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.

 

Alcohol causes liver damage (II)

Alcohol is made from carbohydrates, starch and sugar, with empty-calorie (high energy) and provides no nutritional benefits. When alcohol is consumed, only a small percentage is converted into fat whilst the rest is converted into acetate by the liver. Conveniently the body uses the acetate released into the bloodstream to burn as fuel instead of burning fat and glycogen. With less body fat burned and appetite stimulated, it is easy to gain weight, especially with fat accumulation around the waistline. Even maintaining a lean machine with no visible gain does not mean the liver is not fatty.


Alcohol figures prominently in many social settings during the holiday seasons as well as night entertainment spots. In the midst of merrymaking, do not get too intoxicated and down to drop. Individual responses to alcohol vary according to factors like age, sex, weight co-existing medical conditions and the use of medications. Hence, there is no level of drinking considered completely safe or without risk.

Why drink?

It is not the taste of alcohol that makes it popular as most people find it unpleasant. Well known as a stimulant, it lifts the drinker's mood to feel elated. However, this negative impact works against the intellectual functions of the brain. Individuals who are timid and are inhibited find the courage to do things that otherwise would hesitate to perform.

For instance, a public speaker may take a drink to overcome stage fright with good result but may not talk sensibly due to a loss of his mental faculties. As the feeling is only short-lived, one will quickly reverse to the original form after the intoxication process. Its anesthetic effect can be terrible for an alcoholic who depends on more and more to counteract his shortcomings.

Processing time

The average person takes an hour to process 10g of alcohol, the amount in a standard drink. By drinking faster than this processing time, the blood alcohol starts to rise. Basically, when a person takes in alcohol, it travels to the stomach and passes on the small intestine where most of it enters the bloodstream. This is further carried to the liver to be broken down by the enzymes into carbon dioxide and water, to be excreted through urine, sweat or exhalation.

Damage

As far as the body is concerned, alcohol is a poison. It causes metabolic damage to all cells in the body and depresses the immune system. The negative impacts on the vital organs as follows:

+ Within 5 mins of drinking, 20% of the alcohol finds its way into the bloodstream between the stomach's mucus-producing epithelial cells. This causes a sharp rise in both saliva and digestive juice. When there is excessive hydrochloric acid produced, the organ's protective mucus can be destroyed due to congestion of blood, resulting in heartburn, inflammation, ulcers and bleeding.

+ Disrupts nerve cell communication in the brain - a slowdown of the rhythm of the brain waves is due to its tissues using less oxygen than normally.

+ Constricts the blood vessels and raises blood pressure, forcing the heart to pump harder. Those with the condition of any weakened or defective heart should abstain completely to avoid quick deterioration.

+ About 5% of blood alcohol quickly diffuses into the air sacs of the lungs and depletes the protective antioxidant inside. Contrary to what many believe that it acts as a pain relief for respiratory dysfunction, sufficient quantity may interfere with breathing and cause death. Combining with a pain-relieving drug can be even more damaging.

+ In moderate amounts, it tends to remove the inhibitions relating to sexual activity and causes a false impression that sexual potency is increased. However, in larger doses, it produces sexual impotence. This is because alcohol deadens nerve cells in the sex organ, causing chronic erectile dysfunction and reduced testosterone production.

+ 5% of blood alcohol is eliminated by the kidneys through urine. More liquid results because alcohol blocks the release of the hormone which stimulates the kidneys to conserve fluid and concentrate on urine. This can lead to high blood pressure, liver damage and kidney failure.

+ Most important of all, the detoxifying organ - liver is responsible for breaking down 90% of blood alcohol, starting to scrub within 10 mins of your first sip. Blood absorbs alcohol much faster than the liver can eliminate it, which is why it takes an hour for the effects of each drink to wear off.

In the liver, it inhibits the production of enzymes, retards the absorption of vitamins such as Vitamin A, B, D, E, K, proteins and fats. Hence, the body is gradually deprived of important nutrients. Not only that, heavy drinking creates excess free radicals which can crowd out or kill off healthy liver cells.

