Protein and the Liver

Protein in our diet comes from foods such as meat, fish, eggs, cheese, nuts and dairy. Proteins typically provide the building blocks for the body to repair damaged tissue. However, in the case of a severely damaged liver, ingested proteins may not be properly processed, leaving excessive toxic waste circulating in the body. With any type of liver disease, it is paramount to work closely with a healthcare physician to design a customized nutritional plan.

According to the American Liver Foundation, adults with cirrhosis require a balanced diet rich in protein, allowing liver cells to regenerate. However, too much protein can have the opposite effect. According to Melissa Palmer, MD, author of Dr. Melissa Palmer’s Guide to Hepatitis and Liver Disease, “If too much protein is consumed and not enough carbohydrates, the liver will be forced to use protein as an energy source. This is an unwise and inefficient use of protein, as protein will be diverted from its primary job of building cells and tissues. Furthermore, this will put undo stress on the liver, as it is more taxing for the liver to convert protein into energy than it is to convert carbohydrates into energy.” The Atkins diet is a popular weight-loss plan encouraging consumption of very high amounts of protein and very low amounts of carbohydrates. Critics of the Atkins diet emphasize the danger that a diet centered on protein can have on the body. High protein intake can change the pH of the blood, making it very acidic. When the blood is too acidic, the body goes into a state of ketosis, a life-threatening metabolic condition that can seriously damage the liver. Because of the possible repercussions, a knowledgeable physician must determine the amount of protein consumed by someone with impaired liver function. Whether concerned with helping the liver regenerate healthy cells, or preventing the dangerous condition of ketosis, those with liver disease should not leave their protein consumption to chance.

Carbohydrates and the Liver

Carbohydrates come from starch and sugar and are found in food such as bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, cereals, fruit and sweets.The body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, and stores it in the liver as glycogen. Glycogen is essential for a steady supply of energy, as it is released between meals when blood sugar levels drop. Therefore, glycogen is the link connecting the liver with blood sugar regulation.According to Palmer, “People with liver disease should strive for a diet consisting of approximately 60 to 70 percent carbohydrates, with complex carbohydrates predominating. For such people, a well-balanced diet will include at least 400 grams of carbohydrates.” Most experts agree that for optimal nutritional value, carbohydrates should be the main source of calories for individuals with liver disease.

Fats and the Liver

Fats in our diet come from many sources including butter, lard, cream, cooking oils, cheese, animal fats and many prepared foods.According to Palmer, “Ideally, a person should aim for something in the neighborhood of 10 to 20 percent. People who are overweight should aim for 10 percent. While it is important to eat as little fat as possible, eating a small amount of the more healthy fats does have some benefit … essential fatty acids, perform (as the name suggests) a variety of duties that are essential to the proper functioning of the body.”Some people with liver disease have problems digesting and absorbing fat. Individuals with this issue likely need to decrease their fat intake and will be instructed by their physician to consume a certain type of fat more easily absorbed by the body.

Conclusion

Although liver disease is so prevalent in today’s society, most people are unaware of how influential food can be to our liver’s health. While most authorities agree that carbohydrates should be the most predominant part of a liver supportive diet, balanced amounts of protein and fat are also crucial. Choosing the right balance of foods with your physician will take your specific metabolism needs and liver health status into consideration. When individuals with liver disease follow their advised nutritional program, the support offered to their liver is unmatched by any modern medical intervention.

The term “cholestasis” literally means “standing still of bile.” When the flow of bile in your body is disrupted, anicteric cholestasis levels in the body will rise. Middle-aged women over the age of 40 are the ones who usually suffer from the chronic type of cholestatic liver disease. This type of disease is called “primary biliary cirrhosis.”

Diagnosis

About 90 percent of patients diagnosed with primary biliary cirrhosis are women over the age of 40. Women living in northern Europe tend to be more susceptible to this disease compared to women in other parts of the world. Women in Japan have the lowest rate of diagnosed cases of this disease.

