Do not SKIP your meals regularly!

 

For those who always skip meals, you should start kicking that unhealthy habit now!!
 

By skipping meals, most people believe you can get slimmer. Right?

In a starved mode, the blood sugar runs low. Ravenous eating follows to satisfy a bigger appetite.

Do not attempt to keep an empty stomach till lunch hours. After several hours of rest without food, breakfast becomes an most important meal for the body to recharge. Studies have shown that people who eat breakfast have a faster reaction time throughout the morning, and less midday fatigue than those who start their day with nothing or just coffee. There are few good reasons to have a good head-start.

(1) It has been observed the frequency of a sudden attack/death or stroke peaks between 6 a.m. and noon, with the highest incidence being between 8 am and 10 a.m. This significant change is likely due to the platelets (a blood component that prevents excessive bleeding with a cut but can lump together due to cholesterol or plaque buildup in the arterial lining) being most active during these hours and tend to form these internal blood clots at the greatest frequency.

It has been found that eating a light, very low-fat breakfast comprising low-fat milk/fat-free yogurt and orange juice is able to modify such platelet activation. A simple meal to include cereal with some fruits can help in warding off a potential heart attack or stroke as well.

(2) Research also showed that those who skip breakfast tend to develop gallstones in the later part of their life. Our liver produces biles overnite and store in the gall bladder waiting for food to be processed. When there is little or no food intake, the extra juice is left standing and when accumulated over time can crystallise to become gallstones.

(3) After waking, colon activity increases three folds, and food intake doubles that rate. This action creates a two hour window in which your chances for bowel movement are optimised and thus lesser chance of getting constipation.

More damaging effects.....

Are you aware that 2/3 of the world’s population is infected with Helicobacter plyori (HP) without their prior knowledge. HP is a powerful strain of bacteria that enters the body through interpersonal contact with saliva, faecal matter or water contamination. It is found that people who eat irregular meals are prone to contracting HP and gastritis. The frequency of about an hour delay from regular mealtime at least twice a week increases the chance of contracting HP by thrice.

Our stomach follows a normal rhythm of producing acid to help digest the food at regular mealtime. When there is any deviation, the acid is left standing and can corrode the stomach lining gradually. Repeated attempts can leave an open wound with swollen surrounding tissues. This becomes a good breeding ground for the foreign invader living on the mucous lining of the stomach or small intestine and causing further damage to both the lining and the mucous layer that protect against strong digestive acids and enzymes. As a result, the acid starts to digest the stomach itself and leads to peptic/ stomach ulcer and cancer may develop.

Hence the combination of external damage by this strong bacteria and internal damage by its own acid contribute to problems like gastritits and ulcer, which can be compounded with more serious ones developing like gallstones and stomach cancer. Research also found that HP presence in a significant number of people who have suffered heart attack. Watch symptoms like indigestion, abdominal pain, passing black stools, lower back pain, headaches, a choking sensation, itching, nauseating and vomitting.

Simple Stomach Acid self-test

When there is stomach pain, swallow a tablespoon of apple cidar vinegar or lemon juice:

* If the pain goes away, likely there is lack of acid in the stomach;

* If the pain persists or worsens, likely is an overly acidic stomach.

Remedial actions:

+ Take meals at regular timing;
+ The best meal layout is heavy breakfast, moderate lunch and light dinner.
+ Over the counter drugs can provide temporary relief by reducing the stomach acid but the damage tissue needs to be repaired.
+ Take lots of vegetables and veg juices (cabbage juice daily) as they contain Vitamin K, much lacking in people with digestive problems. Go for more soft foods like avocados, bananas, potatoes, squash and yams too.
+ Avoid caffeine or alcoholic beverages as they can irritate the stomach. Drinks lots of water to dilute stomach acid instead. Also avoid milk, sugar, fried foods, tea, chocolate, animal fats, salt, refined carbohydrates.


Conclusion

By not eating regularly and subjecting yourself to stress can only increase the stomach acid production. Most sufferers resort to taking antacids, aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to stave off the accompanying pains which do not solve the problems but increase stomach acidity further. Eating wisely and constantly is what all of us should strive for.

Sources: ST Mind your Body, Dec 9, 2010 and Prescription to Natural Healing



VIVA corner

VIVA Nutrazyme contains important enzymes that support the digestive system and helps in breaking down fats, proteins and carbohydrates effectively. This places lesser burden on the stomach and relieve symptoms.

VIVA Floraguard produces or preserves beneficial substances and essential nutrients, including lactic acid, digestive enzymes, essential fatty acids and vitamin B to stabilise the pH (due to too much acidity in the digestive tract) to aid in digestion and promote a healthy gastrointestinal tract.

VIVA Omega 3 provides the essential fatty acids to rebuild the membrance lining to protect the stomach and intestinal tract against further damage by the acid and bacteria.

Don’t EAT past 8 pm !

 

As the old saying goes: Do not eat past 8 pm or the food you eat will turn into body fat. Even if you have not had your dinner, skip it and avoid supper. If hunger pangs bit hard, snack with some healthy light refreshment to keep you resting well till the next available meal in the morning.

Researchers collected various data pointed to eating a late supper could possibly lead to weight gain. In totality, 90% of obesity is attributed to taking late dinner or supper in large portion or too rich foods. Even light foods take about 4 hours to be fully digested.

In one research, a comparison was even made on participants who took early and late supper. The late batch burned fewer calories on the late supper day than they did on the early supper day. Though the difference was merely about 50 calorie per day, this adds up to a weight gain of 5 lbs in a year’s time. Extrapolate over 10 years, one will balloon with an extra 50 lbs. The actual result can be worse because the participants reported being more hungry before and less satiated after the late supper than the earlier supper which could potentially lead to increased intake during the late meal.

As our body prepares for a good rest by unwinding with low activity level, lower metabolic rate is naturally registered. After a day of hard work, the accumulation of fatigue worsens metabolism. Hence, eating a late supper does not allow for much time to burn off the meal’s calories nor does it allow for time for the body to regulate the food that it just ingested prior to sleeping.

Health problems you may encounter on prolonged supper habit -

Diabetes

After a meal, our blood sugar rises. The pancreas has to release insulin to uptake the glucose from our blood and bring into the cells. An excessive rise in both glucose and insulin put pressure on the body to work harder. Together with more free fatty acids (fats in the blood) on frequent indulgence may lead to insulin resistance and diabetes.

