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.

 

Removing Gallstones Naturally

 

Unknown to most people, gallstones are found in their bodies. When pain persists in the upper abdomen for more than an hour, an ultrasound may be necessary to confirm suspect of gallbladder disorder. Left unattended, it can be life threatening and some can develop into cancer.

How is gallstone formed?

The gallbladder is a 3-4 inch long pear-shaped organ found directly under the liver.

A function of the liver is to secrete toxins from the body. It gathers all toxins in a digestive agent called bile. Incidentally, it also contains cholesterol, bile salts, lecithin and other substances. When food arrives, the gallbladder then releases the bile via the bile ducts into the small intestine. On average it secretes about one pint of bile daily.

However, abnormal concentration of bile acids, cholesterol and phospholipids in the bile can cause the formation of gallstones.

In majority of cases, gallstones are cholesterol stones based on its chemical composition. However, there are instances of calcium stones too.

Symptoms

In the event a stone is lodged in the bile duct, it can cause bloatedness, excruciating pain, nausea and vomiting in the upper right abdominal region, especially after a meal of fried or fatty foods.

When there are too many stones found in the gallbladder, it can cause inflammation with more symptoms like shaking, chills and jaundice. Any attack may mimic a heart attack, with severe pain in the chest area. For some the sharp pain starts below the breastbone that shoots into the left or right shoulder and radiates into the back.

+ The pain can last from 30 minutes to several hours.

+ The urine may be tea or coffee colored

+ A yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes

+ It usually occurs sporadically in the evening.



Considerations

+ Rapid weight changes can cause gallbladder problems. Research found that constant losing and gaining weight due to dieting increases the risk of gallstones and the necessity for surgery by about 70%.

+ Physical activity can reduce the risk of gallstones by 20-40%.

+ Having breakfast is important to prevent crystallisation of bile chemicals.

+ Drinking 3 cups of coffee daily seems to help in lowering risk of developing gallstones.

+ People with calcium stones should probably avoid using calcium supplements for time being.

+ Gallstones run in the family and women are twice likely to form gallstones than men.

How to remove gallstones naturally

If you are diagnosed with gallbladder disorders and require a surgery to remove any gallstones, you may like to consider a weekly detoxification program for both the liver and gallbladder as follows -

1. Eat a diet comprising 75% raw foods for the first 5 days. In additiion, take 4 glasses of apple juice mixed with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar each or eat 4-5 apples. Apple juice softens the gallstones. This should relief any pain quickly.

2. On the sixth day, take no dinner. Take a teaspoon of Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate) with a glass of warm water at 6 pm and 8 pm. Magnesium sulphate opens the gallbladder ducts. At 10 pm, take half cup olive oil (or sesame oil) mix with half cup fresh lemon juice. The oil lubricates the stones to ease their passage.

3. The next morning, you will find green stones in your stools floating in the toilet bowl.
Avoid sugar and related products. Also no animal fat and meat, saturated fats, dairy products, fried foods, spicy foods, soft drinks, chocolate and refined carbohydrates.

Even if there is no symptoms of gallstones, it is always good to give your liver and gall bladder a clean up now and then.

Even though gallstones show up on an X-ray but do not cause symptoms, surgery should not be recommended as happened in 80% of cases.

Source: Prescription to Natural Healing

VIVA Corner

+ VIVA Omega 3 to provide the vital constituent of every living cell much needed for repair and prevention of gallstones.

+ VIVA Biolecithin to aid digestion of fats and emulsify fat.
+ VIVA Cellpex supports the liver’s detoxifying function and increases cellular regeneration by stimulating protein synthesis.

+ VIVA Vivashield as a potent antioxidant to protect the cell integrity and prevent further cellular damage.

  

Potency of OPC and VIVA Cellpex

  

Oligomeric proanthocyanidin (OPC) is a class of flavonoids that has high antioxidant properties.  The discovery was made in 1948 by Jacques Masquelier who isolated that substance – OPC from peanut skin, and subsequently developed techniques for its extraction from pine bark and grape seed, both were waste products of the lumber and winemaking industry then.

This naturally occurring plant metabolites are present on the skin, seeds and seed coverings of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, flowers and bark.  Cocoa beans, grape seed extract and pine bark extract contain the highest concentrations, and also abundantly found in apples, cinnamon, cocoa beans, red wines, bilberry, cranberry, black currant, green tea, black tea and acai berry.


