PROTECT your brain cells (II)

 

This picture illustrates the vital component cell and connectivity in our brain - the neuron or nerve cell.  An average human brain contains about 100 billion of such neurons which are connected at about one trillion points known as synapses. The signals that form your memories and thoughts move across the neurons as minute electric charges. When these charges reach a synapse, they trigger the release of the brain chemicals called neurotransmitters to enable signals to transmit to other nerve cells in progression.

Inadequate supply of neurotransmitters can render the mind to malfunction, resulting in a temporary blackout, loss of memory or permanent failure.


Functions of the brain

The brain weighing a mere 1.5 kg is the focal point of our thinking, feeling and behavior, that defines the characteristics of human nature – personality, temperament and impulses. Found within, the master gland known as pituitary gland, plays a vital role in regulating all the other functions of the hormonal glands in our body.

This explains why such a small organ consumes about 80% of available energy daily. This includes 15% of cardiac output, 20% of all oxygen consumption and 25% of total body glucose utilisation (glycogen is brain food). 

Hence, a disruption to the brain’s blood supply can impair its functioning and cause behavioral and personality changes at time.

Knowledge of brain-behavior relationships, the core basis of a scientific discipline named neuropsychology, plays a pivotal role in understanding the role reasons for some unusual behaviour associated with some mental disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson disease, schizophrenia, autism, depression, down syndrome and mania.

Unique features of the brain

Our brain pieced together with the spinal cord and peripheral ganglia, constitute the nervous system. With the exception of neural stem cells and a few other types of neurons, neurons do not undergo cell division and thus no regeneration of cells.

Note the peculiarity of our brain in that it is usually utilised up to 10% of capacity because most areas are channeled for storage purpose and random use only. People who use their talent to focus on a specific area tend to gain a stretch of the portion of the brain reserved for that purpose. For instance, Einstein registered at 27% widening of that section of his brain cut out for creativity.

Brain structure

A human brain is grossly divided into the interconnected left and right hemispheres, each with four functionally distinctive regions normally working concurrently: temporal (language processing and memory), occipital (vision), parietal (somatic or bodily sensations) and frontal (executive functions and planning).

Downsizing to cellular level, every neuron is surrounded by a plasma membrane, a bilayer of lipid molecules with many types of protein structures embedded in it – an important one is lecithin containing unsaturated fats, choline, glycerols and phospholipids. Basically it acts as a powerful electrical insulator.

A number of specialized types of neurons exist:

- Sensory neurons respond to touch, sound, light and numerous other stimuli affecting cells of the sensory organs that then send signals to the spinal cord and brain.

- Motor neurons receive signals from the brain and spinal cord, cause muscle contractions, and affect glands.

- Interneurons connect neurons to other neurons within the same region of the brain or spinal cord.

A neuron is made up of 4 parts:

+ Cell body or soma
The soma is the central part of the neuron. It contains the nucleus of the cell, and therefore is where most protein synthesis occurs

+ Dendrites
Thin structures that branch out in multiples from the cell body, often extending for hundreds of micrometres giving rise to a tree-shaped complex

+ Axon
An axon is a special cellular extension that arises from the cell body in single form at a site called the axon hillock (the part of the neuron that has the greatest density of voltage-dependent sodium channels) and travels for a distance, as far as 1 m in humans or even more in other species, giving rise to hundreds of branches along the way. It is often possible for severed peripheral axons to regrow but take longer time.

+ Axon terminals
At the tip of the axon, the axon terminal contains synapses, specialized structures where neurotransmitter chemicals are released to communicate with target neurons.
Communication is usually passed on when signals are sent from the axon of one neuron to a dendrite or soma of another. Exceptions do happen eg. neurons that lack dendrites or have no axon; synapses that connect an axon to another axon or a dendrite to another dendrite.

Communication within….

Imagine the cell as our earth encrusted with an ozone layer and the core where major activities take place.

The interior of the neurons are electrically active where ion channels are found that discharge electrical ions to flow across the membrane, and ion pumps that actively transport ions from one side of the membrane to the other.

Most ion channels are permeable only to specific types of ions and some are voltage-gated, meaning that they can be switched between open and closed states by altering the voltage difference across the membrane. Others are chemically gated, meaning that they can be switched between open and closed states by interactions with chemicals that diffuse through the extracellular fluid.

The interactions between ion channels and ion pumps produce a voltage difference across the membrane. This voltage has dual functions: first, to provide a power source for an assortment of voltage-dependent protein machinery that is embedded in the membrane; second, to provide a basis for electrical signal transmission between different parts of the membrane.

