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Liver Disease Supplements

May 28, 2011 | By Martin Hughes

Liver disease is any disease or disorder that causes liver dysfunction. Medline Medical Encyclopedia states that there are many possible causes of this health problem, including autoimmune hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, drug-induced cholestasis, liver abscess, alcohol-induced liver disease, liver cancer and hemochromatosis. Certain dietary supplements may be beneficial in treating your liver disease, although you should always review the use of supplements with your primary care provider before using these natural healing agents.

Background

If you have liver disease, you may experience several characteristic signs or symptoms associated with this condition, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. These include jaundice, or the yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes; hepatomegaly, or enlarged liver; portal hypertension; ascites, or abdominal swelling; and liver failure. Your doctor may diagnose you with liver disease following a full and thorough physical evaluation and certain tests, such as a liver biopsy, ultrasound or a CT scan.

Liver Disease Supplements

Liver disease is a condition that may respond to dietary supplementation, although further research may be necessary to determine the true efficacy of supplements used for this health purpose. In his book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," master herbalist Ed Smith notes that blessed thistle, celandine, Culver's root, dandelion, milk thistle and red root may be effective herbal supplements in treating your liver problems. Beneficial nonherbal supplements for liver problems may include alpha-lipoic acid, inositol hexaphosphate, SAMe and lecithin granules.

Supplement in Focus

Red root may be a beneficial dietary supplement in treating your liver problem. In her book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," naturopathic doctor Sharol Tilgner states that red root, also known as Ceanothus americanus or New Jersey tea, contains numerous beneficial phytochemicals that may help treat liver conditions, as well as problems with your spleen and lymphatic system. Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic doctor and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that red root is a liver stimulant that helps treat liver sluggishness and enlarged liver.

Additional Information

Liver disease is a serious health problem that should always be managed by a qualified health care professional. Because there are many different types of liver disease, you should meet with your doctor when you first notice the characteristic signs and symptoms associated with this condition. Your doctor can assess your condition, order relevant tests and counsel you on the safest and most effective treatment methods for your problem. Some dietary supplements may cause unwanted health effects and should be avoided or discontinued immediately.

References

Article reviewed by TimDog Last updated on: May 28, 2011

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