As an antioxidant....

Studies have shown that OPCs are 20 times more potent than Vitamin C and 50 times more potent than Vitamin E, both are also water-soluble antioxidants.  Given this unique quality, they are able to penetrate into stubborn blood-brain barriers found in the brain and nervous system.  Such benefits can be extended to the trillion of cells in our body as well.

Health benefits

Hence, foods rich in proanthocyanidins have high oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) or rapid absorption, suitable for promoting health benefits relating to weight management, cellular health and cardiovascular health. ORAC values measure the antioxidant activity both chemically and physiologically. Thus it promotes the development of normal cells and inhibits the growth of abnormal cells.


+  Proanthocyanidins are the principal vasoactive polyphenols in red wine associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease and to lower overall mortality because they can suppress production of a protein endothelin-1 that constricts blood vessels.  By so doing, they support the heart function by regulating blood pressure and cholesterol level by protecting against lipid perioxidation (rancidity of fat in cell membranes). 


+  Proanthocyanidins have antioxidant activity that protects capillaries by neutralising free radicals that contribute to the breakdown of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid (responsible for fibrous breakup) thus aid in strengthening all the blood vessels, reducing inflammation and improving the delivery of oxygen to the cells. This is useful in preventing vascular disorder like varicose veins and fragile capillaries. One large study found some evidence that use of OPCs from pine bark (pycnogenol) might help to prevent the leg blood clots that can develop on a long airplane.

+  As it penetrates the bloodstream fast and supports blood platelet flow, eating a heaping cup of grapes daily can relax tight blood vessels, significantly improving blood flow to damaged back tissues (and often within three hours of enjoying the first bowl). That is because your back’s vertebrae and shock-absorbing discs are completely dependent on nearby blood vessels to bring them healing nutrients and oxygen, so improving blood flow is essential for healing damaged back tissue.


+  Studies have shown their ability to improve micro-circulation, retinal edema and visual acuity in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy by normalizing blood glucose levels and delaying sugar absorption. For normal maintenance, they provide supportive nutrients to promote better vision health.

+  Evidence from one small, double-blind trial suggests that OPCs from bilberry and grape seed may reduce the general fluid retention and swelling that can occur in premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

+  Some studies suggest OPCs from pine bark alone or with arginine, may be helpful for erectile dysfunction (impotence).  In a clinical trial, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 124 men (aged 30-50) with moderate erectile dysfunction were randomized to take Prelox (a formulation of pine bark extract and arginine) or placebo for 6 months. The men who took Prelox experienced improvement in their condition over placebo.

+  Those suffering from respiratory conditions such as allergies, sinusitis and asthma would benefit as OPCs help to inhibit the production of histamine and reduce the sensitivity of allergens and inflammation in the body.

+  Their oxidative reactions in the body can help to counteract against the effects of internal and environmental stresses as well as supporting normal metabolic processes.  Note as many as 60,000 chemical toxins of different kinds enter our body at different time, including cigarette smoke, car exhaust vapors from cleaning fluids and solvents, chemical agents, a variety of chemical food additives such as preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, emulsifiers, lubricants, bleaching agents, flavor enhancers and synthetic sweeteners.

Word of caution

OPCs may have some anticoagulant properties when taken in high doses, and therefore should be used only under medical supervision by individuals on blood-thinner drugs, such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, clopidogrel (Plavix), ticlopidine (Ticlid), pentoxifylline (Trental), or aspirin.

Source:  http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=e0498803-7f62-4563-8d47-5fe33da65dd4&chunkiid=21765

VIVA corner

VIVA Cellpex is a powerful antioxidant formulation that contains the two important OPC nutrients, namely grape seed extract and pine bark extract.  The seeds of the white grapes are of high water-soluble nature enabling easy absorption by the body.


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. Its components - silymarin and silibinin have two therapeutic mechanisms. First, they alter the structure of the outer cell membrane of the hepatocyte to prevent penetration of liver poison into the interior of the cell. 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 hepatocytes. This is vital for liver damage cases in helping to stimulate the growth of liver cells to replenish the outgoing ones. Another benefit is to help in the conversion of LDL (bad) cholesterol into HDL (good) cholesterol.