High blood pressure/cholesterol

Slower blood circulation causes more arterial deposits. This causes the heart to pump harder to penetrate the blocked vessel which may reduce its elasticity or rupture the inner lining. Too much deposits can lead to plaque formation, or hardening of the arteries. When the coronary arteries that carry oxygen and nutrients to heart muscle become obstructed, the flow of blood is cut off completely, giving rise to a heart attack.

Fatty Liver

A build-up of cholesterol as lipids and proteins cannot be properly broken down. This is further compounded with liquor drinking.  Do your body a favor by freeing up your liver to perform its daily detox duties (especially around 11 pm to 1 am) whilst you are getting a good night’s rest.

Colon cancer

A diet high in saturated animal fat and low in fiber can cause sluggish colon movement and traps unbroken proteins facilitating thriving bacteria to produce toxins. A small growth on the bowel wall known as a colorectal polyp marks the beginning. If left unattended, it can grow into the muscle layers underneath, and then through the bowel wall, giving rise to colorectal cancer.

Insomnia/Neurotic disorders

As the other digestive organs are still busy working, the brain is unable to rest. The brain cells can be deprived of oxygen as it is directed elsewhere, leading to premature deaths and thus accelerated aging. A disturbed mind promotes bad dreams and insomnia as well. To keep energy levels steady throughout the day can be a real problem then.

Other comments

Eat lesser if you are famished in the midst of the night and the hunger pang bites so hard that sleeping is impossible. Opt for healthy snacks like skim milk, nuts, lean proteins, good fats and lots of vegetables (fiber to feel full). This is especially helpful for those who do late workouts and need to rebuild their muscles with good proteins.

To stay fit and healthy, no more unhealthy foods after 8 pm. It is wiser to eat breakfast like a king and dinner like a pauper. Supper should be totally out!

Does your fart stinks?

What is gas?

Flatulence is the state of having excessive stomach or intestinal gas. This can result in uncomfortable feelings of bloating, as well as increased burping or passing of gas from the rectum. Most people produce about 1-3 pints of gas a day, and pass gas about 14 times a day. So do not be shy if you happened to pass out some gas uncontrollably in a gathering.

History has numerous anecdotal accounts of flatulence, including Hippocrates himself professing, “Passing gas is necessary to well-being.” The Roman Emperor Claudius equally decreed that “all Roman citizens shall be allowed to pass gas whenever necessary.” Having said that, it is embarrassing if your gas stinks! This is the reason why people are seeking medical help.

Composition of gas

The primary components of gas are five odorless gases: nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, methane and oxygen. The odor in smelly farts can be attributed to the presence of other gases such as sulfates - specifically hydrogen sulphur, methanethiol and dimethyl sulphur. For some people, the flatulence can be as bad as ‘rotten eggs’ or ‘decomposing vegetables’. For others, it can be ‘sweet and scented.’ The mix of gases can determine the odour and intensity. Women’s gas contains higher concentrations of hydrogen sulphur which gives off a bad odour than men.

About 90% of the food intake should be completely processed in the small intestine, with a higher percentage not treated likely due to a shortage or absence of certain enzymes there. An estimated 30-150 grams of this undigested food should reach the colon in the form of carbohydrate daily. At this last phase, the friendly bacteria takes over the task of breaking down the food, producing hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane in some cases before expelling out of the rectum.

Causes

+ Excessive gas in the digestive tract can occur with improper swallowing of air while eating or out of habit unconsciously. Activities that cause a person to swallow air include rapid drinking, chewing gum, use of tobacco products, sucking on hard candy, drinking carbonated beverages, loose dentures, and hyperventilation (rapid or deep breathing). Most people burp to expel this excess swallowed air. Any remaining gas moves through the small intestine to be expelled through the rectum.

+ When the gases remain in the digestive system for an extended period, the bacteria within the intestines begin to add sulfates to the gases. This adds a foul smell to an otherwise odorless gas.

+ When your intestinal bacteria breaks down fermentable fibers and undigested starches the gas byproducts take a back-door exit. Some trigger foods are as follows:

• Beans: Beans contain large amounts of the complex sugar known as raffinose. Smaller amounts are found in cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus and in other vegetables and whole grains.
• Starches: Most starches found in potatoes, corn, noodles and wheat produce gas when they are broken down in the large intestine. Rice is an exception that does not cause gas.
• Onions: The sugar known as fructose occurs naturally in onions, artichokes, pears and wheat. It is also used as a sweetener in some soft drinks and fruit beverages.
• Dark beer and red wine
• Sorbitol: This sugar is found naturally in fruits including apples, pears, peaches and prunes. It is commonly used as an artificial sweetener in sugar-free gum, candy and other diet products.
• Fiber: Many foods contain soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber found in oat bran, beans, peas and most fruits is not easily broken down but dissolves easily in water and takes on a soft, gel-like texture in the intestines. Upon reaching the large intestine, its digestion causes gas. On the other hand, insoluble fiber like wheat bran and some vegetables passes essentially unchanged through the intestines and produces little gas.
• Sulphur-releasing foods like eggs and broccoli are especially hard to break down.

 Fats and proteins are known to cause little gas. However for some individuals, consuming gluten-containing products such as rye, barley and wheat can cause gluten-intolerance and Celiac Disease, characterized by carbohydrate mal-absorption, vitamin deficiencies, severe abdominal pain or bloating.

+ A typical problem of most Asians is lactase deficiency, which results in a decreased ability to digest lactose, a natural sugar found in milk and other dairy products such as cheese, ice cream and in certain processed foods such as bread, cereal and salad dressing. As such, the leftovers remain undigested in the digestive system which are then acted upon by bacteria leading to smelly farts. 

Some of the symptoms associated with this condition include flatulence, bloating, watery diarrhea, cramping and loose stools. If you are suffering from lactase deficiency, you may either get rid of dairy products from your diet or take digestive enzymes to solve the problem. Note that aging causes a dip in enzyme levels and increasing amounts of gas after eating food containing lactose.

+ Other problems: Certain conditions can result in other foods being poorly absorbed in the GI tract, allowing for increased bacterial activity.

• Mal-absorption syndromes can be the result of decreased production of enzymes by the pancreas or problems with the gallbladder or lining of the intestines.
• If transit through the colon is slowed down for any reason, bacteria have increased opportunity to ferment remaining material. If a person is constipated or has decreased bowel function for any reason, flatulence can follow.
• While a small amount of yeast in the intestinal tract is normal, too much yeast can lead to some complications. For instance, Candida is a life-saving mechanism that is naturally present in the digestive tract. However, Candida can be stimulated, under certain conditions, to transform into harmful fungus. This fungus grows in the form of minute filaments, with the roots penetrating into body organs and tissues. If you are passing more gas than normally expected, you might be having an overgrowth of this yeast. 
• Change in bowel habit due to poor dietary fiber, drug medications, sickness, poor thyroid function.

