A cyst is the medical term used to describe a space of roundish or sac-like shape in some part of the body. It may be empty or contain watery or mucus types of fluid. It is not uncommon to find one or several small cysts in the liver when a patient has an ultrasound scan or CAT scan of the abdomen. Liver cysts are benign and do not turn into cancer.

The vast majority of these cysts are found by chance as they do not produce any symptoms. It is important to rule out Hydatid disease. which is caused by a parasite and occurs when humans ingest dog tape worm (Echinococcus granulose), which can invade the liver causing cysts. This may occur in areas where sheep and cattle raising are done. Hydatid cysts can be differentiated from simple cysts, which is important as they may require treatment to avoid rupture. Good standards of hygiene and regular worming of dogs can prevent these infections.

What causes cysts?

These “simple cysts” usually arise because a small area of liver cells die or degenerate. The most common cause is advancing years and poor diet and lifestyle. Sometimes these cysts can be full of “fatty material” in those with a fatty liver. These cysts do not represent liver disease because the liver, being such a huge organ, has plenty of other areas containing healthy cells to enable liver function to remain normal. However, you do not want these cysts to keep forming and take up too much room in your liver.

Are they common?

Solitary or multiple liver cysts are common, especially with advancing age – they have no special significance unless they are diagnosed as cancerous. Liver function is generally normal. Occasionally, these cysts may cause pain if they become too large, but for the most part they do not cause any particular symptoms.

Can they be cured?

If your doctor finds that you have one or several of these degenerative types of liver cysts (simple cysts), do not become alarmed. Obviously, you do not want to develop many more of these cysts and thankfully it is easy to stop them from multiplying. In many cases it is possible to gradually shrink the cysts using nutritional medicine.

Recommended books

• “The Liver Cleansing Diet”
• “Raw Juices Can Save Your Life”

Treatment

It is important with these conditions to have a strong functioning immune system – this can only come from having a strong functioning liver.

Diet

Follow the vital eating principles for a healthy liver found in “The Liver Cleansing Diet” book. Make these principles a way of life.

General recommendations

• Those with simple liver cysts should avoid all dairy products, which is easy to do on the Liver Cleansing Diet. Dairy products are mucus forming foods – this will exacerbate the cysts. Avoid sugar if you have fatty cysts in your liver.
• Avoid ALL margarines and similar type spreads containing hydrogenated vegetable oils. Avoid deep fried foods.
• Do not consume excessive alcohol.
• Drink 10 to 12 glasses of water or herbal teas each day.
• Avoid artificial sweeteners (see www.dorway.com). Use Stevia, the natural herbal sweetener if you wish to avoid sugar altogether.

Raw juicing

Raw juices are an incredibly powerful healing tool and can improve the function of the liver, bowels and kidneys. This increases the elimination of toxins and waste products from the skin. Appropriate juice recipes, like the ones below, can be found in the “Raw Juices Can Save Your Life” book.

Liver Tonic Juice

Ingredients

• 1 carrot
• 1 grapefruit
• 1 slice of fresh ginger
• 4.5 oz (125 g) cucumber – leave skin on
• 1 orange
• 2 dandelion or 2 cabbage leaves

Method

1. Wash, trim and chop all ingredients and process in juicer. Drink 2 to 3 small cups daily.

Liver Cleansing Juice

Ingredients

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

Method

1. Wash, trim and chop produce and process through juicer. This juice is high in Vitamin C and sulfur compounds to cleanse the liver.
2. 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.
3. Drink 250 to 500 ml (8 to 16 oz) daily.

Options

You may sweeten this juice by adding the following – strawberries, carrot and a small amount of beetroot.

Recommended supplements for liver cysts

• Livatone Plus Powder or Livatone Plus Capsules
  Take 1 teaspoon twice daily in water or juice or 2 capsules twice daily – Livatone Plus is the leading liver formula and contains a high dose of milk thistle, N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC), selenium, all B group vitamins, antioxidants and taurine all in one capsule.
• Serrapeptase
  2 to 4 capsules daily can break down cysts and scar tissue.
• MSM Plus Vitamin C
  In a dose of 1/2 teaspoon daily in water or juice is cleansing for the liver.

The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.