November 5, 2024

What exactly is Liver Cirrhosis? Part 2

What exactly is Liver Cirrhosis? Part 2

Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

This is part 2 of our discussion on cirrhosis. If you haven’t read the first part I suggest you do that first since it will contain important background information. In this blog I will be reviewing complications of cirrhosis as well as things that can help with our overall liver health. Let’s get into it, shall we?

Cirrhosis can have very serious complications. To start with cirrhosis is a huge risk factor for liver cancer. It can also lead to multi-organ failure, including bone disease and even memory changes. Cirrhosis can also increase blood pressure and this can lead to varices (enlarged veins). This in turn can lead to increased risk of bleeding. Cirrhosis can also reduce your body’s ability to fight infections. Malnutrition can also occur. Cirrhosis can also affect the spleen. Lastly as I’ve stated cirrhosis can increase swelling in the legs and abdomen and even lead to jaundice. (1)

Unfortunately there is no way to reduce the scarring of the liver. It is therefore critical to reduce the risk factors for scaring and to work on the overall health of our liver.

Work on any underlying conditions such as NAFLD. Please see my blog on this topic. If you have any infections please work with your doctor to eliminate the infection. If you have an autoimmune disease it is always important to work with your doctor (and Invite nutritionist) to help keep your autoimmune disease under control.
Work on any life style changes you can. For example cut back on alcohol intake. It is also important to maintain a healthy weight since being overweight is a risk factor for NAFLD which in itself is a risk factor for cirrhosis. It is also important to incorporate healthy vegetables and proteins. (2) For help with increasing protein please see my blog on Invite’s Protein Powders which include Plant Protein and Whey Protein. For help increasing your vegetable intake take a look at Invite’s Organic Greens and Greens Hx.
Work on addressing symptoms caused by cirrhosis. Please see my blog on high blood pressure since cirrhosis can and does worsen blood pressure. Also take a look at my blogs on digestive health. And while I hate to toot my own horn as they say I also have a series on memory and brain health. Remember you can also call and talk to an Invite nutritionist and we can always review these topics in depth with you! I do want to take a moment to say if you begin to vomit blood at any time please go to the ER. This is a very dangerous complication. The same is true if there is blood in your stool.
Milk Thistle, according to Mount Sinai has been found in most studies to help improve liver function in those with cirrhosis. (3) Please see Invite’s Milk Thistle, Hepatox Hx and Daily Detox powder!
Turmeric has been found to have beneficial effects on several of the enzymes involved in cirrhosis. While more studies are needed what has been found so far is very promising. (4) Please see Invite’s Bio-Curcumin & 5-Loxin and our Turmeric with Ginger formula.
NAC has been found to be protective of the kidneys when you have cirrhosis. This is important because cirrhosis can affect the kidneys in the long term. (5) Please see Invite’s NAC and Detox Hx.
Catalase deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of NAFLD which as I have said is a huge risk factor for cirrhosis. (6) Please see Invite’s Catalase Hx.
Omega 3 supplementation has been found in studies to reduce the risk of liver disease. This is especially true for NAFLD in women and alcoholic associated liver disease. (7) Please see Invite’s Fish Oil and Krill Oil!