Signal out…..

Neurons communicate by chemical and electrical synapses in a process known as synaptic transmission. The fundamental process that triggers synaptic transmission is the action potential, a propagating electrical signal that is generated by harnessing the energy generated on the membrane of the neuron.

Imagine axons as the wire cables. Thin neurons and axons require less metabolic effort to produce and carry the action potentials, but thicker axons convey impulses more rapidly. To minimize such metabolic expense while maintaining rapid conduction, many neurons have insulated myelin sheaths around their axons to aid in speeding up than in unmyelinated axons of the same diameter.


What can go wrong?


With increasing age, the brain undergoes a number of changes that affect its functionality:


+  Certain areas of the brain actually shrink, including the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex, which are involved in memory, learning and other complex mental activities.


+  Not only neurons shrink, the connections between the neurons also deteriorate and become less extensive, causing the level of neurotransmitters to decrease.


+  The aging brain undergoes a gradual reduction in blood flow and may accelerate the process of inflammation within. In a stroke incident, the blood supply to a certain region of the brain is interrupted due to blockage or rupture of blood vessels. Lacking blood supply for a short intermittent period can lead to irreversible cell death and half functioning in that specific region. The patient can lose expressive speech, voluntary control of the arms and legs, or emotional control.


+  The deteriorating effect is worsened with free radical attacks from external sources.


+  One’s brain cells can die gradually if they are underutilised for prolonged period or lack of nourishment. Hence, it is advisable to keep the mind alert by thinking hard, interact with more people daily and avoid too much idling moments like watching soap operas on television.


Other associated disorders -

+ Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disorder that results from demyelination of axons in the brain and spinal cord. The nerve damage is caused by inflammation which occurs when the body’s own immune cells attack the nervous system, commonly linked to a virus or genetic defect, or a combination of both. Most sufferers are women in the age group 20-40.

+ Dementia is the medical term used to describe a group of symptoms consisting of memory loss, impaired judgment, disorientation and behavioral changes, which are of sufficient severity to cause loss of function. It is not part of normal aging, although the elderly are more susceptible to becoming demented. In our modern societies school children and working adults under stress can be victims of dementia too. A simple test to conduct is to replay all happenings for the last 3 days. If you failed to recall most matters, beware that dementia is developing within.

+ Alzheimer’s disease is a neuro-degenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration with declining activities of daily living and neuropsychiatric symptoms or behavioral changes. The most striking early symptom is loss of short-term memory (is like memory full), which usually manifests as minor forgetfulness that becomes steadily more pronounced with illness progression, with relative preservation of older memories. As the disorder progresses, cognitive (intellectual) impairment extends to the domains of language, skilled movements and recognition, and functions such as decision-making and planning become impaired. A dissection of the brain tissue will show brownish patches of protein plaques and a shrinkage of brain size.

+ Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that often impairs the sufferer’s motor skills and speech. It belongs to a group of conditions called movement disorders, characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor, a slowing of physical movement and in extreme cases, a loss of physical movement. The primary symptoms are the results of decreased stimulation of the motor cortex by the basal ganglia, normally caused by the insufficient formation and action of dopamine, which is produced in the dopaminergic neurons of the brain. Secondary symptoms may include high level cognitive dysfunction and subtle language problems. It is both chronic and progressive.

Preventive measures

Proper nutrition, exercise, and positive lifestyle choices are important in sustaining mental clarity.

+ As we grow older, it is important to participate in stimulating activities, thus keeping our minds active. In fact, aging process has little, if any, bearing on the ability to recall information.

+ Having a rich accumulation of life experiences – education, marriage, socializing, a stimulating job, language skills, a purpose in life, physical activity and mentally demanding leisure activities, keep the brain going if are able to score on high cognitive reserve, says David Bennett, M.D., of Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center.

+ Alcoholics and drug addicts often suffer a great deal from memory loss.

+ Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can affect the brain function as it requires the level of glucose in the blood to fall within a very specific narrow range.

+ Medications can be prescribed to slow the progress of senility and other degenerative brain diseases, but success is often coupled with unwanted side effects, particularly in the elderly patient. If medications had to be applied, they should be used in conjunction with psychiatric or behavioral therapies.

VIVA corner

One reason why many people suffer from memory loss is an insufficient supply of necessary nutrients to the brain. Blood is the life giver, feeding and nourishing every cell within our bodies. The brain is surrounded by a protective envelope known as the blood-brain barrier, which allows only certain substances to pass from the bloodstream to the brain. Do not let this area be clogged or nutrient-rich blood cannot reach the brain cells and become malnourished.

