Liver failure occurs when the liver becomes unable to perform its hundreds of functions. The liver is an extremely vital organ that, when damaged, causes multiple symptoms. The American Academy of Family Physicians report that the destruction of...
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a spectrum of conditions in which fat deposits accumulate within liver cells. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease occurs in people who drink little or no alcohol. The spectrum of liver damage associated with the...
The liver is the second largest organ in the body and serves to use nutrients from foods you eat as well as eliminate harmful substances from the blood, notes the American Liver Foundation. In the presence of fatty liver, eating a well-balanced...
Itching all over causes serious discomfort that can significantly disrupt sleep and affect quality of life. Itching is a common symptom of skin diseases and is one of the most common reasons for consulting a dermatologist. Itching can also be a...
Alcoholic hepatitis is an inflammation, or irritation, of the liver caused by alcohol. It typically occurs in people who drink heavily for many years; however, not all heavy drinkers develop it and it can also occur in those who drink only...
The liver is a highly resilient organ that can repair damaged cells at a high rate of turnover. However, viruses and diseases can damage the liver faster than it can repair itself. This may happen in a very short period of time, known as acute...
Your liver is an organ of detoxification, and it may become sluggish from poor eating habits, excessive alcohol consumption and certain medications. According to Dr. Douglas R. LaBrecque, of Iowa University Hospital, half of all people suffering...
Protein is a nutrient responsible for helping your body build healthy skin, tissue and hair as well as giving you energy for your day. Your liver is responsible for breaking down protein sources in your daily diet. If your liver function is...
Seizures are characterized by uncontrollable body movements that are triggered by abnormal electrical activity within the brain. The symptoms of a seizure will vary with the part of the brain affected. Grand mal, or tonic seizures, present...
There are a number of reasons for enlarged kidneys, from polycystic kidney disease to infections, alcoholism and cancer. The Mayo Clinic reports that patients often go for years without noticing they have enlarged kidneys. Normal sized kidneys...
The liver is the second largest organ in the body after the skin, and it is primarily responsible for removing toxins, which along with the stress your body experiences, burdens the liver with more work. Liver disease and failure may occur as a...
When you eat, your body breaks down the food and absorbs the nutrients into your bloodstream. The majority of the nutrient absorption occurs in the small intestine, but some also happens in the mouth, stomach and liver. When the process breaks...
Diseases that affect your liver can also change how your body responds to different medications. Gilbert's syndrome is a genetic problem with the liver that can cause problems if you take certain medications, but it does not appear to interact...
Your adrenal glands maintain numerous metabolic processes and help to control the production of certain hormones. Although adrenal fatigue is a common term, this condition is not a true medical diagnosis, according to MayoClinic.com. Adrenal...
Obesity increases your risk of liver damage. Your liver detoxifies everything you eat and breathe, as well as anything absorbed by your skin. The liver is the largest internal organ -- about the size of a football. It stores nutrients, regulates...
Niacin is a B vitamin that doctors prescribe to treat and sometimes prevent various medical conditions. Patients frequently experience itching as part of a common flushing reaction, involving redness, warmth and a tingly sensation. To minimize...
Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease that results in symptoms such as fibrosis, decreased liver function, abdominal fluid buildup called ascites, portal hypertension and other serious complications. Detrimental changes in blood flow and blood...
Because all food that enters the body passes through the liver where it is processed for useful nutrients, it is important to eat foods that contribute to the health of the liver, especially if you suffer from a liver condition. Nutritional...
Polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly called PCOS, is an imbalance of female hormones that results in menstrual cycle changes, cysts in the ovaries, difficulty getting pregnant and changes in the body, such as acne, a deepening of the voice and...
The liver plays key roles in metabolizing the food we eat, producing energy and storing essential vitamins and minerals. However, the liver can become overwhelmed and congested resulting in decreased function such as slowed blood filtration and...
Vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin, is actually a group of three closely related compounds that help your blood clot and contribute to bone strength. Phylloquinone, or vitamin K1, is a natural form of this nutrient that is found in kale, alfalfa and...
Alcoholic or Laennec's cirrhosis typically occurs when 80 percent to 90 percent of the liver's normal tissue has been destroyed by the chronic abuse of alcohol. The liver's main functions include storing and metabolizing nutrients, filtering...
Being ill can sometimes make it difficult to make decisions on how to proceed with your treatment. Although some symptoms of illness can be treated at home or by getting plenty of rest, some should not be ignored. If you experience a sudden or...
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ-10, is a vitamin-like substance found in the internal organs of the human body, in small amounts in certain foods, and in nutritional supplements. People take CoQ-10 for a number of health conditions including heart disease...
Fava beans, also known as bell, broad, field or tic beans, are cultivated for food, particularly in Mediterranean dishes. They contain high amounts of protein and fiber and are low in fat. They are not known to cause disease themselves, but can...
Fatty liver, or steatosis, is an increasingly common problem in the United States. Obesity is a risk factor for fatty liver, and approximately two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese. Your liver processes the fats that are absorbed from...
Biliary cirrhosis is a chronic inflammation of the bile ducts of the liver. Over time, inflammation leads to destruction of the bile ducts, causing a buildup of toxins and irreversible scarring to the liver. In its early stages, the condition is...
While cirrhosis cannot be cured, eating right and getting exercise helps many patients feel healthier and respond better to medical treatment, according to Dr. Melissa Palmer in the June 2007 edition of the PBCers Organization Newsletter....
The professional advice and suggestion that is commonly repeated from the medical community regarding alcohol use is to "drink in moderation." Heavy alcohol consumption and chronic use ultimately increases your risk of developing a number of...
Liver disease is a collection of several different diseases affecting the liver. Watch this video to learn about the various diseases and how to prevent and treat them.