++ Extent of liver damage -

Excessive alcohol consumption can cause liver diseases like fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, alcoholic cirrhosis and liver cancer. The extent of damage varies depending on the amount and type of drinks and the duration involved.

+ Over-consumption prompts the liver to use different enzymes to process, resulting in the formation of free radicals that damage cell tissues and cause liver inflammation.

+ Persistent intake of alcohol on moderate to high level can lead to alcohol hepatitis, where the organ becomes chronically inflamed.

+ The worsening condition can cause undissolved substances to be converted into fats, leading to fatty liver disease.

+ In more critical cases, it develops into liver fibrosis where there are accumulation of scars (from collagen) left by damaged cells.

+ In the worst scenario happening to 1 out 10 diehard drinkers, the organ hardens and develops complications such as liver failure, cirrhosis, bleeding and liver cancer, all highly risky and difficult to deal with. The damage is so severe that normal passage of blood cannot be filtered, resulting in a buildup of toxins and foreign substances.
 

By then, the organ becomes shrunken and nodular, and progressively ceases to function.

Other serious complications include bleeding from the esophagus, accumulation of fluids in the abdomen and lack of consciousness. At an advanced stage, death is inevitable. This usually happens when there is unfavorable nutritional balance in the body especially with the deprivation of the normal quantities of the vitamins and proteins one should rightfully receive, coupled with delicate chemical imbalance in the organ.

Other health problems

+ A heavy drinker may suffer other physical setbacks like lagged nerves and inability to control involuntary actions such as breathing, heartbeat and the gag reflex. An impaired gag inflex can cause the person to choke to death on his own vomit. His blood pressure can fall dangerously low, depriving his brain of oxygen, leading to heart failure.

Intense suffering on peripheral neuritis or inflammation of the nerves can occur due to chronic lack of nutrition and depletion of existing store. This can be explained by the high percentage of energy calories derived from alcohol which suppresses the appetite and thus craving for wholesome food.

+ When an expectant mum consumes too much alcohol, it can filter to the foetus' tissues and may develop into physical and mental handicaps later.

+ Dilation in the vessels of the skin makes one unaware of cold when his skin surface is warm. Exposure to cold temperatures without taking normal precautions puts one more susceptible to pneumonia.

Recommendations

+ As a rule of thumb, stick to no more than 21 units of alcohol a week for men and 14 units for ladies (lesser for those who are pregnant). A unit is commonly referred to a glass of wine, 25 ml of spirit or half a pint of beer. Women tend to get drunk more quickly given their smaller build and lower levels of alcohol digestive enzymes in the stomach. For this reason, they are at increased risk of osteoporosis due to alcohol's adverse effects on bone metabolism.

+ Binge drinking is common amongst heavy drinkers who can mix 5 alcohol drinks at one go is strongly discouraged as this raises the risk of developing alcohol-related liver diseases. Other physical effects include nausea, vomiting, blurred or double vision and mental effects such as impaired motor skills and judgment (leading to Alzheimer's).

+ Who should avoid or reduce drinking:

++ children and pregnant women

++ those who drive should not drink

++ patients on medications

++ those having medical conditions like asthma, alcohol allergy, liver disease or stomach ulcer

++ weight watchers

Alcohol is made from carbohydrates, starch and sugar, with empty-calorie (high energy) and provides no nutritional benefits. When alcohol is consumed, only a small percentage is converted into fat whilst the rest is converted into acetate by the liver. Conveniently the body uses the acetate released into the bloodstream to burn as fuel instead of burning fat and glycogen. With less body fat burned and appetite stimulated, it is easy to gain weight, especially with fat accumulation around the waistline. Even maintaining a lean machine with no visible gain does not mean the liver is not fatty.


FINAL WARNING: A heavy alcoholic has his or her lifespan shortened by 10-15 years or more!

Source: ST Mind your Body, April 7, 2011; Dec 15, 2011

BONUS !!!
Do not hasten to throw away all those bottles yet...