Recommendations

+ Try a week of gas-free diet

-  Avoid plant food mentioned above
-  Take more meat, fish and easy-to-digest carbs eg. rice, gluten-free bread, tomato, lettuce, grapes, ginger, peppermint, cinnamon, cherries.
-  Reintroduce food avoided one by one to see which is the culprit.

+ Stop taking sugar alcohols

Three common sugar substitutes namely – sorbitol, mannitol and maltitol, always added into protein shakes and sugar-free gum, have been tweaked chemically so that they are not completely absorbed by the small intestine. It takes less than 10g of sorbitol to increase your gas output and risk of diarrhoea.

+ Increase intake of digestive enzymes

- A good formula contains few types of enzymes to help in breaking down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars. This allows better absorption in your small intestine where most of the foods should be processed. With less remnants to be treated at the colon, less gas is produced correspondingly.

- Friendly bacteria lining the gastrointestinal tract aids in the absorption of food and water. However, invasion by external bacteria, viruses and parasites can block this passage and cause diarrhoea. Thus, having adequate flora can prevent flatulence problem. You can observe that foods that produce gas in one person may not cause gas in another. Why? Some common bacteria in the large intestine can destroy the hydrogen that other bacteria produce. The balance of the two types of bacteria may explain why some people have more gas than others.

 

Whether you are prone to constipation or diarrhoea both conditions point to abnormal movement (too slow or too fast) of the intestines, which results in longer fermentation time and poorer indigestion respectively.

 

Research showed approximately 80% of the intestinal flora passes out with the stool each time. Thus constant replenishment is crucial for a healthy digestive system.

 

Close observation...

 

If it is accompanied by severe weight loss (more than 5% of your original weight in a month), stinky farts could point to mal-absorption of nutrients and/or coeliac disease, a severe form of gluten intolerance, where the immune system responds by damaging the lining of the intestines, according to the US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

 

As the symptoms of coeliac disease are similar to a number of digestive tract conditions, consult a gastroenterologist (a doctor who specialises in digestive tract disorders) for a blood test or biopsy to diagnose the condition.

Let go the gas as and when is necessary.  By not doing so, it is reabsorbed into the bloodstream and the toxins may penetrate into our living cells and cause damage.

 

VIVA corner

Taking sufficient amount of prebiotics and probiotics daily is of paramount importance to a balanced and healthy gastrointestinal system. VIVA Floraguard is an enhanced formula that provides 10 billion CFU per serving of five strains of friendly bacteria that guard the entire gut. It contains prebiotics such as inulin, brewers' yeast and B complex to provide food source for the growth of probiotics. Most products in the market contain only probiotics that offer protection to the lower gut only.  As such it is capable of breaking up the bubbles and gases that built up in the entire digestive system.

For those with weak digestive system, add VIVA Nutrazyme where enzymes like lactose can help to break down milk sugar, and amalyse to break down carbohydrate into simple sugar in the stomach. This accelerated action assists in taking the workload off the small intestine.

Kidney STONES and Kidney FAILURE

Our two kidneys varying from 3 to 7 inches in length and weighing some 154g each are located near the spine midway down the back. Each kidney filters about 189 litres of blood, concentrated fluid and waste products into about 1 litre of urine per day.

Our body is capable of surviving on one kidney. Hence, having ONE kidney is sufficient for this primary task to be performed.

Vital functions

The kidneys perform important functions like:

-  Eliminate toxins, extra minerals and extra body fluid
-  Regulate salt (potassium and sodium), water and acid balance in the body
-  Produce hormones and vitamin D to regulate blood pressure
-  Ensure healthy bone respectively and
-  Produce red blood cells to enable circulation of oxygen throughout the body.


KIDNEY FAILURE

Causes

Kidney failure is a severe condition whereby a kidney is rendered totally damaged and another functions below 30% its normal capacity.

Diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes of kidney failure. In Singapore the statistics showed 500 new cases are diagnosed yearly, out of which half is caused by diabetes and 9% by hypertension. 20-30% of the diabetic patients develop kidney disease over a mean duration of 15 years.

Other possibilities include: damage by exposure to certain drugs or toxins, including heavy metals, solvents, chemotherapy agents, snake or insect venom, poisonous mushrooms and pesticides.

Renal failures can also accompany or result from many other disorders, such as congestive heart failure, liver disease, lupus and sickle-cell anemia.

Hypertension can cause kidney disorders and vice versa. 

-  High pressure in the blood vessels of the kidneys cause them to become thickened and rigid.  As blood supply is reduced, this organ is unable to function properly.  Salt is retained,, which causes the body to hold fluid, putting a burden on the heart.
-  The decrease in blood supply also results in dysfunction of kidney tissue, which leads to further decline of kidney function. It may occur with total kidney failure when blood pressure is no longer controllable.

Symptoms

There may be no symptom or few presenting at the same time. Possible ones include:

• a reduced amount of urine
• swelling of your legs, ankles and feet from retention of fluids caused by the failure of your kidneys to eliminate water waste
• unexplained shortness of breath
• excessive drowsiness or chronic fatigue
• persistent nausea
• confusion
• pain or pressure in your chest
• seizures
• coma

Diagnostic tests

Kidney failure can be diagnosed by conducting blood and urine test.

- For blood test, kidney failure can be reflected by the level of waste products, both Creatinine (over 0.6-1.2 mg/dl) and blood urea nitrogen, BUN (over 7-20 mg/d).

- Urine test measures the leakage of protein from the kidney to the urine.

++  BUN is a waste product derived from protein breakdown in the liver. A rise in BUN level can be caused by gout, excessive protein intake, kidney damage, drug diuretics, low fluid intake, intestinal bleeding, exercise, heart failure or decreased digestive enzyme production by the pancreas. Conversely, a decrease is due to inadequate protein intake, malabsorption or liver damage.

++  Creatinine is also a protein breakdown product. Though its level tends to be higher for those with more muscle mass, it can also indicate kidney damage for those not involved in sporting activities. Low levels can be seen in those with inadequate protein intake, liver disease, kidney damage or pregnancy.

A high BUN/creatinine ratio may indicate dehydration, poor blood circulation in the kidneys, urinary tract obstruction, prostatic enlargement, high protein diet.

++  Albumin is a protein produced in the liver and appears abundantly in the blood to protect tissues from free radicals. It binds waste products, toxins and dangerous drugs that might damage the body and transports vitamins, minerals and hormones.

