root
Dandelion root contains vitamins and nutrients which are important to help cleanse the liver in order to allow it to keep functioning properly. Dandelions have also been known to aid the digestive system by maintaining the proper flow of bile. Dandelion root is a natural diuretic and it allows the liver to eliminate toxins effectively. Dandelion stems which can be brewed in a tea are also rich in vitamin C, which can help with mineral absorption, reduces inflammation and prevents the overall development of many diseases.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is a powerful detoxifier, aiding and supporting proper liver function. This supplement helps rebuild liver cells and removes toxins from the body which have been processed through the liver. According to a research study published in Digestive Diseases and Sciences, milk thistle has the power to improve mortality rates in patients with liver failure as it is capable of naturally reversing the harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption and that of pesticides in our food, heavy metals in water supply, pollution in the air we breathe in and even poisons. A 2010 study showed that milk thistle benefits treatments of alcoholic liver disease, acute and�chronic viral hepatitis as well as toxin-induced liver diseases.
Vitamin D
Recent research studies have shown that vitamin D deficiencies can often lead to NAFLD, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Vitamin D deficiency has also been demonstrated to cause severe cases of NAFLD, including serious liver inflammation and liver fibrosis, or hardening of the liver. The research study also revealed that vitamin D deficiencies can lead to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. All of these factors can additionally play a considerable role in the development of peripheral neuropathy. Optimal vitamin D levels should be between 70-100 ng/ml for overall health and wellness.
Curcumin
Curcumin is the active component of turmeric and it’s considered to be the most powerful herb on the planet, effectively helping to treat and reverse disease naturally. Currently, there are over 6,000 published articles emphasizing on the amazing health benefits of curcumin. Other research studies have also demonstrated that curcumin could prevent the progression of liver disease, helping to reduce the inflammation of the liver and the body alike.
Black Seed Oil
Black seed oil can help speed up the healing process of people with fatty liver disease. A research study published in the European Review for Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences measured black seed oil�s ability to restrict liver oxidative stress markers. The results of the research study indicated that black seed oil can benefit liver disease patients because it�s capable of decreasing issues associated with the gradual progression of liver disease.
Maintaining a healthy and balanced nutrition is the best course of action to treat fatty liver disease. Many people with liver disease are overweight and malnourished. A healthy diet can provide the body with essential vitamins and nutrients needed for the body to function. Weight loss along with a balanced diet can be an effective treatment for fatty liver disease as well. Exercising regularly for a minimum of 30 minutes a day and eating a healthy plant-based diet can ultimately help your overall well-being.
Can Fatty Liver Disease Cause Peripheral Neuropathy?
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, is considered to be the most common liver disorder in the western region . It�s recognized as one of the most common forms of chronic liver disease across the world.
A research study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology in 2003 reported a connection between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and peripheral neuropathy. The research revealed that 73 percent of people with NAFLD could develop peripheral nerve damage leading to the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
As if the development of peripheral neuropathy wasn’t bad enough, scientific evidence demonstrated that the longer you have NAFLD, the more likely it is to progress into liver fibrosis, or the accumulation of abnormal fibrous tissue, cirrhosis, or the accumulation of scar tissue in the liver, and NASH, or severe liver inflammation and cell damage.
Although, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is most likely to occur in people who are overweight with metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes, recently there are more and more cases of children with NAFLD. This is a direct result of the standard American diet. Pediatric NAFLD has been reported in children as young as 3 years old.
If you have been diagnosed with NAFLD or are overweight, suffer from metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance or diabetes, it�s important to take action. The good news is, the liver is the only organ capable of fully regenerating itself. As long as at least 15 percent of your liver is working and functioning properly, your body can repair and regenerate your liver.
Liver disease is commonly diagnosed in people due to excessive alcohol consumption. While this instance can cause an accumulation of fats within liver tissue, each year, more adults even children are diagnosed with a specific type of condition, referred to as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. NAFLD can occur for a variety of reasons.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Neck pain is characterized as the most prevalent symptom after being involved in an automobile accident. During an auto collision, the body is exposed to a sheer amount of force due to the high speed impact, causing the head and neck to jolt abruptly back-and-forth as the rest of the body remains in place. This often results in the damage or injury of the cervical spine and its surrounding tissues, leading to neck pain and other common symptoms associated with whiplash-related disorders.
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