- Wipe your feet with a vodka-soaked rag to eliminate foot odor. Vodka contains alcohol, an antiseptic that is very drying. Alcohol destroys odor-causing fungus and bacteria and dries out the moisture that lets these organisms grow.
-  Adding some beer into a vase can keep your flowers fresh for an extended period of time because the alcoholic content is both an antiseptic and disinfectant.
-  Lightly wipe alcohol on leaves can remove dust and keep them lustery. This application can also prevent ants from disturbing the plant.

Hepatitis and liver damage (III)

 

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, usually caused by a viral infection. This organ plays
a vital role in filtering out harmful substances from our bloodstream.  If it became inflamed, tender and enlarged, normal functions cannot be performed efficiently and toxins can build up and nutrients not properly absorbed. In such instance, a medical report with liver readings should indicate leakage of liver enzymes into the mainstream.


Signs and symptoms


+  Acute or chronic - depending on the type of Hepatitis
+  Tiredness, weakness, fatigue and loss of stamina
+  Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and anorexia
+  Fever and flu-like symptoms
+  "Dark-colored" urine
+  Yellowing of the skin and sclera (if jaundice occurs)
For Hepatitis B, C or D -
+  Skin rash
+  Aversion to smoking, weight loss 

Hepatitis A spreads through human contact, faecal contamination of food or water, and raw shellfish harvested from polluted water.  It is rarely fatal, and usually the patient can overcome with own immunity or by taking an available vaccine.

Hepatitis C is highly contagious passing through bodily fluids. In majority of cases, patients have no pre-warning symptoms. 

 

People who are infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV) virus may develop a chronic infection that can lead to cirrhosis which may develop into liver cancer. The risk of such probability is ten times greater than the general population without both HBV or HCV.

For those with chronic HCV infection, the strain is usually not risky as to cause liver cancer. However, this risk is increased coupled with cirrhosis especially alcohol-related which may be fatal, accounting for most liver transplants and chronic liver disease. There are currently no vaccine to combat this virus. Only antivirals and protein interferon can be used to prevent viral replication.

Hepatitis B is caused by a DNA virus, infecting 1 out of 35 adults.  As the incubation period is rather long lasting 1-6 months, the symptoms are not noticeable and thus many do not know they carry the virus. 75% of them recover from the illness whilst the reminder go on to develop cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Majority of carriers contracted the virus from the mother at birth. Given their low immunity then, the virus overpowered the weak body easily. That being the reason why immunoglobulins and vaccinations have to be administered during this period of time. Only in the later part of their life that when blood test is conducted do they realise that being carriers is a lifetime affair. There are instances where upon reaching their 20s the growing bodies energise to fight off the virus with their immunity. However, unsuccessful attempts can cause liver inflammation that may lead to liver damage and cirrhosis.


There are some people who are infected with this virus without their knowledge. This happens when there is contact with infected blood and bodily fluids (eg semen an saliva) of a carrier eg, the use of contaminated syringes, needles, transfused blood and sexual activity. The avenue is through close physical contact with break in skin or mucous membranes. The condition can turn chronic if left unattended for more than 6 months. However, most adults are able to fight off the disease without any external help.


Even without cirrhosis, liver cancer can still occur. Receiving antiviral therapy to treat chronic HBV infection may lower your risk for developing liver cancer. 


Remedial actions

+  Vaccination no longer works if one is already infected with the virus.  Hence, early vaccination is one way of prevention.  Majority of the people take the set of 3 injections to develop an immune response.

+  Blood screening is recommended for those with family history, many sex partners and immigrants from endemic areas.  If infected with the virus, the liver condition must be examined to determine the extent of the damage.

+  Certain herbs are known to be effective against the virus and improve liver function. 
--  Licorice is a fine example well-documented for antiviral activity. 
--  Olive leaf extract, phyllanthus, turmeric, garlic are some combating agents. 
--  Milk thistle extract contains silymarin, a flavonoid that has been shown to aid in healing and rebuilding the liver. 
--  Artichoke, burdock, dandelion, schiandra are some herbs that can help to promote the regeneration of liver cells.