The first sign of diabetic kidney disease is the appearance of abnormal amount of albumin in the urine known as microalbuminuria (normal less than 30mg). Need to take the albumin/creatinine ratio to detect any abnormality.

One important symptoms of kidney problem is edema. Edema results when the kidney produces less urine because they are unable to properly excrete salt and other wastes, and fluids build up in the body. Ankles and hands may swell, and the person is short of breath. Other symptoms are like abdominal pain, appetite loss, back pain, chills, fever, bloating, nausea, urinary urgency and vomiting. The urine may be cloudy or bloody. Back pain may be sudden and intense, occurring just above the waist and running down the groin.

If the early diabetic disease remains untreated, it can progress and develop into macro-albumininuria (less than 300 mg) or proteinuria. At this stage, the patient starts to develop high blood pressure and the kidneys begin to fail. Do not wait till the day dialysis treatment is required.


Treatment

 At an advanced stage, symptoms are headache, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, convulsions, coma and death. Without treatment, failure of both kidneys can be fatal in merely 2-3 weeks.
 
1.  A dialysis machine takes over the role of filtering and purifying the blood of accumulated waste products. Treatment is carried on 2-3 times weekly with each session lasting up to 10 hours. Meanwhile, a low potassium, low salt diet has to be strictly adhered to. Most patients are able to lead productive lives.

2.  Kidney transplant may be better for patients with chronic kidney disease so that dialysis is no longer required. A compatible donor with two healthy kidneys is required. However the surgery may not be successful at times. Immunosuppressive drugs have to be taken after the surgery which have their own side effects.


KIDNEY STONES


Kidney stones are made of salts and minerals in the urine that stick together to form hard, crystalline mineral material within the kidney or urinary tract. They can be as small as grains of sand or as large as golf balls. They are a common cause of blood in the urine and often severe pain in the abdomen, flank or groin.


Who are the sufferers?

One in every 20 people develops a kidney stone at some point in their lifetime.

Kidney stones occur more frequently in men. The prevalence of kidney stones rises dramatically as men enter their 40s, and it continues to rise into their 70s. For women, the prevalence of kidney stones peaks in their 50s. Once a person gets more than one stone, others are more likely to develop.

A small number of pregnant women (about one out of every 1,500-3,000 pregnancies) develop kidney stones, and there is some evidence that pregnancy-related changes may increase the risk of stone formation. Factors that may contribute to stone formation during pregnancy include a slowing of the passage of urine due to increased progesterone levels and diminished fluid intake due to a decreasing bladder capacity from the enlarging uterus.

Symptoms

Kidney stones often cause no pain while they are in the kidneys, but they can cause sudden, severe pain as they travel from the kidneys to the bladder. Symptoms and signs include excruciating, cramping pain in the lower back and/or side, groin or abdomen as well as blood in the urine. It may be so severe that it is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting and has been described by many as the worst pain of their lives.

If infection is present in the urinary tract along with the stones, there may be fever and chills. Sometimes, symptoms such as difficulty urinating, urinary urgency, penile pain, or testicular pain may occur due to kidney stones.

Causes

+ Kidney stones form when a change occurs in the normal balance of water (usually when there is a decrease in urine volume), salts, minerals and other substances found in urine. About 75% of kidney stones are calcium stones, as a result of calcium in combination with either oxalate or phosphate.  Foods containing high oxalic acid like Coca-Cola, tea, beer, coffee, grape juice and spinach cause calcium to leech from the bones. Sugary foods stimulate the pancreas to release insulin, which causes extra calcium to be excreted in the urine.

+ Other chemical compounds that can form stones in the urinary tract include uric acid and the amino acid cystine. Uric acid kidney stones are more common in people with chronically elevated uric acid levels in their blood. Excessive intake of animal protein has damaging effect as it causes the body to excrete calcium, phosphorus and uric acid. 

+ Dehydration through reduced fluid intake and strenuous exercise without adequate fluid replacement increase the risk of kidney stones. Climate may be a risk factor for kidney stone development, since residents of hot and dry areas are more likely to become dehydrated and susceptible to stone formation.

+ People with certain medical conditions, such as gout, and those who take certain medications eg. some diuretics, calcium-containing antacids, and the protease inhibitor indinavir (Crixivan), a drug used to treat HIV infection.

+ Kidney stones can also result from infection in the urinary tract known as infection stones. Metabolic abnormalities, including inherited disorders of metabolism, can alter the composition of the urine and increase an individual’s risk of stone formation.

 

+ Calcium supplementation from bone-meal, coral, oyster shell and dolomite are generally known as non-food source of calcium, due to their low bio-availability and poor assimilation in the body, making it hard for digestion and absorption. Prolonged usage may lead to the formation of gallstones and kidney stones. Such calcium are cheaply available but not safe as the significant amount of lead present poses a health risk.

+ Calcium stones often run in the family because the tendency to absorb too much calcium is hereditary. Those who have developed kidney stones and treated should be careful as the risk of occurrence is high.

Prevention

Rather than having to undergo treatment, it is best to avoid kidney stones in the first place when possible. Drinking more water constantly helps, since low fluid intake and dehydration are major risk factors for kidney stone formation. Also holding back urine is bad for the organ.

Depending on the cause of the kidney stones and an individual’s medical history, dietary changes or medications are sometimes recommended to decrease the likelihood of developing further kidney stones. If one has passed a stone, it can be particularly helpful to have it analyzed in a laboratory to determine the precise type of stone so specific prevention measures can be considered.

Recent research done showed that taking right calcium-rich foods or calcium supplements extracted from vegetables can prevent calcium stones because they can bind with oxalates and expel in the stool. This cleared the misunderstanding that excessive intake of calcium causes kidney stones when in fact taking too little calcium and oxalic acid are the main culprits. 99% of our calcium is stored in the bones and teeth and our body draws down when the calcium in the blood is insufficient for its normal functioning. Over a period of time, the bones can turn brittle if calcium level in the bones is not restored (leading to osteoporosis or bone spur)

Diabetic sufferers should avoid milk products and concentrate on calcium supplement.

Always keep pH in the urine alkaline to prevent substances from suspending in the renal area. However, note that the chance of bacteria thriving in such an environment is higher. Taking Vitamin C sporadically can alleviate the situation.

Treatment

Most kidney stones eventually pass through the urinary tract on their own within 48 hours, with ample fluid intake and controlling the symptoms. Pain medications can be prescribed for symptom relief.

