Liver Diseases

See also :

• Cirrhosis
• Liver Cancer - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
• Fatty Liver Disease (FLD)
• Hepatitis
• Liver Fibrosis
• Hepatomegaly
• Hepatosplenomegaly
• Jaundice
• Detox

Symptoms and Causes

Liver damage and cirrhosis is often presumed to be caused by  :

• drinking too much alcohol
• Prescription drugs
• Environmental exposures
• Chemical food additives
• Water impurities
• Household chemicals
• Pesticides
• Overuse of animal protein (if you're a meat eater, you'd better believe your liver is working overtime)

Home remedies

• Eat plenty of liver-rebuilding foods, including: carrots, beets, leafy greens, and other green vegetables.
• Lecithin seems to reduce the accumulation of fat in the liver of people who are being fed long-term through a needle in the vein (parenteral nutrition).
• Choline : Not getting enough choline may harm your liver.
• Milk Thistle may protect the liver against toxicity from acetaminophen (Tylenol), alcohol and other drugs. In Europe, milk thistle is reportedly administered to patients when they are given medications known to cause liver problems. There’s a compound in milk thistle that helps the liver regenerate its cells. Called silymarin, it’s a 2,000 year old secret to fighting liver damage.
• Dandelion : The Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism cited two studies that showed the liver regenerative properties of dandelion in cases of jaundice, liver swelling, hepatitis, and indigestion.
• Globe Artichoke contains compounds called caffeylquinic acids which have demonstrated powerful liver regenerating effects similar to milk thistle.
• Turmeric helps regenerate liver cells and cleanse it of toxins. Turmeric also increases the production of bile to help expel toxins and may help reduce liver inflammation. In studies turmeric has also been shown to increase levels of two liver-supporting enzymes that promote Phase 2 liver detoxification reactions.
• Walnut is recommended for patients with liver ailments (Liver Diseases).
• Whole Lemon-Olive Oil : Olive Oil increases the flow of bile from the liver. The lemon juice and olive oil combine together to flush toxins from the liver. Lymph will then be able to drain into the liver for processing and eliminating waste products.
• Siberian ginseng is one of only a handful of herbs that is an adaptogen, which means that it works to normalize bodily functions. It inhibits the adrenal stress response and works as an immune stimulant, particularly for fighting the effects of stress and depression. It aids the liver in detoxifying harmful toxins, including chemotherapeutic agents and radiation. Siberian ginseng also stimulates the activity of several immune system components: B and T cells, making it excellent for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and other viral infections.
• Royal Jelly is the natural result when bees combine honey and pollen. It is a powerhouse of B-complex vitamins. It also contains many other vitamins, minerals, hormones, enzymes, 18 amino acids, and natural antibacterial and antibiotic substances. It has traditionally been used to address bronchial asthma, pancreatitis, Liver Diseases, insomnia, Stomach Ulcers, Kidney Diseases, bone fractures, immune problems, and skin disorders, but royal jelly is also effective for increasing energy.
• Blueberry : new research show that blueberries could help relieve people suffering from liver damage or liver diseases – especially hepatic fibrosis : After studying two groups of rats, all with liver fibrosis, the scientists concluded that blueberries could reduce liver indices. The researchers showed a significant difference in the rats who ate blueberries compared to the group that didn’t eat any. The blueberries helped to decrease levels of malondialdehyde in liver homogenates.
• Licorice root works effectively in neutralizing strong chemicals that are found in the liver. It also stimulates positive reaction during the process of detoxification. Its extract is rich in glycyrrehntinic acid that also protects the liver from extreme damage.
• Eggs are a major source of the brain enhancing B vitamin choline. Choline also helps the liver detoxify correctly and increases fat-loss potential.
• Nettles are proven to reduce water retention, while strengthening the liver, adrenal glands (the glands that deal with stress and boost energy), and kidneys.
• In Chinese medicine honey is thought to harmonize the liver.
• Bentonite clay helps cleansing the liver, colon and skin.
• beetroot helps liver, kidney and bladder function.
• The consumption of Burdock Root benefits the health in many ways. Folk herbalists were convinced that burdock root worked best as a diuretic and diaphoretic.For several hundred years now, the burdock plant and burdock root have been used for purifying and flushing toxins from the blood stream.
• start every day with a large glass of water with the fresh juice of one-half to one lemon added. Lemon helps bolster you liver’s detoxification abilities.