+  Eat a raw vegetable and fruit diet for 2-4 weeks.  Vegetable juices like carrot and beet are great.  Avoid alcohol, all fats, animal protein, raw fish and shellfish, sugar and highly processed foods.


+  Those infected with any of the viruses should keep to good personal hygiene and be isolated to prevent spreading.

VIVA corner

VIVA Biogarlic contains allicin, ajoene and other sulphur compounds that are effective in resisting virus and other pathogens.

VIVA Germanium boosts the immunity quickly to counteract viral infections.

VIVA Cellpex with milk thistle extract can detox the liver and aid the recovery of enzymes and liver cells.

VIVA Floraguard to repopulate the intestinal flora for an enhanced immunity.

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.

  

Guard your liver

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 carried to the liver via two large vessels called the hepatic artery and the portal vein. The hepatic artery carries oxygen-rich blood from the aorta whilst the portal vein carries blood containing digested food from the small intestine. These blood vessels 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), biles break 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), 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.

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 steatohepatisis (NASH) 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 Billrublin. This is a waste product from the breakdown of haemoglobin 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 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.

+ 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, a liver transplant may be needed to remove the damaged liver 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 (mentioned above), 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, boswellia extract and tomato lycopene that carry a host of health benefits.

VIVA Biolecithin is formulated based on scientific grounds and contains large amount of lecthin 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.

How to PREVENT liver damage (with testimony)

 

Liver is the strongest organ that can be the last to degenerate in our golden years. Why do some patients experience liver failure in their prime or younger?

Having good rest is of utmost important to rid toxins accumulating in the body, affecting both the health and mood. Other contributory factors are food-related as enumerated below.

Causes

+ Over-eating and taking frequent late supper

+ Skipping meals often

+ Consuming too much preservatives, additives, food coloring and artificial sweeteners

+ Consuming unhealthy cooking oil used in preparing fried foods

+ Consuming overly done foods with most enzymes being destroyed. Veggies should preferably be eaten raw or cooked 3-5 parts and should be finished at one go

+ The repeated consumption of alcohol inhibits the liver’s production of digestive enzymes, resulting in mal-absorption of nutrients and accumulation of fats around the organ (termed ‘fatty liver’)

Adopting a good daily lifestyle, including eating right is very important for our body to absorb and get rid of unnecessary chemicals according to “schedule” below -

Evening at 9 – 11 pm: This is the time for eliminating toxic chemicals from the lymphatic or antibody system. At such, no more stress, just relax and listen to some soothing music.

Evening at 11 pm – 1 am: The detoxification process in the liver begins and ideally should be done in a deep sleep mode.

Early morning 1 – 3 am: Detoxification process continues in the gallbladder.

Early morning 3 – 5 am: The lungs clear toxins during this time. You can be awakened with a severe cough. Do not be alarmed or take cough medicine to suppress the toxin removal process.


Morning 5 – 7 am: Is time for the colon to empty your bowel.

Morning 7 – 9 am: Best time to take breakfast as nutrients are well-absorbed in the small intestine. Estimates put the increase at three folds, and food intake doubles that rate.


More health tips

+ Taking breakfast should be earlier than 6:30 am for those who are sick and before 7:30 am very beneficial for those wanting to stay fit. Taking a brunch is better than missing a breakfast entirely.

+ Late sleeper and late riser – note this habit disrupts the process of removing unnecessary chemicals. The first 4 hours after midnite is crucial for blood production from the bone marrow.

+ Getting famish before bedtime? Have some fruits and vegetables that are easy to digest. Avoid meat as it takes about 4 hours to digest and oil-cooked meat takes much longer 12 hours. This provokes the liver and the digestive tract to overwork in filtering the toxins. This may be the reason why you feel tired on waking up the next morning.

+ Consuming excessive medication as most of them are difficult to be processed by the liver.

