{"id":1844,"date":"2018-06-08T07:26:49","date_gmt":"2018-06-08T07:26:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=1844"},"modified":"2021-05-28T18:34:04","modified_gmt":"2021-05-28T18:34:04","slug":"15-important-tips-to-get-rid-of-cirrhosis-of-the-liver","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/15-important-tips-to-get-rid-of-cirrhosis-of-the-liver\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Important Tips to Get Rid of Cirrhosis of the Liver"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The liver is the body\u2019s biological filter responsible for clearing the blood of environmental and dietary toxins. The excessive stress placed on the liver due to over-exposure to air pollution, heavy metals, medication protocols, alcohol, and food additives, damage liver cells creating scar tissue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A chronic disease known as cirrhosis develops as scar tissue displaces healthy tissue in your liver. The initial stages of cirrhosis are often unnoticed, and the condition could persist for years before presenting severe symptoms. If left undiagnosed and untreated, the disease turns liver tissue lumpy and hard, reducing blood flow to the portal vein and eventual organ failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alcohol-related liver disease, viral hepatitis, metabolic syndrome, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, are all examples of adverse health conditions associated with the development of liver cirrhosis. There\u2019s no cure for this chronic disease and demands a liver transplant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the stage of cirrhosis, there are steps you can take to mitigate the effects of the disease and its spread. Here are 15 important lifestyle and nutrition tips to discuss with your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Eat More Fruits and Veggies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The primary role of the liver is to clean the blood<\/a>, produce bile, and store glycogen for metabolic energy. The phytonutrients and antioxidant compounds found in specific fruits and vegetables support liver health and optimize its function. Try adding these three fruits and veggies to your diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beets<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This tuber contains betaine, which assists the liver\u2019s second wash cycle. During this phase, the organ breaks down homocysteine, a compound that can increase the risk of heart disease.
\nTomatoes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A natural source of lycopene, this fruit inhibits carcinogenesis and cleanses the blood of free-radicals. Additional nutrients include vitamins A, C, and E, which are potent antioxidants and immune boosters, as well as B complex vitamins to aid in liver detoxification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lemon<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The limonoid antioxidant compounds found in lemon stimulate the digestive bile to clear undigested food particles. These phytochemicals, are particularly abundant in lemons and have an anti-microbial and cleansing effect on the liver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Go Green<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s vital for people who have cirrhosis <\/a>to increase their fiber intake. Fiber sweeps the digestive tract clean and improves digestion, thereby reducing unnecessary stress on the liver. Dark, leafy, green vegetables, such as spinach and kale, contain compounds such as indoles including indole-3-carbinol (I3C) plus isothiocyanates, and di-indolemethane (DIM), derived from glucosinolates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2009 the journal, Nature, published research from Chinese scientists that suggested the isothiocyanates found in kale were observed to reduce the activation of carcinogens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cook this cruciferous vegetable before consumption. A popular health trend is the consumption of raw kale in smoothies. However, raw kale increases inflammation of the cell walls in the digestive tract, increasing the chance of gas and the potential for stomach cramps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research shows isothiocyanates from kale\u2019s glucosinolates regulate detoxification activities at a cellular level. Add kale and spinach into your diet and benefit from better gut health, and a cleansing effect on the liver that helps the organ deal with cirrhosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Eat Sulphur-Rich Foods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The body uses Sulphur to properly detoxify <\/a>substances including pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, and environmental toxins. Dietary sulfur is critical because of the body inability to produce its own. Sulfur is a component of glutathione, the antioxidant responsible for maintaining a healthy liver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sulfur detoxifies sulfuric acid and other toxic substances drawn into the body from sources of radiation and pollution. Sulfur plays an anti-microbial and anti-bacterial role in the body as well, and it\u2019s found in bile via the amino acid taurine, assisting the body with optimal digestion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dietary sources of sulfur include garlic, legumes, eggs, onions, whole grains, sprouts and fermented foods like Kimchi. Add them to your diet to improve liver health and mitigate the effects of cirrhosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take 1,500mg of the sulfur supplement, methylsulfonylmethane, every day in addition to your dietary sulfur sources. Always choose a sulfur supplement from a company or brand with a reliable industry reputation and check with your doctor before adding it to your diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. The Benefits of Intermittent Fasting for Liver Cirrhosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Digestion <\/a>takes up to 60% of the body\u2019s daily energy requirement. Time-restricted eating plans help the GI tract, and vital organs like the liver, recover from digestive stress. By limiting eating to only a few hours of each day, you reduce systemic inflammation and improve organ health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intermittent fasting requires a 14 to 16-hour fasting window every day. During the fasting phase, you consume no food and limited beverages. During fasting, refrain from any foods or additives that create a metabolic response. For instance; coffee is allowed during the fasting phase, but creamers or sweeteners are strictly prohibited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eat over a 6 to 10-hour period and consume foods that are nutrient-dense and rich in probiotic and prebiotic compounds. Intermittent fasting can help those people suffering from liver cirrhosis to reduce the stress placed on the liver for bile production. Fasting improves apoptosis and cell autophagy, the process of cell turnover