There are several factors which influence the ability to pass a stone like the size of the person, prior stone passage, prostate enlargement, pregnancy, and the size of the stone. A 4 mm stone has an 80% chance of passage, while a 5 mm stone has a 20% chance. Stones larger than 9-10 mm rarely pass on their own and usually require treatment.

Symptoms to observe:

Changes in your urinary function: The first symptom of kidney disease is changes the amount, frequency of your urination. There may be an increase or decrease in amount and/or its frequency, especially at night. It may also look more dark colored. You may feel the urge to urinate but are unable to do so when you get to the restroom.

Difficulty or pain during voiding : Sometimes you have difficulty or feel pressure or pain while voiding. Urinary tract infections may cause symptoms such as pain or burning during urination. When these infections spread to the kidneys they may cause fever and pain in your back.

Blood in the urine: This is a symptom of kidney disease which is a definite cause for concern. There may be other reasons, but it is advisable to visit your doctor in case you notice it.

Swelling : Kidneys remove wastes and extra fluid from the body. When they are unable to do so, this extra fluid will build up causing swelling in your hands, feet, ankles and/or your face.

Extreme fatigue and generalized weakness : Your kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin which helps make red blood cells that carry oxygen. In kidney disease lower levels of erythropoietin causes decreased red blood cells in your body resulting in anemia. There is decreased oxygen delivery to cells causing generalized weakness and extreme fatigue.

Dizziness & Inability to concentrate : Anemia associated with kidney disease also depletes your brain of oxygen which may cause dizziness, trouble with concentration, etc.

Feeling cold all the time : If you have kidney disease you may feel cold even when in a warm surrounding due to anemia.

Pyelonephritis (kidney infection) may cause fever with chills.

Skin rashes and itching : Kidney failure causes waste build-up in your blood. This can causes severe itching and skin rashes.
Conclusion 
Prevention is better than the cure. 10 best ways to fight kidney failure and stones
1.  Avoid holding back urine.
2.  Maintain good hydration to enable toxins and wastes to be entirely flushed out.
3.  Cut down on sugar intake to reduce the burden of the kidneys
4.  Reduce animal proteins as they boost metabolic load on kidneys
5.  Reduce excess salt intake as it can lead to hypertension and kidney damage
6.  Sleep enough so that the kidneys can refresh.
7.  Have adequate intake of minerals and vitamin. (eg. Magnesium and Vitamin B6)
8.  Cut down on coffee consumption as it does cause some water loss.
9.  Alcohol is known to significantly impact the kidneys and liver.
10. Medicine and painkillers can cause kidney and liver damage.
VIVA corner

Dr Baldev Singh, a consultant cardiologist at Parkway Hospital Singapore (Mind your Body 19-8-2010) commented that the recent study linking calcium intake to heart attack focused on supplement that had only calcium, and not with magnesium and vitamin D added (help in calcium absorption). Dr Lau Kean Wah, a consultant cardiologist at Gleneagles Hospital echoed the same. Similar report by the US Government was reported in 2007 about the benefits of this formula in reducing heart attacks.

VIVA Calmag & D is a big winner for the best combination of Calcium (in the form of calcium lactate and calcium carbonate extracted from vegetables) fortified with Vitamin D3, magnesium (helps to regulate heart beat) and zinc (promotes healthy growth).

VIVA Omega 3 helps to reduce any inflammation and inhibit abnormal growth.

VIVAGuard with its powerful antioxidants, SOD and catalase can neutralise and scavenge harmful substances like free radicals and prevents excessive uric acid build-up.

VIVA Green Barley improves overall acidity and enables uric acid to be excreted. The chromium and amylase contents can promote the metabolism and utilization of carbohydrate and thus help to regulate blood sugar concentration.

Watch out FOAMY, BUBBLY urine

 

To most people pee is not something interesting to talk about. In fact, we barely give it more than a passing glance

as it swirls out of sight down the toilet bowl. Yet changes in the urine – its color, odor and consistency can provide

vital clues about the health status of your body. A close examination can reveal our diet, drinking habit and existing diseases.

 

In the ancient times, physicians were able to detect what went wrong in the body by analyzing the many substances circulating within, including bacteria, yeast, excess protein and sugar, that eventually found their way into the urine.

 

Functions of urine

Urine is an important part of the body’s disposal process. Its job is to remove excess water and water-soluble wastes and toxins the kidneys filter out of the blood.

 

The warning bell rings when your urine has changed color or there is a strange odor wafting up from the toilet that persists. It may even herald a more critical condition – such as an infection or cancer.

 

COLOR CHANGES

 

Urine gets its yellow color from a pigment called urochrome. When the urine does not have its characteristic clear appearance, it is often referred to as cloudy or foamy urine. The causes can be:

 

+ Mild dehydration - Should go away quickly in the absence of symptoms. Darker urine is usually a sign that you are not drinking enough fluid. Your body needs a certain amount of fluid to function, so the body will keep some fluids and the urine thus becomes very strong and concentrated.

 

+ Rapid Urination – Rapid urination introduces air and bubbles into the urine stream. When the bladder is full and stretched to capacity, the bladder will contract forcefully and the urine hits the toilet bowel rapidly and generates foam. This type of foam usually disappears in a few minutes.

 

+ Certain conditions can cause excess protein or crystalline substances being excreted in the urine, causing it to persistently appear cloudy or foamy. What is considered excessive?

 

Do not be alarmed when a small amount is normally present in urine due to extremely intense exercise, excessive dietary intake or protein supplementation. In fact, trace amounts of it are excreted in your urine as part of normal urine production. All kinds of meat eg. fish, chicken and pork contain muco-proteins.

 

Nearly half of the amino acids in these dietary proteins are transformed into glucose by the liver to be used as fuel for the cells. This process results in a waste product ammonia being produced. As ammonia is toxic, the liver converts it into urea and transport via the bloodstream to the kidneys for filtration and excretion. As long as protein intake is not excessive, the liver is able to neutralise ammonia almost instantly. However, in instances where the body may not be able to metabolise certain proteins properly or you have been ingesting a too much protein for your body to absorb and utilize, this high load of ammonia is transferred to the urine to be expelled. A build up of this toxin places burden on the kidneys and destroys their filtering ability.

 

The same goes for people who take a lot of protein supplements, such as whey protein powder, may see this bubbly urine as well. However, even without taking such protein, strenuous exercise promotes the accumulation of excess ammonia.

 

Proteinuria is temporary, and should diminish as you reduce the amount of protein consumed. In the event that you continually experience a foamy urine or bubbly urine, regardless of the amount of protein consumed, it can also be a symptom of a more serious issue like kidney infection problem, kidney damage (also known as renal damage) or a gallbladder problem.

