Liver Problems
Liver problems are not always the easiest of ailments to properly diagnose. The liver is a very important organ in the body. It is critically important to the digestion of fats in our food and to eliminate and detoxify chemicals that enter our blood stream. The liver is also responsible for clearing the blood of old red blood cells, bacteria and other infections organisms. It helps get rid of ingested toxins like alcohol and the chemicals from medications. The liver also produces many different proteins including blood clotting factors and hormones.
It also stores vitamins A, D, E and K. As you can see, liver problems can really interfere with how well our body functions. And with all its duties, it is easy to cause a problem in the liver. Problems of the liver may include anything from mild congestion to cirrhosis, bile duct inflammation, viral hepatitis, and fatty liver. There are three categories that liver problems fall into: problems with detoxification, problems producing or secreting bile and disease of the liver cells.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include feeling tired and unrefreshed in the morning; difficulty losing weight; fluctuating energy levels; frequent headaches; digestive problems like indigestion, halitosis, bloating and gas; food allergies and intolerances worsening; reactions to household chemicals; jaundice; problems digesting fatty or oily foods; drug reactions to medications like antihistamines, antibiotics and headache tablets; alcohol intolerance; sensitivity to caffeine; skin problems like psoriasis, acne, eczema and itchiness; hot flushes.
You may also notice light-colored stools, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, darkened urine, nausea, abdominal pain in the upper right side of the stomach, a general feeling of being unwell, varicose veins, fever, low blood sugar, loss of sex drive, depression and muscle aches and pains.
Causes
Liver problems may be caused by many things. Some are caused by congenital defects or abnormalities. Some are affected by metabolic disorders, infections, poisoning by alcohol or toxins, medications, malnutrition, and injury.
Cautions
Lesser problems of the liver can lead to more serious liver disease. Some liver problems, like hepatitis, may be contagious to others through sexual contact or food and water contamination. Consult your doctor if you have symptoms of hepatitis or cirrhosis.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Milk thistle – this herb has been used traditionally for liver ailments for over 2000 years. It helps the liver overcome damage from toxins, viruses, alcohol and medications. Milk thistle is an antioxidant and it helps to regenerate liver cells. This herb is useful in treating damage from liver disease and damage from alcohol, cancer treatments, diabetes and more. It also lowers cholesterol.
- Chamomile – this soothing herb may be useful in liver treatment. Make an infusion with the flowers and let it steep until it is the color of scotch or bourbon. This bitter brew will help the liver.
- Dandelion – the root of this herb promotes healthy circulation and stimulates bile flow. It is a well-known detoxifying remedy.
- Burdock – this herb helps purify the blood and lymph system as well as promoting healthy liver and kidney function. It helps remove toxins from the body.
- Yellow dock – this is a powerful cleansing herb. It promotes bowel movements and tones the liver.
- Baical Skullcap - take liquid extract three times a day.
- Globe Artichoke - take in tablet or capsule form three times a day to protect and rejuvenate the liver.