+ The precursor of lecithin, choline is a neurotransmitter that sends message to and from the brain and is shown to have a significant effect in delaying the deterioration of memory and deceleration of the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease. The protective sheath surrounding the brain and the interior of nerve cells also contain lecithin for proper central nervous functioning. VIVA Biolecithin is formulated based on scientific grounds and contains much lecithin precursors.

+ Vitamin B complex enhances immunity, involved in dopamine production and aids in the formation of neuron transmitters to keep a healthy nervous system. Expect to see relieve symptoms caused by stress and improve memory, response and thinking process. Viva B-easy offers the easy solution with all the entire range available in one, concentrated from yeast, in meeting our daily requirement.

+ According to scientific studies, DHA is the main component of human cerebral cortex (about 80%)and thus sufficient intake of DHA is important for brain development, especially in protecting brain tissue and reducing brain tissue injury. VIVA Omega 3 offers high EPA and DHA content extracted from high concentrated deep sea fish body oil in a more absorbable triglyceride form.

+ The major function of the gingko biloba leaf is to increase blood circulation to the brain, enhance nervous transmission, delay the aging process of the temporal and limbic lobe in the brain that responsible for memory management. Senile dementia patients suffer from poor blood circulation to the brain causing those cells to shrink in size due to the lack of oxygen. It works for people suffering from migraine, memory loss and cold limbs. Basically, gingko works well in penetrating through tiny capillaries and dilate blood vessels to improve peripheral circulation. VIVA Liquick Gingko is a highly concentrated extract from the gingko leaves in the ratio of 50:1.

+ Our brain cells are made up of protein building blocks known as amino acids. With passing time the master (pituitary) glands secretes lesser and lesser hormones, leading to degeneration of brain cells and neurotransmitters. Coupled with insufficient intake of nutrients, premature aging sets in readily. VIVA Ageguard is a proprietary formulation of free form amino acids that act as natural HGH releaser to defy aging process.

Yellow GOLD – Lecithin

   

The word lecithin comes from the word lekithos, which is Greek for egg yolk.  The name was derived when lecithin was first discovered in 1805 by the French scientist Maurice Gobley who isolated the compound from an egg yolk.  Its ability to emulsify well puts it a popular choice in the commercial sector as an emulsifier, preserving the texture of foods and enabling them to be more shell stable.

Then in the mid 1930s, lecithin was recovered from the waste products of soybean processing, a discovery that changed the whole outlook of commercial lecithin. Today, most of the commercial lecithin we find in the market is sourced from soybeans.

Sources

Lecithin are produced in certain amounts throughout the major organs of the body (such as the heart, liver and kidney) and transports throughout the nervous and circulatory systems. It can thus be found in the 75 trillion cells in our body, including the 15 billion nerve cells of the brain and the protective sheath at a concentration of about 17-31%.


Lecithin comprises four vital components - unsaturated fatty acids, choline, glycerols and phospholipids.


The precursor of lecithin  – choline is an ‘essential‘ nutrient which bodies cannot manufacture and have to derive externally from food sources, including soy, beef liver, steak, eggs, peanuts, cauliflower and oranges, where B vitamins, phosphoric acid, linoleic acid and inositol are also found.


Functions

Lecithin aids in absorbing fats to create cell membranes and structures, as well as prevents the hardening of cell membranes as they are a critical part in monitoring a cell's intake and output. This first level of defence is essential for healthy body functioning in maintaining the resistance to many diseases.

Choline is a neurotransmitter that sends messages to and from the brain and is necessary for the proper functioning of the liver and gallbladder.

Benefits

1. Aging and overall health

Phospholipid (fat-based) enhances the body’s absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K and is a key building block of cell membranes – to stay semi-permeable and non-hardened, and facilitate the movement of fluids inside and outside the cell. Hence, it is useful in the prevention of aging and various diseases, as well as maintenance of health and beauty.

2.  Metabolic and cardiovascular health

As a component of bile, lecithin keeps fats emulsified. You have noticed how fats work under certain conditions. When exposed to low temperature, they tend to turn white and go into a semi-solid state.  Conversely, when exposed to high temperature, they turn completely liquid. Imagine what would happen to the body if our fats or lipids, are subject to the slightest change in temperature. That is why one of the benefits of lecithin is its emulsifying action – keeping fats properly balanced and maintained.