Other ingredients include decaffeinated green tea extract, L-arginine, rosehips, white willow bark extract, digestive enzymes, boswellia extract and tomato lycopene that carry a host of health benefits.


*  L-Arginine

-  An amino acid which has marked effects on several major endocrine hormones and plays an important role in muscle growth and wound healing.
-  It helps to regulate and support key components of the immune system.  Research indicates it stimulates the thymus gland and promotes the production of lymphocytes (crucial for immunity).  This enables the body to fight infection and boost immunity due to its anti-tumor properties.
-  Its anti-cancer properties has been proven to work on breast cancer patients.
-  Also, clinical studies showed that it improved sperm motility in infertile men and had positive effects in heart failure patients.

Amount Per 2 Tablets		% Daily Value*
Potassium (as potassium citrate)	75 mg	2%
Grape seed extract	50 mg	*
Pine bark extract	25 mg	*
Decaffeinated green tea extract	60 mg	*
Milk thistle extract	50 mg	*
L-arginine	50 mg	*
Rosehips	40 mg	*
White willow bark extract	40 mg	*
Digestive enzymes (Botanical pancreatin)	37.5 mg	*
Protease	4000 USP units	*
Amylase	4000 USP units	*
Lipase	300 USP units	*
Boswellia extract	30 mg	*
Tomato lycopene	20 mg

*  Botanical Pancreatin

-  The vegetarian digestive enzymes present, help with the absorption of nutrients from food -
+  Protease – breaks down the peptide bonds in proteins
+  Amylase – breaks down carbohydrates including major sugars (sucrose, fructose and lactose)
+  Lipase – breaks down fats and lipids, oils, phospholipids and sterols (cholesterol)

*  Lycopene

A natural carotenoid (similar to beta-carotene) from tomatoes contains powerful antioxidant properties and bioactive phytonutrients
-  Reduces oxidative stress and thereby susceptibility to degenerative diseases
-  Protects the prostate, digestive tract and against radiation damage

*  Decaffeinated green tea extract

This extract from green tea contains phenolic bioflavonoids, much essential for stability and absorption of vitamin C.  Rich in phytochemicals and minerals, it also contains vitamins B1, B2, B5 and C.

-  Protects against digestive dysfunction
-  Reduces carcinogenic DNA damage
-  Relaxes the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract for easy breathing and protects against respiratory dysfunction
-  Blocks estrogen receptor sites in cells with its polyphenols compound and protects tissues from estrogenic activity
-  Helps prevent viruses from replicating

*  Rosehips

The fruit of the rose contains bioflavonoids, citric acid, malic acid, tannins, zinc, vitamin A, B3, C, D and E.

-  Protects the bladder against all infections
-  Reduces the effect of diarrhoea
-  Supports immune system functions


*  White willow bark extract

The bark extract contains phytochemicals like quercetin, tannin, beta-carotene, minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium and vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C.  Certain compounds are used to make aspirin, providing quick pain relief.

-  Inhibits the activity of enzymes associated with the production of inflammatory molecules, and thus eases general discomforts
-  Relieve pain such as headache, backache, nerve pain, joint pain, menstrual cramps, toothache and injuries

*  Boswellia extract

A gum resin from the Boswellia serrata tree that acts as an anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antifungal and antibacterial. Used topically as pain relief for arthritis, gout, low back pain and fibromyalgia.  Traditionally used as a remedy for obesity, diarrhoea, dysentery, pulmonary diseases, ringworm and boils.

-  Rejuvenates the skin by inducing new cell development and helps oil production in dry skin
-  Lowers cholesterol and protects the liver
-  Stimulates blood circulation and repairs blood vessels damaged by inflammation


Overall functions

+  Supports the liver’s detoxifying function
+  Increases cellular regeneration by stimulating protein synthesis (best results combine with VIVA Ageguard)
+  Improves circulation and enhances cardiovascular health
+  Participates in enzymatic and hormonal activity
+  Assists in absorption of nutrients from food with its vegetarian digestive enzymes
+  Reduces oxidative stress which causes cancer, degenerative diseases, weakened immune system and aging.

    
Who should use more?


-  Drinkers
-  Smokers
-  Patients on drug medications
-  Liver damage patients

As the active ingredients are plant-based with extracts in high concentration working in harmony, much therapeutic benefits can be derived naturally.  The essence is quick absorption by our trillion of cells for optimal effect, without the accompanying side effect of drugs.