Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver and very poor liver function. It occurs as a late stage of chronic liver disease.

Common Causes

• long term Hepatitis B and/or C infection
• long-term alcohol abuse.
• autoimmune inflammation of the liver (e.g., with lupus).
• medications.
• iron or copper excess (hemochromatosis and Wilson's disease)

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is usually suspected based on blood tests and history, and then confirmed by a liver biopsy.

Though a late stage of liver disease, there may still be areas of the liver that may be able to regenerate and recover, and even modest increases in liver function can result in marked clinical improvement.

Treatment

• Lifestyle

  All patients with cirrhosis can benefit from certain lifestyle changes.

  • Avoid Alcohol

    Stop drinking alcohol to prevent additional damage.

  • Avoid Painkillers

    Avoid Tylenol/acetaminophen ;to prevent additional damage.

  • Get Nutrients

    Eat a nutritious diet and take a good multivitamin (powder form is best).  

• Recommended Supplements

  • I defer to your physician to review the medical options in your case. Below are other natural therapies that may also assist in liver healing.

    Lipoic Acid

    Lipoic acid: 300 mg 2x day, though much higher doses may be used for more severe liver disease.

  • Milk Thistle

    Milk Thistle: 70-300 mg 3x day of a standard extract or 120 mg 2-3x day between meals if using a form bound to phosphatidyl choline (which is better absorbed).

  • Liver Extracts

    Liver extracts: 500-1,000 mg a day. Better yet, eat some liver (e.g., Pate, chopped liver, grilled liver and onions).

  • Berberine

    Berberine: 5-20 mg 3x day before meals can improve symptoms within a few days (by improving bile flow).

  • NAC

    N-Acetyl Cysteine 500-1,000 mg a day for 3 months. Helps raise glutathione levels.

• Other Therapies & Advice

  • Holistic Practitioners

    Work with a holistic practitioner to be sure you are not taking any herbs or medications that may be liver toxic (e.g., acetaminophen/ Tylenol and cholesterol-lowering medications can often cause liver inflammation).

More Information Online

• Reports of cases of herbal-induced hepatotoxicity (list of herbs associated with liver inflammation)