By coating on the cell membranes it can act as a protective wall or sheath throughout the body to protect and strengthen the linings and prevent detrimental debris from sticking. The lubrication provided creates a slippery lining on which it is difficult for large, fatty deposits to specific regions of the body, which are then transported to the liver to be metabolized and converted to energy. At the same time, choline helps to transport both cholesterol and triglycerides from the liver to other parts of the body where they are needed. As such, bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides are reduced, and good cholesterol (HDL) is increased. Both choline and folate can convert homocysteine into less harmful substances, which otherwise contribute to the development of heart and blood vessel diseases as well.

Improved circulation can be observed to help in preventing blood clots and maintaining the health of vital organs. Those who wish to lose weight can include lecithin in their diet too.

3.  Liver health

Choline is known to be effective against fatty liver and impaired liver condition. Research showed that a lack of choline in mice caused a rapid accumulation of fats in their liver cells within 2-3 hours, which in turn led to the inflammation and swelling of the liver. After treated with lecithin, drastic improvement was seen and the condition of the liver returned to normal. It can also fix up liver damage caused by excessive consumption of alcohol or other toxins.

4.  Mental health

Choline is crucial for nerve functioning, including aiding in nerve signaling and maintaining the membranes of brain cells and thus plays an essential part in brain development and growth.

When our body is short of choline, our brain function is impaired and can lead to the deterioration of memory and learning ability. Thus, the benefits are promising to patients suffering from various psychological and neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression). Note that improved memory and recall is a sign of a brain's overall standard of health.

5.  Endocrine health

Owing to hormonal imbalance and changes in metabolism, most women will experience uncomfortable symptoms such as depression, backache, hot flush etc.  Lecithin helps to regulate hormonal secretion, thus alleviating symptoms of menopause.


6.  Healthy pregnancy


Pregnant women need much more choline than others as this macronutrient is rapidly used by fetuses whilst their brains, cell structures and nerve channels are forming. Some studies have shown that high choline consumption result in a child's better chance of later having healthy, sharp brain functioning and a lower risk of brain abnormalities. On the contrary, choline deficient can cause neural tube defects and developmental problems.

Breastfeeding is most ideal for infants, as it provides the essential nutrients most needed for rapid developmental growth. Kids who are breast-fed tend to have better immunity, lessen allergic reaction and lower rate of new-born diseases like lung and intestinal disorder. Feeding mums who increase

Lecithin intake during the lactation period sees higher production of breast milk as it reduces blockages of the milk duct, breast congestion and inflammation. This way it alleviates the pressure inflicted and soothe the breasts feeding process. A direct benefit for such mums is contraction of uterus, faster post-delivery recovery and lower incidence risk of breast cancer.


Not to be missed given that lecithin is a vital nutrient to promote infant's mental and nerve development, it is added to most infant formulas.

Frequency of use

+  Lecithin can be used as a tool to help the body recover from previously identified conditions or shortcomings, as well as for preventive purposes. Individuals with a history of any neurological or cardiovascular condition may take lecithin as a supplement to lessen their chances of a recurring issue.


+  Dosage can be increased with choline deficiency symptoms such as low energy levels, memory loss, cognitive decline, learning disabilities, muscle aches, nerve damage and mood changes.

+  As choline is present in animal products, vegetarians are more prone to experience a deficiency. Given the fact that folate and choline take on complementary roles, obtaining more folate from foods like leafy green vegetables and certain grains can compensate for the reduced intake of choline.

+  For more consistent results, it can be supplemented on a regular basis.  Recommended daily dosage of choline as follows:


Infants & babies - 125-150 mg
Kids ages 1-8: 150-250 mg
Teens ages 8-13: 250-375 mg
Ladies above age 14: 425-550 mg
Men above age 14: 550 mg


+  Excessive dosage is not fatal but can cause some negative reactions including nausea, bloating, constipation, skin rashes, abdominal pain and other digestive problems.

Viva corner

Lecithin is available in VIVA Biolecithin. In addition, it is one of the main ingredients in VIVA LipoGuard and VIVA Smartee.

VIVA Biolecithin is formulated based on scientific grounds and contains large amount of lecithin precursors that boost the body to naturally produce the purest form of lecithin.  Easy to take, the powder can be sprinkled onto soup, porridge, cereals, salad or other food.

VIVA Smartee with fish oil concentrate (DHA & EPA), glycerin, gelatin, soy lecithin (enhance memory power), natural vitamin E, natural beta-carotene oil suspension is a great booster for a child’s growth and development.

