The human liver performs hundreds of individual functions including storing and metabolizing vitamins and nutrients, fighting infection, and producing bile which is vital to breaking down fats. Liver damage typically occurs over time and becomes...
The liver is an essential organ for the function of the human body. Blood that leaves the digestive tract passes through the liver, which extracts and absorbs nutrients and toxins from the blood before it reaches the rest of the body. The liver...
The liver is a large organ in the abdomen that has a variety of functions. It cleans toxins and waste products from the blood, and it also makes proteins that assist in blood clotting. The liver can be damaged by some poisons (such as alcohol),...
Proteins are tiny specialized structures used by the cells and the body for many functions. They can be strong and provide structural support, or form channels through which chemicals can flow through, for example. A specific type of protein is an...
Alcohol is highly addictive for many people, with the threshold for addiction varying by environmental circumstances and genetic makeup. Excessive consumption has repercussions for society, families and the individual. Biologically, alcohol can...
A fatty liver usually doesn't cause noticeable symptoms. An abnormal ultrasound, elevated liver enzyme lab tests or unusual findings on a physical exam may be the first indication of a problem with the liver. Although it's logical to assume that...
The liver filters toxins from the body and protects the body from infection and disease; but the liver may become overtaxed and loaded with toxins due to illness, environmental pollutants, chemicals ingested in foods or emotional stress. An...
Jaundice refers to the yellowing of the skin, mucus membranes and/or the eyes. It occurs because the blood contains excess levels of bilirubin, a yellow-colored pigment of red blood cells, according to the Mayo Clinic (see References below)....
Lipitor (atorvastatin) belongs to a classification of drugs known as statins. Lipitor works to lower your body's bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise your good cholesterol (HDL). According to Drugs.com, keeping your cholesterol in a healthy range can...
Sandoz Pharmaceuticals' levoflox is a generic antibiotic formed on the chemical composition of the brand Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals drug Levaquin. It is part of a group of antibiotics called quinolones used to treat infections of the...
Milk thistle is an herbal plant whose fruit and seeds are used medicinally to treat many human illnesses, specifically liver and gall bladder problems. Silymarin, a flavonoid antioxidant isolated from milk thistle, offers exceptionally high...
Fatty liver, as defined by the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, is a condition where fats accumulate inside the liver cells due to a variety of causes: alcoholism, obesity, diabetes and certain drugs and toxins. Broadly, fatty liver, or...
Unintentional weight loss, especially if accompanied by abdominal or side discomfort, could be a warning sign of a potentially serious health problem. Some of the organs on your right side include your liver, pancreas, gallbladder and right...
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of several viral infections that can cause serious damage to your liver. The Mayo Clinic states that this form of the viral infection is classified as the most serious. The disease typically is transmitted from...
The drug Darunavir (Prezista) is a protease inhibitor used to inhibit the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in patients, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Darunavir works to stop HIV from replicating itself. This...
The liver is a large organ that is essential for the normal functioning of the body. This organ produces the substances that digest fats and carbohydrates, and helps to clear the body from toxins. When a man has severe problems with the liver,...
Alternative health practitioners use black cohosh to treat arthritis, osteoporosis and the symptoms of menopause. This plant contains phytoestrogens, sugar compounds and substances that have anti-inflammatory properties. While black cohosh has...
Baikal skullcap, also called Scutellaria baicalensis, is an herb traditionally used in Chinese medicine. Historically, baikal skullcap has been used to treat numerous health problems including infections, cancer and epilepsy; however, additional...
According to the Drugs.com website, Lotrel is an oral, prescription medication that you take for the treatment of high blood pressure. It is a combination of a calcium channel blocker drug that relaxes blood vessels, and a drug that blocks the...
Alli is an over-the-counter version of the weight-loss drug orlistat. Alli contains 60mg of orlistat, in contrast to the prescription form, Xenical, that contains 120mg. Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, Alli works by preventing absorption of some...
When it comes to choosing and using dietary supplements, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends starting with a healthy dose of skepticism. The FDA has concerns regarding the side effects these supplements can produce, made worse by...
If you are struggling to lose weight, you may be interested in boosting your diet and exercise regimen with a weight loss supplement. One popular and widely available supplement option is Hydroxycut, which is manufactured and marketed by Iovate...
Yasmin is a type of birth control pill that contains the synthetic hormones drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, which prevent ovulation. Like other types of hormone birth control pills, side effects can occur. These symptoms can be severe in some...
Alli is the trade name for an over-the-counter diet pill that includes 60mg of a drug called orlistat, which works by affecting fat absorption in your intestines. GlaxoSmithKline, Alli's manufacturer states that in addition to FDA approval in...
Vitamin B-6, also referred to as pyridoxine, and niacinamide, also referred to as vitamin B-3, are water-soluble nutrients the body needs. The body does not store excessive amounts of vitamin B-3 or B-6, so an adequate dietary intake of the...
Valerian root is derived from a perennial plant native to Europe and Asia. It has also become popular in North America for its herbal properties. The National Institutes of Health, or NIH, reports valerian has been used for medicinal purposes...
Gotu kola, also known as pennywort, is a swamp plant that is sometimes used to treat respiratory infections, wounds, leg swelling, and other conditions. It is not related to the kola nut and contains no caffeine. But there is too little research...
The liver cleanses the body of foreign substances, produces blood clotting factors, aids in food digestion and metabolizes most drugs. Viral infections, alcohol abuse, toxic poisoning, and autoimmune disease are potential causes of liver injury....
The roots of the kava plant have been used to make a ceremonial drink by Pacific islanders for centuries. The drink was and still is used in social settings due to its relaxing properties. The kava plant has medicinal uses as well and can help...
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.
Cirrhosis is a condition that causes irreversible scarring of the liver. As scar tissue replaces normal tissue, blood flow through your liver is affected. Learn about the different causes, symptoms, and treatments for Cirrhosis in this video.