+ Harbour negative thoughts and feelings – A balance of mental/emotional state of mind is very important to the total well-being.

Lastly do not forget to include in your annual health-check a liver test.

Testimony

Liver Damage   

My Chinese New Year in Feb 2004 turned out to be a disastrous one.  Never imagined I could suffer from liver damage that almost caused my life.

Since the beginning of that year I felt very lousy each passing day.  It started off with a bad cold that I managed to stave off by taking lots of antioxidants from VIVA VIVASHIELD. However, it resurfaced not long after and developed into severe headache.  Thinking that it was stress-related, lack of rest or a recurring cold, I simply took Panadol to remove the nagging pain. When it deteriorated into migraine I had no choice but to seek medical professional’s opinion.  A general practitioner prescribed a week supply of Anarex, Napan and Serrazyme 5 mg. (later I learnt from a nurse that these drugs are usually given to cancer patients who suffer intense and unbearable pain).
After taking for few days, the condition did not improve but migraine worsened to pulling every minute, face paled like a white paper and fatigued.  I felt something very wrong and decided to take the initative in doing a health check at a lab.  To my horror, my liver was almost devastated with readings showing my enzymes fast depleting (enzymes are workers in our organ) at an alarming rate.

At this stage I consulted VIVA scientist who happened to be in town to conduct a seminar. His advice was to go ahead with nutraceutical treatment using VIVA products but sought medical help if condition did not improve much.  Someone recommended a liver specialist to standby in time of emergency.  With the confidence I have on VIVA, the decision was a bold move to take only VIVA products to heal hopefully.

As my appetite had waned completely, I had no choice but to swallow pills and consumed liquid foods only.  My understanding of the human anatomy led me to list the products that can help to save my precious organ:

A.  Heavy cleansing and attack:

VIVA GREEN BARLEY (to detox blood cells),

VIVA OMEGA 3 (blood cleanser and protects outer cell membrane walls), 

VIVA VIVAGUARD (to reduce free radicals),

VIVA GERMANIUM (to terminate dying cells and flush out toxins)

B.  To Nourish

Surviving cells need to be nourished with oxygen (VIVA OXYPOWER),

full range of nutrients (VIVA DAILYGUARD),

amino acids (VIVA AGEGUARD),

enzymes (VIVA CELLPEX)

C.  To Protect from further damage

VIVA SELGUARD (to provide protective coatings),

VIVA FLORAGUARD (to restore intestinal flora in the intestines from drug intoxication)


LAB TEST RESULTS

LIVER PROFILE
			Normal	3/2/04	9/2/04	28/2/04	20/3/04	2/3/2005
ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE			40 to 129	275	197	108	93	77
SGPT/ALT			10 to 44	490	226	65	42	28
SPOT/AST			10 to 40	226	80	32	28	23
Gamma GT			8 to 61	175	109	33	20	13
HAEMATOLOGY
TOTAL WHITE CELL COUNT			4 to 11	20	15	7	8
LYMPHOCYTES			1.5 to 4	13	11	3.6	3.3
ESR			below 11	30	NT	NT	32

From above readings note the swift progress made counting by days.  In the first 5 days, the recovery was almost half done. Within a fornight, my nightmare was over as evidenced by all readings falling within normal range. Needless to say, my migraine stopped and regained my energy and appetite.  A checkup the following year later also showed sign of stability. Since then, I have been doing annual checkup and thanks goodness nothing adverse reported so far.

I have given my testimony to few hospitals who were totally amazed with such remarkable progress in such a short span of  time.  A matron working in a public hospital intensive care unit for more than 4 decades requested to view all my medical reports commented that it is a miracle.  She has never seen anyone with results any worst than mine ever survived or last long without any medical treatment.

I count myself so blessed to know VIVA LIFE SCIENCE and it became my life saviour.  Not only me, but friends and family who had witnessed my most critical moment gained much confidence in this reputable company occupying the leading position in the nutraceutical industry!

Leonard, Administrator