Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is the term used to describe the end stages of liver disease where chronic inflammation of liver cells has caused an extensive build up of scar tissue in the liver. Scar tissue is similar to collagen as it is tough fibrous tissue; this scar tissue gradually replaces damaged liver cells. This scar tissue is not functional and cannot do the work of liver cells. Cells in the liver known as stellate cells produce the scar tissue to protect themselves from the inflammation that is occurring in the liver. This inflammation is produced by free radicals generated by such things as viruses, toxins, excess iron, excess copper, unhealthy fats, alcohol, and some drugs. In autoimmune liver disease, your immune system produces antibodies that attack and damage liver cells.

A healthy liver does not have many stellate cells and thus excessive amounts of scar tissue are not produced. In contrast, in a liver that is chronically inflamed, the stellate cells become activated and they multiply and produce excessive scar tissue (hard fibrotic collagen). A cirrhotic liver is hardened with scar tissue, which reduces its blood supply. There is not enough healthy liver tissue remaining to perform the metabolic and detoxification processes that the liver must perform to keep the body healthy.

What causes cirrhosis?

Excessive alcohol consumption.
Chronic infection with the hepatitis B or C viruses.
Autoimmune liver conditions such as autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis.
Inherited metabolic disorders such as Wilson’s disease (copper overload) and hemochromatosis (iron overload).
Adverse reactions to some drugs.
Fatty Liver Disease.

What are the possible symptoms of cirrhosis?

Signs of advanced cirrhosis may include:

spider naevi – spider shaped capillaries on the skin
excessive bruising
vomiting blood
jaundice (yellow discoloration of skin and eyes)
altered liver size
enlarged spleen
clubbing of the ends of the fingers
ascites (fluid build up in the abdomen)
swelling of the limbs with fluid (edema)
a flapping tremor of the hands
mental confusion and disorientation
esophageal varices (swollen veins in the esophagus)

Treatment

To overcome these problems, drugs can only play a limited role that is mostly concerned with the control of symptoms. To treat the underlying causes we need to turn to the power of nutritional medicine. Over the past two decades there have been enormous advances in information in the scientific and medical literature linking incorrect nutrition to disease states. Most diseases are associated with nutritional imbalances. Dietary changes and the appropriate use of nutrients will reduce the risk of liver disease and are becoming increasingly important in the treatment of illness.

Recommended books

“The Liver Cleansing Diet”– This book provides vital information for supporting healthy liver cells.
“Raw Juices Can Save your Life” – Raw vegetable juices are a critical component of any nutritional program.
“Fatty Liver – You Can Reverse It”

Diet

Your diet should include plentiful vegetables and fruits, especially raw and fresh, stir fried or roasted.
Processed foods, hydrogenated vegetable oils, alcohol, tobacco and high sugar foods should be avoided.
If the patient is in “liver failure”, he/she should follow a low protein diet, which will produce less ammonia in the body. The build up of ammonia in the blood affects the brain badly causing mental confusion and cognitive impairment. Some protein can be obtained from vegetarian sources such as legumes, nuts and grains and seeds, as this does not build up ammonia levels as much as animal sources of protein. A poorly functioning liver cannot breakdown ammonia into urea and creatinine, which are easily excreted from the body via the kidneys.

Raw juicing

Raw juices can improve the function of the liver, bowels and kidneys and increase the elimination of toxins and waste products from the body.

Appropriate juice recipes found in the “Raw Juices Can Save Your Life” book are:

Liver Cleansing Juice

This juice is high in Vitamin C and sulfur compounds to cleanse the liver.

Ingredients

2 dandelion leaves or 2 spinach leaves or 2 large cabbage leaves
1/2 cup broccoli florets
1/4 cauliflower or 2 large Brussels sprouts
1 clove garlic or 1 small radish (optional)
1/2 cup parsley
1 apple, whole
1 lime or 1 lemon

Method

Wash, trim and chop produce and process through juicer.
This is a very strong mixture and may be diluted 1 part juice to 1 part water or you can dilute it with cold herbal or fruit flavored tea.
Drink 250 to 500 ml (8 to 16 oz) daily.

Liver Tonic Juice