 

If the condition remains, go for an immediate blood test for a creatinine count and a GFR (glumoroli filtration rate) test. An accurate GFR (which will confirm if there are any kidney ailments) will have to be conducted by a nephrologist.

 

As a guideline, your creatinine level should be between 70 to 130 umo/L, and the GFR should be 50 and above units. If the tests show any abnormalities, problems can be arrested at an early stage, before the kidney is further damaged. Early detection can prevent further damage, and the need to go for dialysis treatment.

 

Treatment is aimed at treating the underlying cause. Proper management of diabetes and blood pressure, weight loss and removal of offending medications are all effective in treating proteinuria. The addition of an ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blockers is helpful for proteinuria in diabetic patients and can help protect the kidney’s ability to filter the blood.

+ Most causes of blood in the urine can yield a cloudy or murky appearance to the urine due to the presence of blood. It takes merely a drop of blood to turn a toilet bowl red and can also indicate a serious condition like an infection or cancer.

 

+ In women with vaginitis (such as yeast vaginitis), the vaginal discharge may at times contaminate the urine sample, making the urine appear cloudy. Urinary tract infection (UTI) and bladder infection occur when bacteria enter the bladder and multiply, with symptoms such as burning with urination, frequency and urgency, giving rise to foamy and bloody looking urine. Similar to kidney stones, it gives off painful symptoms. If not accompanied by pain, it could be something more serious like bladder cancer.

 

Other colors?

 

+ If your urine is very pale, it means that you are either drinking excessive fluid, or you are taking a diuretic that forces the body to get rid of excess water.

 

+ If your urine exhibits a rainbow of colors with an unusual hue it is likely due to certain medications that turn the urine fluorescent green or blue. Natural vitamins like beta-carotene in carrots can tint the urine orange and Vitamin B pills can emit a yellow hue.


+  Dark, brownish urine could be a sign of a disorder that threatens the nervous system. Other symptoms, such as abdominal pain and sensitivity to light may occur too.


+  If your pee is orange it can be due to liver malfunctioning especially comes with yellow tint to your skin and eyes.

 

ODOR CHANGES


A healthy person’s pee should not give off much of a scent because it consists mainly of water. Odor changes do occur:

 

+ Pungent smell - you could have an infection or urinary stones, which can create an ammonia-like odor.

 

+ Sweet smell – diabetics get excess sugar drained out of the urine. This explains why in ancient times, doctors would actually taste urine for this sweetness to diagnose diabetes.

 

+ Sulfuric smell – some foods like asparagus and garlic when broken down, produce sulfur compound called methyl mercaptan.


Keep in mind that not all odors are necessarily bad news: Medication and food could cause your urine to stink temporarily.

 

Remedial actions

 

+  Frequencies - The number of visits to the toilet can be an indicator of your health condition as manifested by the color or smell of your urine. Most people take bathroom breaks about six to eight times a day, but you might go more or less depending on how much fluid you drink. If you are constantly feeling the urge to go not due to drinking extra fluid, causes can include:

 

· Overactive bladder — involuntary contractions of the bladder muscle

· Urinary tract infection

· Interstitial cystitis — a condition that causes the bladder wall to become inflamed and irritated

· Benign prostate enlargement — growth of the prostate that causes it to squeeze the urethra and block the normal flow of urine out of the body

· Neurological diseases, including stroke and Parkinson’s disease

· Diabetes

 

On the contrary, not visiting the toilet enough is a bad habit especially amongst teachers, surgeons and anyone else who does not have time for regular bathroom breaks throughout the day and tend to hold it in. Delaying urination can be problematic as the bladder stretches and then contracts repeatedly, but eventually it can stretch too much to create a chronic emptying problem.

 

+  Good toilet habits - If the urge comes to empty your bladder, do not hold. To avoid having to make too many bathroom visits, stay hydrated, but not overhydrated. Drink whenever you are thirsty, but do not feel as though you have to adhere to the eight-glasses-a-day recommendation.

 

If you are getting up during the night to use the bathroom, stop drinking three to four hours before bedtime. Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can irritate the lining of the bladder.

 

+   Foods to consider - Cranberries contain substances that acidify the urine, destroy bacteria buildup and promote healing of the bladder. Pure, unsweetened juice taken at least 8 ounces three times a day is recommended. Consume a diet composed of 75% raw foods, mainly fruits and vegetables. Avoid animal proteins and dairy products for time being.

 

+ Seek medical tests on urine for levels of albumin (protein, calcium, creatinine, hemoglobin, phosphorus, potassium and urea) to detect the cause of the problem.

 

Conclusion

 

Understanding where urine is coming from, the kidneys should be kept in healthy state at all times. Any disease or condition that affects the kidneys can result in bubbly, foamy urine termed proteinuria. Untreated high blood pressure and diabetes are the two most common medical conditions that damage the kidneys filtering ability and other culprits include kidney stones, frequent kidney infections, trauma, certain medications and illicit drug use.

 

Watch for signs and symptoms of kidney problems if you suspect so such as leg swelling, fatigue, nausea, anorexia, back pain and weakness. Foamy urine, bloody urine or a consistently abnormal color or odor to the urine all signal a problem and deserve medical evaluation.

Source: Prescription to Natural Healing

 

VIVA corner

 

Taking VIVA Omega 3 helps to reduce any inflammation and inhibit abnormal growth.

 

VIVAGuard contains a lots of antioxidants, SOD and catalase that can neutralise and scavenge harmful substances like free radicals and prevents excessive uric acid build-up.

 

VIVA Green Barley is alkaline in nature and appropriately helps to balance the blood pH with the presence of too much acidity in the urine.

 

VIVA Floraguard produces or preserves beneficial substances and essential nutrients, including lactic acid, digestives enzymes, essential fatty acids and vitamin B to stabilise the pH.

Take cranberries for UTI?

 

Cranberries are the fruit of a native plant of North America, used extensively in food preparation and herbal remedies. Early settlers from England learned to use the berries and leaves both raw and cooked for a host of ailments, including appetite loss, stomach problems, blood disorders, scurvy (lack of vitamin C), wounds, urinary disorders, diarrhea, diabetes and liver problems.

 

Properties
 

Phytonutrients – found naturally in plant compounds in the form of antioxidants, are increasingly being shown to help optimize human health. Cranberry fruit is high in antioxidants, partly from substances called proanthocyanidins, giving it the vibrant color. These properties can neutralize particles in the body known as free radicals, which damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA and even cause cell death.