Multiple Sclerosis

  

Multiple sclerosis is a progressive, degenerative disorder affecting the central nervous system comprising the brain, optic nerve and spinal cord.

The effect can be inflammation and scarring on the myelin sheaths of the brain and spinal cord. Once replaced by hard scar, it results in improper neuron function and jerky shaky movements. The nerve fibers can then be affected by the scar tissue and lead to total incapacitation for severe cases. Overall, it has very little effect on a patient’s life span.

This is a disease hard to predict as its course and symptoms vary with individuals. However, the chance of getting it is high for people with the following profile:

+ Women

+ Diagnosed before age 35

+ Have long intervals between relapses and complete recovery from relapses

+ Have relapses with sensory symptoms (such as numbness and tingling), rather than symptoms such as tremor or spasticity

A relapse (can be exacerbation, flare or attack) is either a worsening of symptoms that you experienced previously, or the appearance of new symptoms.  The types are as follows:

+  Relapsing-Remitting MS: The majority (about 85%) of people with MS receive an initial diagnosis with definite periods of relapses, then a remitting of symptoms, eventually recovers entirely or almost entirely.
+  Secondary-Progressive MS:  The symptoms steadily worsen for those who failed to recover.

+  Primary-Progressive MS: 15% of sufferers with the disease but no relapses or remissions, rather a steady course of progression.
+  Progressive-Relapsing MS: Only 6-10% of people receive this diagnosis where the disease follows a steady course of progression, but there is no relapse of acute symptoms.


Causes

 

-  The medical community believes this to be an auto-immune disorder, with the body’s immune system malfunctioning and producing antibodies to attack the myelin sheaths connecting the brain and spinal cord. It can also be invoked by a viral attack.

-  Controversies about the use of artificial sweetener with aspartame being a causative agent. As excitotoxins comprise 40% of its molecular structure, excessive exposure can damage the myelin sheath producing cells causing MS. Further combined with monosodium glutamate (MSG), this level is elevated several fold higher than normal. As a result it can convert a patient with benign, subclinical condition into full-blown clinical MS.

-  Other likely causes are: the environmental factors, infectious diseases and genetics.

Symptoms

There are over 50 known symptoms linked with MS, all which can vary in severity, duration and associated disability. The most common ones are:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Bladder dysfunction (severe cases)
• Numbness and/or tingling
• Sexual dysfunction
• Bowel dysfunction
• Pain
• Dizziness and vertigo
• Spasticity
• Tremor
• Vision problems
• Cognitive impairment
• PARALYSIS (advanced cases)

Diagnosis

Basing on symptoms alone may not be accurate as they also manifest in many other diseases and disorders. Other related issues are:

• Too many symptoms involved
• Symptoms may appear in isolation or combination
• Symptoms can vary in severity
• Symptoms can disappear suddenly

Beside checking on medical history, neurologists are likely to conduct combined tests like MRI scans, neurologic exam, lumbar puncture and blood test.

Treatment

MS is not curable. However, there are treatment that are showing great promise for slowing down the progression of the disease.

+  One example is medications prescribed for the disease-modifying therapies on progression to secondary-progressive MS that work to slow down the damage and symptoms caused by MS by preventing relapses.

+  Doctors may prescribe medications to address most symptoms or for behavioral or dietary modifications, physical therapy (to regain lost skills) or psycho-social therapy.
-  Exercise and massage reduce spasms and help maintain optimal condition of unaffected muscles.
-  Avoid stress and fatigue.
-  Avoid exposure to extremes of heat and cold
-  Infection to be treated promptly
-  Not overweight which can put stress on already weakened muscles

 

+  For relapse treatment, high-dose corticosteroids are usually applied intravenously to reduce inflammation in the central nervous system,  to shorten the duration and severity of relapses.

Source: http://ms.about.com/od/multiplesclerosis101/a/ms_intro.htm

Viva corner

Other than good nutrition for a MS patient, some supplementation can help to bring improvement.

+  As this is likely an auto-immune disorder, VIVA germanium can help to put the immune system in order and reduce pain.

+  VIVA Omega3 contains DHA that can protect brain tissue and prevent further injury.  Its EPA content can enhance the immune system and reduce inflammation.

+  An important component in VIVA Biolecithin – choline provides the link to send messages to and from the brain and thus crucial for strengthening the nervous tissue.

+  Antioxidants found in VIVA C complex and Vivashield are important in protecting cell membrane and DNA from oxidative damage, especially in relapse progression.

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.