and regeneration of new cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Herbal Therapy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Treatment of liver cirrhosis requires the administration of pharmaceutical medications. However, there are other herbal alternatives you can add to your diet to improve liver health as well. Add these 4 Ayurvedic herbs <\/a>to your diet;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indian Gooseberry<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studies show this herb supports healthy liver cells by enhancing the natural production of glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The potent antioxidant properties of Indian gooseberry scavenge free-radicals and cleanse the blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barberry<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This bitter berry extract is rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. The alkaloid berberine found in barberry increases bile flow and reduces oxidative stress from environmental toxins and short-term alcohol exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Milk Thistle<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This herb descends from Greco-Roman times where it was used to treat the symptoms of liver disease and disorders. Milk thistle contains the compound silymarin, which protects the liver from oxidative damage and environmental toxins. Add 420 mg per day of a milk thistle supplement containing 70 to 80% silymarin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turmeric<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This bitter rhizome reduces systemic inflammation. The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, improves bile production and cleanses the liver from toxins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Flax for Liver Support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Flax seeds<\/a> are a rich source of 3 potent liver-protecting compounds; ligans, Omega-3 EFA\u2019s, and fiber. The cell walls of plants contain secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) ligans, fiber-like compounds with antioxidant properties. Ligans reduce inflammation and lower the production of liver enzymes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Crushed flaxseed is rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a precursor of the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA converts to DHA in the body, and since cirrhosis is fundamentally an inflammatory disease, the ALA found in flax reduces liver inflammation and further damage to liver cells. Omega-3\u2019s fight hyperlipidemia (high levels of fat in the blood) and improve blood cholesterol ratios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flaxseed contains both insoluble and soluble fiber. Both of these types are essential for digestive health and preventing health conditions such as fatty liver disease, and diabetes, precursors for cirrhosis. Add a few tablespoons of crushed flax seeds to salads or smoothies to take advantage of the liver-cleansing health benefits of this superfood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Avoid Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People suffering from liver cirrhosis must avoid refined carbohydrates <\/a>and processed foods entirely. Sugary foods and soda create inflammation in the cell walls of the digestive tract, diminishing the body\u2019s ability to assimilate the nutrition from food. This systemic inflammation spreads to every other biological system in the body, decreasing immune efficiency, increasing cholesterol, and elevating blood sugar levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The liver struggles to process excess carbohydrates in glycogen, the body\u2019s fuel source. This excess glycogen leads to a condition known as non-alcoholic fatty liver, one of the primary causes of cirrhosis. Avoid flour and sugar products and opt for carb-free alternatives that keep levels of gastrointestinal inflammation at a minimum. Spouts and whole grains are excellent replacements for refined flour products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remove refined sugar from your diet and avoid synthetic sweeteners altogether. Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame irritate the liver and create excessive stress on the organ, if you must use a sweetener in your coffee, try a natural alternative like stevia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Use a Multivitamin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An excellent multi-vitamin complex is essential for anyone suffering from liver cirrhosis. Vitamins and minerals ensure that the body has everything it needs for optimal function. Using a multi-vitamin<\/a> complex increases immune function and helps the liver remove toxins from blood while improving bile flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure that your supplement doesn\u2019t have any unnecessary additives or fillers that could harm your liver in its delicate state. Choose a bioavailable formula made from certified ingredients for best results. Try out a liquid multi-vitamin formula that you can add to water or juice for maximum absorption and minimal liver distress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a few compounds that could cause complications with cirrhosis, Vitamin E and Vitamin A can be toxic to the liver when consumed in high doses, so make sure your multi-vitamin complex avoids these compounds. Iron may facilitate the formation of scar tissue in the liver. Therefore, those living with cirrhosis should avoid formulas that contain this nutrient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Use Lecithin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lecithin <\/a>binds to proteins that boost production of good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood while lowering total triglyceride levels. The liver requires phosphatidylcholine to produce LDL proteins, which carry fat from the liver. Reduction in the production of these critical lipoproteins impairs liver function, resulting in a fatty liver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, when phosphatidylcholine levels are low, the liver becomes fatty, inducing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease which leads to the development of cirrhosis. A choline deficiency is another warning sign of fatty liver disease, and adding foods rich in dietary phosphatidylcholine to your diet, reduces fat buildup in the liver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boost your choline levels by eating sources of lecithin such as egg yolks, wild-caught salmon, grass-fed beef and free-range chicken. Broccoli and brussels sprouts are two excellent sources of choline and rich in fiber as well. Tofu, soy, and soy milk are other sources of choline and lecithin that are suitable for vegetarians, or those living a vegan lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Boost Your Vitamin C Intake<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Vitamin C<\/a>, as ascorbic acid, is a vital component of any liver treatment therapy. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that clears the blood of free radicals, preventing cellular oxidation. The liver releases a significant amount of free radicals, and if left unaddressed, these harmful particles create cell oxidation, destroying healthy cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poor liver health impacts the skin. \u201cLiver spots\u201d are a common epidermal condition experienced by those living with liver disease and liver cirrhosis. The excessive amount of free radicals, released by a diseased liver oxidize skin cells, creating dark patches on the skin. This same phenomenon creates wrinkles, dark circles under the eyes, and blood vessel damage as well. Vitamin C combats these free radicals and reduces stress on the liver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can get extra vitamin C through a variety of fruits and vegetables. Add 1,000mg of Vitamin C, from ascorbic acid to your daily diet as well. Take your vitamin C supplement 12 hours after your multi-vitamin to optimize absorption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Eat Organic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The liver processes all the food and drinks that we consume. Therefore, it would make sense to ensure that your diet is as healthy and nutritious as possible if you are living with liver cirrhosis. Modern factory farming methods place animals and plants in unethical living environments to boost profits. The animals are fed with growth hormones and antibiotics to enhance yield and prevent viral outbreaks in livestock and crops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These toxins <\/a>find their way from farm to fork and eventually to your digestive tract. Your body absorbs all of the residue and metabolites found in these mass-produced food products. Adverse health reactions to poor quality foods can include a wide variety of nutritional deficiencies and bacterial infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prevent excessive dietary distress on your liver by eating organic, sustainably farmed foods. Fresh green vegetables and fruit contain active phytonutrients that strengthen liver function, improve immune efficiency, and reduce the symptoms of a fatty liver and cirrhosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Go Nutty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Foods with low toxicity levels suit those people living with liver cirrhosis. Nuts offer high-quality nutrition, with minimal toxic effect. Nuts are a rich source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals<\/a>, add some of these raw nuts, or nut butter made from these varieties, into your diet to support liver function and provide sustainable energy throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pecans – Rich in Vitamins A, E, as well as folic acid, magnesium, and calcium. Pecans contain gamma-tocopherols; a form of vitamin E. Studies show this compound decreases blood serum levels of LDL cholesterol by as much as 33%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Almonds – Packed with selenium and vitamin E, almonds contain as much calcium as milk. Almonds are rich in magnesium, a critical mineral for relaxing blood vessels. Magnesium assists with the circulation of blood through the liver and helps regulate blood sugar levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brazil Nuts \u2013 An excellent source of copper, magnesium, vitamin E, and selenium. The selenium found in Brazil nuts protects the liver against oxidative damage and improves immune function while enhancing tissue elasticity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Avoid Bad Fats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Eating a diet high in saturated fats and trans-saturated fatty acids is detrimental to the health of your liver. Consuming a high-fat and high-carb diet is one of the contributing factors to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a precursor of cirrhosis. When combined with refined carbohydrates, the liver produces up to 70% more glucose, increasing insulin sensitivity, a precursor to the development of type 2 diabetes<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This effect is known as \u201cfat-loading,\u201d and forces the liver to work harder to process the excess fat. The stress caused by fat-loading inhibits the liver’s ability to store glucose instead of fat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those who have live cirrhosis, examine your fat intake. Remove all tans-saturated and saturated fats from your diet and replace them with healthy monounsaturated fats found in foods like extra-virgin olive oil, nuts, and avocados. Healthy fats provide the body with a slow-release of energy, and improve cholesterol profile, reducing LDL production and enhancing HDL production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Try a Ketogenic Diet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A ketogenic diet<\/a> has value as a therapeutic remedy for those suffering from liver cirrhosis. The body uses glycogen, derived from carbohydrates, for metabolic fuel. In the absence of glycogen, the body reverts to ketosis to produce ketones for energy. These ketones come from dietary sources of fat, as well as the body\u2019s fat stores. When the body is in a ketogenic state, it consumes its fat stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This metabolic state may prove beneficial to help mitigate the effects of a fatty liver, as the body will reduce the fat and turn it into metabolic fuel. To induce a ketogenic state, refrain from eating carbs for a period of 3 to 5 days. During this phase, the body depletes glycogen stores, and you may feel a loss of energy before ketosis kicks in.
\nOnce the ketogenic state stabilizes, eat less than 25 grams of carbs a day to maintain ketosis. Your nutrition should focus on dietary fats and minimal amounts of protein with little or no carbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Consult with your Physician & Nutrition Professionals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before undertaking any of the tips in this article, sit down for a consultation with your medical professional. Outline your diet plan and inform your doctor of any supplements or nutrition changes you intend to make. Ask for their advice and make sure that you receive a blood panel before you implement any changes to your lifestyle <\/a>or diet. By doing so, you\u2019ll have a starting point to reflect on and a baseline to compare your future bloodwork results too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep a journal of your changes and note the times you eat, what you eat, and how it made you feel. Tacking all of your changes will help your medical professional understand the course of your treatment and what works for you.
Speak to a professional nutritionist for advice if you struggle to put together a diet. A nutritionist will take the work out of planning your keto diet and make any necessary adjustments in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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