Another important function is the prevention of adhesion of certain of bacteria, including E. coli, associated with urinary tract infections. At first, scientists thought cranberry worked by making urine acidic enough to kill the bacteria. Now, studies show that it actually prevents bacteria from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract. This anti-adhesion properties also prevent bacteria buildup causing gum disease (dental plaque) and stomach ulcers.

Further studies suggest that cranberry does not work once you have a Urinary tract infections (UTI). That is because in preventing UTIs, it helps keep bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract. However, it is less effective once the bacteria have already done so. Hence it is more effective at preventing UTIs than treating them. You may like to consider using garlic to destroy the bacteria and follow up with prebiotics and probiotics to prevent further outbreak.

 

Recent scientific research showed that cranberries and cranberry products are an excellent source of vitamin C, another important antioxidant that has the ability to inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori in the stomach, and thus very useful in preventing or healing stomach diseases eg. stomach cancer tumors. Working jointly with other flavonoids present in the fruit such as proanthocyanidins, flavonols and quercetin help to protect against cancer.

Other uses

Preliminary studies from laboratory tests showed it helped in the following conditions -

+ Alzheimer’s disease – seems to offer some protection against Alzheimer’s disease.

+ Inflammation — has anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting effects with its tannins content.

+ High cholesterol — can raise HDL or good cholesterol levels.

+ Diabetes – lower serum glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients consuming cranberry juice compared to a control group.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Drinking cranberry juice products appears to be safe, although excessive amounts could cause gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea.
• Caution for people who take blood-thinning drugs (such as warfarin), medications or aspirin that affect the liver.
• It contains relatively high levels of oxalate, chemicals that may raise the risk of kidney stones in some people.
• As most cranberry juice contains added sugar, diabetic patients should look for brands without artificial sweetener added or monitor the amount of sweetened juice consumed.

Other comments

As cranberries are usually cooked into cranberry sauce or traditionally served with roast turkey, most of us rarely get to eat it. Make it part of your daily healthy diet. It has much more antioxidants than most fruits around, and provide many health benefits.

As most fresh berries are delicate, even keeping in the fridge may end up with mold on their insides. The trick is the wash them with vinegar. Prepare a mixture of one part vinegar (white or apple cider may work well) and ten parts water. Dump the berries into the mixture and swirl around. Drain and rinse before you pop in the fridge. What happens is that the vinegar kills any mold spores and other bacteria that might be on the surface of the fruit. In this way, raspberries will last a week or more, and strawberries go almost two weeks without getting moldy and soft.

You’re so berry happy to see them sitting pretty in your fridge!

VIVA corner

VIVA Hemoberry provides natural fruit powders and extracts from cranberry, rosehips, acerola, beetroot and lemon – loaded with phytonutrients and add with natural berries flavours like blueberry and blackberry for delicious taste, natural color and antioxidant power.

You can have this simple drink more regularly now!

FATTY Liver (I)

The liver is the largest glandular organ in the body weighing about 3 lb (1.36 kg), reddish brown in color and is divided into four lobes of unequal size and shape. It lies on the right side of the abdominal cavity beneath the diaphragm. Even with half or a third of the liver removed, it can still grow back to full size within months. Being the most durable organ in the human anatomy, it does not deteriorate till a ripe old age of 70 if well taken care of.


Structure



Blood is delivered to the liver via two large vessels. The hepatic artery carries oxygen-rich blood from the aorta of the heart whilst the portal vein carries blood containing digested food from the small intestine. They subdivide in the liver repeatedly, terminating in very small capillaries leading to thousands of lobules with each lobule made up of hepatic cells - the basic metabolic cells of the liver.


Functions


+  Liver is responsible for carrying out over 1500 biochemical functions in our body. The most important role is the secretion of bile which is stored in the gallbladder and released as needed for digestion. When raw nutrients entered the digestive system (in the form of carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids etc), bile breaks them down into small globules to be stored or sent to different parts of the body appropriately. It also produces proteins such as albumin (in blood plasma), hormones, clotting factors, enzymes, antibodies etc.


+ Liver helps to remove unwanted wastes from our bloodstream, excreted via the skin, kidneys and bowels. When proteins are broken down, a toxin known as ammonia is released and converted into urea. It also breaks down medicines, herbal supplements, alcohol, industrial and food processing chemicals and hormones, such as insulin, estrogen and adrenalin, after they have served their function as messengers to other cells.

+ The liver serves as a storeroom for certain vitamins such as vitamin A, B12, D and trace elements like copper and iron.


Causes

Poor liver function can be due to the presence of cumulative toxins, an improper diet, overeating (fatty liver), drug-induced and infections from viruses (hepatitis A, B, C).

What is fatty liver?

Having some fats in the liver is natural for most adults. However, when the liver’s weight is up by more than 5%-10%, you may be suspected of alcoholic or nonalcoholic liver disease which can lead to serious complications in some cases.


Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD)


Statistics showed more than 15 million people in the U.S. abused or overused alcohol, and virtually all of them developed fatty livers or acute alcoholic liver disease or ALD. It does not matter whether one drinks moderately over an extended period or heavily in a short period.


Blame it on your genes if you are an alcoholic as it may influence how much alcohol you consume and your likelihood of developing alcoholism. Also it may affect levels of liver enzymes involved in the breakdown of alcohol.


Other factors that may influence your chances of developing alcoholic fatty liver disease include:


+ Hepatitis C (may lead to liver inflammation)

+ An overload of iron

+ Obesity

+ Rich diet

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is currently the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the U.S. Having excess fat in the liver is not normal, but not life-threatening if it does not lead to inflammation or damage.

Similar in danger to alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver can lead to permanent liver damage though the sufferer drinks little or no alcohol. The liver may develop into cirrhosis when its cells hardened over time, to be replaced by scar tissue. Breakdown in this detoxifying organ may develop into liver failure, liver cancer and liver-related death.

With both conditions becoming prevalent these days, it is shocking to find up to 20% of adults and more than 6 million children having one of these conditions, and even more common amongst Asian and Hispanic children, especially those who are obese.

Causes/Contributory factors

Certain factors tend to increase risk, but in some cases, no risk factors show up.

+ The chance of running in the family is high.
+ Those who are middle-aged, overweight or obese, and have problems like high cholesterol or triglycerides, diabetes or pre-diabetes (insulin resistance) are likely candidates.
+ Oxidative stress, which leads to damage of liver cells.
+ Release of toxic inflammatory proteins from liver or other cells like the intestines.
+ Slower rate in breaking down and removal of fat by the liver.
+ Self-destruction of liver cells – can be caused by autoimmune or inherited liver disease or external attacks like viral hepatitis.
+ Malnutrition/medications.
+ Under-populated flora population in the small intestine.


