Cirrhosis refers to any organ that has chronic interstitial inflammation. It can be a leading cause of chronic liver disease, and is often found by the abnormal changes in liver cells that cause hardening and inflammation of the organ itself.
As a result of cirrhosis, the liver becomes damaged and cannot perform well. This can become a long term problem before you even realize there is a problem, because there are sometimes no overt symptoms until it becomes chronic. Early symptoms include:
- Rashes of unknown causes
- Constipation and diarrhea
- Alternating color of the stools
Chronic levels of cirrhosis can lead to severe symptoms including:
- Abdominal swelling with fluid (ascites)
- Vomiting blood
- Swelling or bloating of the body
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
- Coma or death in the severe stages
- Easy bruising
What Causes Cirrhosis?
The liver is affected by any number of factors, and can become toxic because of toxic bowels or toxic blood. This may be caused by pharmaceutical drugs taken on a regular basis, alcohol consumption, and exposure to environmental chemicals.
Treatments for Cirrhosis
Diet is extremely important in preventing and reversing liver disease, and cirrhosis can be helped with detoxification and a steady, pure foods diet. Detoxification helps to reduce the symptoms of cirrhosis and cleanse the body’s natural systems. Complete a colon and intestinal cleanse in your plans before you start a liver and other body cleanses.
Diets should be comprised of whole and organic foods that include seeds, nuts, whole grains, beans, nuts, green leafy vegetables, and goat, soy, or rice milk. Avoid alcohol and processed or saturated fats, including margarine and hydrogenated oils. Substitute with cold processed oils such as olive oil and flaxseed oil.
Foods high in amino acids and potassium are helpful. These include nuts, seeds, bananas, raisins, rice, wheat bran, kelp, dulse, molasses, and brewer’s yeast. Avoid animal protein, as well as raw or undercooked fish. Juice therapy can help eliminate toxins, especially apple juice. Also try beet and carrot juices and green drinks that contain Spirulina, Chlorella, and other green elements.
Herbs such as milk thistle can help treat and regulate liver cells, and help with cell regeneration. Other herbs, such as Picrorhiza kurroa, has a similar effect, and licorice root is often helpful. The Chinese herb bupleururn is another one to try.
Helpful nutritional supplements include vitamin C, vitamin E, lipoic acid, and raw liver tablets. Take regular doses of vitamin B complex, selenium, folic acid, digestive enzymes with hydrochloric acid, and the amino acides L carnitine, L cysteine, Lglutathione, and L arginine.
Other alternative therapies include acupuncture, detoxification therapy, natural hormone replacement therapy, and Traditional Chinese Medicine.