LIVER DYSFUNCTION
The liver is the largest solid organ in the body and is located underneath the ribs on the right upper abdominal area. The liver is the major detoxifying organ of the body and is also involved in digestion. It processes fats, proteins and sugars absorbed by the intestines and converts them into active forms usable by cells throughout the body. In addition, the liver stores Vitamin B-12, A and D, iron (as ferritin) and excess blood glucose (sugar) as glycogen. The liver is the only body organ that has significant ability to detoxify chemicals and prepare them for excretion by the kidneys or intestines.
Good liver function requires adequate nutrient intake and assimilation, as well as normal thyroid function. Factors that diminish liver function include viral hepatitis (Hepatitis B and C primarily), alcohol intake, drug abuse, chemical exposures (pesticides, herbicides, PCB’s, paints, solvents, etc.), pharmaceutical drugs (oral contraceptives, acetaminophen, cancer chemotherapy, anabolic steroids, cholesterol lowering ‘statin’ drugs), excess dietary fat and calories, “leaky gut” syndrome, Candida overgrowth, margarine and other unhealthy dietary fats.
Symptoms of a sluggish liver are numerous and may include PMS, food allergies, obesity, acne, high cholesterol, fatigue, depression, headache, dizziness, nausea, bad breath, constipation, bloating, greasy or light colored stools, gallbladder problems, achy muscles/joints, itching, peeling skin, burning feet, rashes, psoriasis, low blood sugar and chemical hypersensitivity. Standard liver function tests are often normal despite a low functioning liver. There are specialized tests designed to measure the liver’s ability to detoxify substances. Abnormal liver function can also be evaluated by electronic screening, kinesiology (muscle testing), and pulse and tongue diagnosis (Oriental medicine).
Fortunately, the liver has a great capacity to regenerate damaged cells. This is especially true if toxic influences are removed and the liver is given support with various supplements. A poorly functioning bowel that is leaking large molecular weight substances into the blood exposes the liver to a burden of detoxification that is cannot maintain. For this reason, bowel function should be evaluated and treated. Often, a fast on a low residue, hypoallergenic diet will allow the liver time to heal.
Supplements found to be helpful to the liver in healing include milk thistle, lipoic acid, catechin, various antioxidants (Vitamin C, E and glutathione), NAC (N-acetylcysteine) and the Ayurvedic herbal combination Liv. 52.
LIVER SUPPORT THERAPIES
Milk thistle – herbal therapy with impressive clinical
results for most liver problems. Look for capsules standardized
to 70% silymarin, the active ingredient. Take 140-210 mg
three times daily.
Lipoic acid (also called alpha-lipoic acid) is a potent
antioxidant. The dose is 600 mg daily.
Vitamin C in high doses (up to 50 grams intravenously!) is another potent antioxidant. Take as much as your bowels can tolerate. The buffered ascorbate form may be better tolerated at high doses.
NAC (N-acetylcysteine) is an amino acid derivative that has antioxidant, immune-enhancing and cholesterol-lowering effects. The dose varies depending upon the reason for taking it. Long-term use can leach zinc and copper so these should be supplemented (zinc 20 mg/day and copper 2 mg/day) if taking long term. For liver problems, take 200 mg twice/day.
Liver extract has been used successfully in treating chronic viral hepatitis. The dose is 500-1,000 mg daily of crude polypeptides.
Thymus gland extract has been successful in treating viral hepatitis. The dose is 750 mg of crude polypeptide fraction.
The diet should be low in saturated fats, simple carbohydrates (sugar, white flour, fruit juice, honey), fried oils and animal products. A high intake of vegetables is beneficial and helps eliminate bile acids, drugs and toxins.
Catechin is a flavonoid that has shown excellent benefit in chronic hepatitis but it will rarely cause autoimmune hemolysis (immune system attacks and destroys your bodies own red blood cells). Use with extreme caution.
Licorice is beneficial but may cause fluid retention, high blood pressure, and low potassium. The dry powdered extract (5% glycyrrhetinic acid) dose is 250-500 mg three times daily. Dosage for fluid extract is 2-4 ml 3x/day.
- Take Vitamin E 400-800 IU daily.
- Take selenium 200 mcg daily.
- Take glutathione 500 mg 3 times daily.
- Take grape-seed extract 100 mg 3 times daily for antioxidant protection.
If interested, ask about a liver flush drink and or Ultra Clear Detox program.
Daniel Blodgett MD