Symptoms


Fatty liver disease is difficult to detect as there are no or few noticeable symptoms in the initial period. As it progresses over a period of years or even decades it can cause:


+ Fatigue/weakness

+ Weight loss or loss of appetite

+ Nausea

+ Confusion, impaired judgment or trouble concentrating

+ Pain in the center or right upper part of the abdomen

+ An enlarged liver

+ Patchy, dark skin discoloration, usually on the neck or underarm area

Cirrhosis

With alcoholic liver disease, symptoms may worsen after periods of heavy drinking. With NAFLD, the disease process can stop or reverse, or it may worsen. If cirrhosis develops, the liver loses its ability to function. This can cause signs and symptoms such as:

+ Fluid retention

+ Muscle wasting

+ Internal bleeding

+ Jaundice (a block to the pancreatic duct resulting in the bile not transporting to the intestines, and accumulates in the blood, resulting in the skin and whites of the eyes becoming yellow)

+ Liver failure


Diagnosis/test


A routine checkup can detect a slightly enlarged or visible signs of a fatty liver on a blood test.


What are the substances measured in such a blood test?

1. Total protein. This is a measure of the concentration of proteins in the blood, consisting of albumin and total globulin.  
As albumin is made in the liver to transport drugs and a few other substances, decreased level is related to liver damage, kidney disease, digestive inflammation, starvation and protein loss. Less common causes are hypothyroidism, leukemia, adrenal hyper-function and congestive heart failure.
- Globulin forms the main transport system for various substances as well as constituting the antibody system that fights infections. High level could be due to liver problems (likely auto-immune) , chronic infections, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple myeloma. Low level is linked to malnutrition and impaired immunity.


Clinical note: High A/G ratio indicates too high protein consumption with corresponding rise in protein and cholesterol level and low A/G ratio suggests ulcerative collitis, burns, kidney disease, cirrhosis, multiple myeloma.

2. Total Bilirubin. This is a waste product from the breakdown of hemoglobin excreted in the bile. High levels of bilirubin in the blood causes jaundice resulting in a yellowness of the skin and the white part of the eyes. It is also associated with liver disease, gallstones and haemolytic anaemias. In cases of long-term liver illness (chronic hepatitis), the level usually stays within the normal range until significant liver damage has occurred and cirrhosis is present.

3. Gamma GGT. This is an enzyme produced in the bile ducts. Damage to liver cells can cause it to be released in large amounts into the bloodstream. A mild liver disease due to drugs and alcohol can elevate its level. Very high levels are seen in alcoholic, cirrhosis and other serious liver disorders. If the value exceeds 150 U/L with a serum bilirubin of over 2.8 mg/dL, is strongly suspect of biliary obstruction. If the value exceeds 5 times its clinical range, suspect pancreatitis.

4. ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase). ALP is an enzyme present in the bone, intestine, kidneys and liver. In children, high concentration is found in growing bones. In adults, high level can be caused by liver disease or bone disorder. Low level indicates low functioning adrenal glands, protein or zinc deficiency, malnutrition.

Look for elevations in certain liver enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The serum ALT level usually is greater than the AST level in non-alcoholic variant and the opposite in alcoholic FLD ( AST:ALT more than 2:1).

5. SGPT (ALT or alanine transaminase) is an enzyme produced in hepatocytes (the major type of liver cells). Elevated level happens when hepatocytes are damaged or died caused by all types of hepatitis. Low level may indicate B6 deficiency.

6. SGOT (AST or aspartate transaminase) is an enzyme present in the cells of many organs such as the liver, heart, skeletal muscle and blood cells. High level of SGOT are often associated with cell destruction in organs like heart attack, hepatitis (especially alcohol-related), and pancreatitis. Damaged liver cells causes a higher than normal amounts of enzymes into the bloodstream. Low level can indicate B6 deficiency.

Clinical note: SGPT values are greater than SGOT in liver destruction. The reverse happens with cirrhosis of the liver, liver neoplasms and jaundice.

Source: The Simplified Patient Reference Guide By Ronald J. Grisanti D.C ; Mind Your Body, Mar 9, 2011

Treatment

+ Treating any underlying disease such as diabetes is essential to reduce the burden of the liver.

+ For alcoholic liver disease, a heavy drinker has to quit drinking immediately before advanced diseases like alcoholic hepatitis or cirrhosis sets in. Alcohol should be avoided by all with liver problems.

+ Obese or overweight individuals should lose weights gradually. A recent study showed that weight loss of at least 9% over few months can help reverse NASH as there is lessen buildup of fat in the liver.

+ Have a balanced and healthy diet and increase your physical activity. In addition to limiting calories, avoid diets loaded with refined, rapidly digested carbohydrates, such as white bread, white rice and concentrated sugar. Detoxification is necessary on an overloaded organ.


+ The herb milk thistle and its components silymarin and silibinin have two therapeutic mechanisms. First, they alter the structure of the outer membrane of the liver cells to prevent penetration of poison into the interior. Second, they stimulate the action of nucleolar polymerase A, resulting in an increase in ribosomal protein synthesis, thus stimulating the regenerative ability of the liver and the formation of new liver cells.

+ Avoiding unnecessary medications can also help slow or reverse the disease. Clinical trials are also looking at the effectiveness of certain antioxidants linked to oxidative stress and diabetes. Probiotics are live cultures that can be introduced to improve the function of the liver.

+ If cirrhosis becomes severe, surgery may be required to remove the damaged portion and to let it regrows.
Source: http://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/fatty-liver-disease

VIVA corner

VIVA Cellpex is a powerful antioxidant formulation that contains the two important OPC nutrients, namely grape seed extract and pine bark extract. A third vital ingredient is milk thistle known to help to prevent a variety of liver diseases like Hepatitis B, C, cirrhosis and fatty liver. For liver damage cases, it can stimulate the growth of liver cells to replenish the outgoing ones. Other ingredients include decaffeinated green tea extract, L-arginine, rosehips, white willow bark extract, digestive enzymes, bosweilia extract and tomato lycopene that carry a host of health benefits.

VIVA Biolecithin is formulated based on scientific grounds and contains large amount of lecithin precursors (such as Vitamin B complex, choline) that boost the body to naturally produce the purest form of lecithin, highly beneficial for increased metabolism and the prevention of arteriosclerosis, fatty liver and Alzheimer’s disease as it is an effective fat-emulsifying agent.