Wed Nov 25, 2009 3:31 pm   Reply with quote      

My husband has just been diagnosed with cirrhosis and he also has heart disease. I would like to know if there are certain foods or vitamins and herbs he should be consuming. I don't know how to cook for him now.

Wed Nov 25, 2009 3:40 pm   Reply with quote      

Cirrhosis of the liver is a degenerative inflammatory disease that results in hardening and scarring of liver cells. The liver becomes unable to function properly due to the scarred tissue, which prevents the normal passage of blood through the liver. The liver is one of the most important organs in the body. It detoxifies, builds proteins and fats, secretes hormones, stores vitamins and minerals, produces bile necessary for digestion, and hundreds of other functions. One of the liver’s main responsibilities is to filter out harmful substances from the bloodstream, such as dead cells, toxins, and excess hormones.

In any health issue the best diet is based on natural whole foods and the first attached document explains what we mean by natural foods. It is particularly important to emphasize fruits and vegetables because they contain phytochemicals, substances in food which have medicinal effects. As the document states: try for 10 servings a day of these vital nutrients. One way to do this is to drink fresh vegetable juices, such as beet, carrot, dandelion, and “green drinks”.

A natural-foods diet minimizes processed and refined foods—particularly sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, trans-fats, and white flour—that are often found in bags, boxes, and cans, and promote inflammation. A natural-foods diet also eliminates unnatural ingredients like artificial colors, preservatives, flavors, chemically-altered fats, and sweeteners.

The following supplements are helpful in supporting liver functioning:

1) Glutathione is the most important antioxidant used and manufactured by the liver. It kills bacterial invaders, acts as a cellular detoxifier, and helps prevent free-radical damage. SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) helps regenerate normal liver function by increasing glutathione levels and decreasing free-radical activity. It is one of the most important liver-protecting substances in the body. Do not use if taking antidepressants. (See attached)

2) Silymarin, the flavonoid extracted from milk thistle, has been studied for supporting all types of liver disease. It works as a strong antioxidant, increases glutathione, decreases liver damage, and helps liver regeneration. (See attached)

3) Phosphatidylcholine is a naturally occurring phospholipid, derived from lecithin, necessary for maintaining the integrity of cell membranes.

For more personal help and support I recommend setting up a coaching session with one of our Nutritional Health Coaches. This is a free service and you may contact an NHC at your nearest Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage store.They will be able to discuss menu ideas and other helpful nutrients such as enzymes and probiotics.

Download Natural Foods for Optimal Health.LW.0309.pdf
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Download SAMe$.JA.0603.pdf
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Download Milk Thistle.ABC.2003.pdf
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Download MilkThistle--Liver Health.REPR.0603.pdf
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