• Sulfur : Eat lots of garlic, onions and broccoli since these foods contain sulfur that is required to increase the liver’s detoxification ability.
• Daikon (Raphanus sativus) is a Japanese root vegetable belonging to the cabbage family. It is called Japanese radish, white radish or Oriental radish. It has traditionally been used to aid digestion and protect the liver.
• Artichoke is good for the Liver Thanks to cynarin and another antioxidant, silymarin, artichokes are very beneficial to the liver. Studies have found they may even regenerate liver tissue. Artichokes have long been used in folk and alternative medicine as a treatment for liver ailments and the scientific studies are now proving them to be correct.
• N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)—A Godsend as an antioxidant! NAC helps powerfully support antioxidant activity in the liver. NAC also helps protect your liver from exposure to toxins and chemicals!
• Alpha lipoic acid (ALA)—Critical if you’re taking prescription drugs! ALA helps your liver quickly neutralize the effects of over-the-counter and prescription medicines by elevating levels of the liver-supportive enzyme called glutathione. What’s more, ALA can help promote normal levels of liver enzymes!
• Trimethylglycine (TMG)—Helps Improve liver function! In an Italian study, patients taking TMG experienced improved liver function, reduced fat in the liver and diminished abdominal pain. What’s more, several clinical trials show TMG can help support the normal repair and rejuvenation of liver cells!
• Olive Leaf—A natural immune booster! Scientists have identified a powerful immune-enhancing compound in olive leaf called “oleuropein.” When enzymes in the body metabolize oleuropein, you get a force field of immune system support. This is especially important for your liver and kidneys since they are constantly exposed to toxins and chemicals!
• Phosphatidylcholine—Helps prevent a “fatty” liver! This remarkable nutrient helps promote the suppleness of liver cells. What’s more, soy lecithin has been scientifically shown to remove fat accumulation and excess lipids from your liver that can make you feel sluggish!
• Chlorophyll cleanses the liver of heavy metals and chemical toxins, increases heart function, improves the vascular system, cleanses and improves the health of the intestines, uterus, and lungs. It is also a natural breath freshener and body deodorizer.
• Lecithin helps the liver emulsify fats.
• Avocado : Rich in glutathione-producing compounds, avocados actively promote liver health by protecting it against toxic overload, and boosting its cleansing power. Some research has shown that eating one or two avocados a week for as little as 30 days can repair a damaged liver.
• Grapefruit is rich in natural vitamin C and antioxidants, two powerful liver cleansers. Like garlic, grapefruit contains compounds that boost the production of liver detoxification enzymes. It also contains a flavonoid compound known as naringenin that causes the liver to burn fat rather than store it.
• Lemon helps to dissolve mucus, promotes bile production, aids digestion and breaks down fat.
• Green Tea is loaded with catechins, a type of plant antioxidant that has been shown in studies to eliminate liver fat accumulation and promote proper liver function. This powerful herbal beverage also protects the liver against toxins that would otherwise accumulate and cause serious damage.
• Mind/Body Approaches : Frequent episodes of anger, irritability, resentment and frustration, directed internally or externally, cause qi to stagnate in the liver and give rise to a range of health abnormalities. (Emotional detox)
• Turmeric (Curcuma longa) : A popular anti-inflammatory ingredient used in foods as well as anti-inflammatory herbal remedies, turmeric contains curcumin which showed promising potentials in protecting the liver against hepatotoxicty and liver diseases in several animal studies (such as this and this).
• Glutathione : Without enough of it, your liver cannot protect you from toxins, bacteria, and oxidative stress
• Jin Qian Cao (Herba lysimachiae) : In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jin Qian Cao, or literally gold coin grass, is used as a diuretic and to clear heat accumulated in the kidney, liver and gallbladder systems. It is also used in jaundice patients and those suffering from stones in their gallbladder, kidneys and bladder. Jin Qian Cao soaked in alcohol is also applied externally as a massage oil to relieve swelling, pain and bruises.
• Chanca Piedra (Phyllanthus niruri): is the equivalent of milk thistle but grows in the tropics instead of Europe. The herb shows comparable anti-hepatotoxicity effects to milk thistle in preclinical studies such as the one conducted by the University of Malaya. In the animal study, rats given either chanca piedra or milk thistle suffered significantly less carcinogen-induced liver damage than those that weren’t.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.