Hepatitis C is the most
common cause of cirrhosis.

What Is Cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is a disease characterized by inflammatory destruction of the liver. Fatty deposits and scar tissue build up over time destroying normal liver cells and thereby normal liver function. Cirrhosis is a chronic, permanent and irreversible condition. The aim of treatment is to delay or stop the progression of liver cell damage and to treat the problems experienced by the sufferer.

What Causes Cirrhosis?

Most people believe that alcohol abuse is the most common cause of cirrhosis, but hepatitis C is now the most common cause of cirrhosis. Other causes include:

• alcohol abuse
• Hepatitis B and D
• congestive heart failure
• end-stage syphilis
• flatworm infestation
• cystic fibrosis
• hemochromatosis and Wilson's disease
• Toxin overload from environmental chemicals
• Drug abuse, prescription, over-the-counter and street drugs

What are the symptoms of cirrhosis?

In the early stages you probably won't have symptoms but as cirrhosis progresses you may:

• feel tired or weak
• lose your appetite
• feel sick to your stomach
• lose weight
• You may bruise or bleed easily, or have nosebleeds.
• Bloating or swelling may occur as fluid builds up in the abdomen or legs.
• Medications may have a stronger effect on you because your liver does not break them down as quickly.
• Waste materials from food may build up in the blood or brain and may cause confusion or difficulty thinking.
• Blood pressure may increase in the vein entering the liver, a condition called portal hypertension.
• Enlarged veins (varices) may develop in the esophagus and stomach. Varices can bleed suddenly, causing vomiting of blood or passing of blood in a bowel movement.
• The kidneys may not work properly or may fail.

If you are experiencing these symptoms or think you might be developing cirrhosis, see your doctor immediately! The earlier this disease is diagnosed the better your chances of controlling liver damage and preserving liver function.

Additional Information:Read an informative pamphlet a unique botanical blend that promotes comprehensive liver health!

Discover A Unique botanical blend, promotes comprehensive liver health!

Nutritional Approaches To Cirrhosis

Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements for Cirrhosis:

• Digestive Enzymes:Plant-based digestive enzymes to optimize digestion of all the foods you eat. Look for enzymes that are acid resistant and survive stomach acid without synthetic enteric coatings. Be sure the supplement is complete.
• Essential Fatty Acids: Both Omega-3 (fish oil) and Omega-6 (borage oil) are necessary to reduce inflammation. Look for an Omega-3 that is pharmaceutical grade to be sure it is not contaminated with heavy metals or environmental pollutants. These contaminates stress the liver. It may be necessary to take these oil supplements with digestive enzymes to aid absorption.
• Fiber: Both soluble and insoluble fiber are important. Soluble fiber pulls toxins from the body and insoluble fiber promotes waste removal from the body.
• Probiotic: These are the "good" bacteria that live in our digestive tract and assist in food digestion, improved immune function and vitamin production. Look for one that guarantees the delivery of live cultures to the gut.
• Herbs: Look for a botanical blend that promotes comprehensive liver health. Plant-based healers such as milk thistle seed extract, dandelion, and turmeric help flush out toxins, thwart free radicals, and support liver regeneration. Reishi mushrooms have been shown to offer immune support.
• Vitamins and Minerals:
  • Balanced, bioavailable, natural B-Complex
  • Vitamin C - natural, sustained release vitamin C to ensure that your body has access to this vital nutrient all day long. Some experts suggest 2,000 to 3,000 mg. a day in divided doses.
  • Vitamin E - look for naturally occurring tocopherols. Natural vitamin E is more biologically active than synthetic vitamin E.
  • Selenium: low selenium levels may worsen the toxic effects of alcohol on the liver.
  • Zinc - 200 different enzymes in your body depend on zinc. Their functions range from making genetic materials, DNA and RNA, to helping with the metabolism of fatty acids.
• CoQ10: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supports energy production in your cells. The liver is a major consumer of energy and needs additional support when afflicted with cirrhosis. CoQ10 is also a powerful antioxidant and will help protect liver cells from oxidative damage.

Diet Plan for Cirrhosis

Malnutrition is often a problem for people with cirrhosis because an important function of the liver is to convert food that we eat into stored energy needed by the body to function properly. Also, the liver is responsible for removing toxins from the body. For these reasons, eating a healthy diet is an important part of treatment for cirrhosis. To avoid malnutrition, it is important to maintain a well-balanced diet of 2,000 to 3,000 calories per day. (Calculate your healthy daily caloric need and BMI)

• Stop consuming alcohol even if your cirrhosis is not caused from alcohol abuse. Alcohol is a liver toxin.
• Your diet should be full of fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. The diet should contain as much raw food as possible. Many experts suggest juicing. Green leafy vegetables and beets would be the best choice for juicing. Use organic foods as much as possible to avoid the chemicals used in conventional food production.
• Eat small frequent meals. Remember your digestive enzymes to aid in nutrient absorption and to prevent bloating.
• Avoid eating raw oysters or other raw shellfish. Raw shellfish can harbor bacteria that cause severe infections in people with cirrhosis.
• Protein: According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, high-quality dietary protein may be particularly important for you if you have buildup of fluid in the abdomen or swelling of the feet, legs, or back. Protein also helps to repair muscle mass. However, too much protein can raise ammonia levels and trigger hepatic encephalopathy. The type of protein you eat, therefore, is very important. There is no limit on the amount of vegetable protein (such as soy) you can have in your diet, but you will likely need to restrict your intake of animal protein.
• Avoid eating sugar and white flour. Both are inflammation forming foods.

Unfortunately once you have cirrhosis, nothing can make the scar tissue go away completely. However, treating the cause and changing your lifestyle can keep cirrhosis from getting worse.

Solutions for Optimal Liver Health