Jaundice, or yellow skin, occurs when you have unusually high levels of bilirubin in your blood, states Merck Manuals. Bilirubin is a greenish-yellow pigment formed by the breakdown of hemoglobin--the oxygen-carrying part of your erythrocytes, or red blood cells. If the bilirubin in your body is not eliminated quickly enough, it will accumulate in your blood and become deposited in your skin. Before using nutritional treatments for your jaundice, discuss procedures, alternatives and risks with your doctor.
Jaundice Information
There are three principle causes of jaundice, notes MedlinePlus: too many retired red blood cells for your liver to process, liver damage and bilirubin that cannot move through your biliary tract to your gut. Common signs and symptoms associated with jaundice include yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes, dark urine and light-colored stools. You may also experience reduced appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and fever, depending on the cause of your jaundice.
Appropriate Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements have long been used in treating jaundice and its underlying causes. However, more scientific research evidence may be necessary to determine their true effectiveness, safety and mechanisms of action. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch notes that coenzymes A and Q10, colostrum, grape seed extract, L-glutathione, L-methionine, raw liver extract, SAMe, vitamin B complex, burdock root, milk thistle and oregano may be particularly helpful in treating your jaundice.
Nutritional Supplement in Focus
Grape seed extract may be a frequently prescribed nutritional supplement in the treatment of jaundice. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that grape seeds contain significant amounts of vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid and a particularly powerful antioxidant known as oligomeric proanthocyanidin complex, or OPC. Grape seed extract has historically been used in aiding your liver in removing toxic substances from your body and as an adjunct therapy in treating heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
Additional Information
Jaundice is usually an indication of an underlying health problem that requires the assistance of a qualified health care practitioner. If you develop jaundice-related symptoms--a yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes--schedule an appointment with your family physician for a thorough investigation of your liver function and health. Avoid self-treating your jaundice with nutritional supplements, and always ask your doctor about the immediate and long-term health effects associated with these powerful natural substances.
References
- Merck Manuals; Jaundice; Sidney Cohen, M.D.; August 2006
- MedlinePlus; Jaundice - yellow skin; Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA; January 2010
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Grape seed