The diagnosis of cholestatic liver disease is based on a combination of many findings and tests. Some of these factors include findings of cholestatic liver enzymes, a positive anti-mitochondrial antibody, and characteristic liver biopsy. The most common laboratory finding is the detection of elevated serum alkaline phosphates of liver origin. The presence of anti-mitochondrial antibody is the most characteristic laboratory finding in cholestatic liver disease. Over 95 percent of all who suffer from this disease will test positive for anti-mitochondrial antibody.

Signs and Symptoms

Fatigue is the most common symptom of this disorder. Seventy to eighty percent of all the patients suffering from this disease experience this symptom. However, fatigue is generally not an indication of the severity of this disorder. As the disorder progresses, other symptoms may arise, such as hypertension. As the disorder progresses even more, the ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins will continue to decrease. As the disorder progresses further, autoimmune disorders will begin to develop. For example, a patient with this disease may begin to develop an autoimmune thyroid disease, as well as an inflammatory bowel disease once this disorder is left to progress.

Liver problems can range from mild liver congestion to a serious liver disease. Depending on the problem, many people are unaware they have a liver problem and may only have vague symptoms. One of the most common symptoms is chronic tiredness. These people generally feel lethargic and sluggish during the day, especially in the morning.

Due to the fact that the liver is one of the hardest working organs in the body and has many roles, there are a number of problems that can occur with the liver. The three main categories these problems fall into are:

1. Disease of the liver cells

2. Problems producing or secreting bile

3. Problems with detoxification

How do you know if you have a liver problem?

Tests are available through standard pathology labs that measure liver enzymes, total protein, albumin and bilirubin. Although these tests are called liver ‘function’ tests, they indicate whether the liver is damaged rather than how it is functioning. In other words, they are used to detect liver diseases, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis as well as liver cells being damaged from viruses, bacteria, alcohol, drugs and so on. These tests are not useful in detecting mild problems with liver congestion and sluggish detoxification. This is best done by observing your symptoms. However, it is important to consult your practitioner and have the tests performed anyway, just to rule out the possibility of liver disease.

An ultrasound can detect if there is a blockage in the bile duct. This is most commonly caused by the presence of gallstones in the biliary duct. It is estimated that around 10-20% of people over 40 years of age have gallstones and their presence is linked to a high fat, low fibre diet. The presence of gallstones in the bile duct typically causes nausea and pain. Bile flow can also be impaired through the liver, however this can be difficult to detect with standard testing.

General symptoms that can indicate a liver problem

The primary function of your liver in your body is to regulate your metabolism. Without the liver, you will not be able to metabolize your intake of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It accomplishes this function by working closely with your other systems such as you lymphatic system, circulatory system, as and endocrine system. In order for your liver to metabolize the fats, carbohydrates, and proteins in your body, it must be healthy and free of any diseases.

Bile Production

Your liver produces and secretes a product called bile. This is what makes it possible for your liver to metabolize your intake of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. This fluid is a very important presence in your body due to the fact that it aids in the elimination of contaminants in your body, such as drugs. The bile system is also responsible for re-circulating your red blood cells.

Failure to Produce Bile

It is possible for a type of liver disease to cause the liver to stop the secretion of bile. When this happens, the liver loses the capability to metabolize the fats, carbohydrate, and proteins.

The only way fats can be absorbed into your blood system is if bile is present. This is why it would be impossible for your body to absorb the fat-soluble vitamins without bile. These vitamins, such as vitamins A, K, D, and E, are essential for your liver to function properly. Without bile present in your system, your body will not be able to absorb and metabolize these vitamins.

Red Blood Cell System

Another important function the liver performs is that it cleanses your body from the damaged, or old, red blood cells. The liver will also store iron in your body, as well as breakdown hemoglobin. This is the reason why many people who suffer from liver disease may suffer from anemia. Along with the spleen, the liver stores blood. Therefore, in case of blood loss severe enough to threaten your life, the liver will expel its stored blood to replace the lost blood in your bloodstream.

For whatever reason, some people just do not realize the damage alcohol can do to this already weakened organ. Alcohol is a toxin: public enemy number one to the liver. When you have any liver disease, this organ already is not functioning as efficiently as it should be, so why add fuel to an already burning fire? If you are still consuming alcoholic beverages even though you have liver disease, you are voluntarily putting toxins into your body, which does nothing to help your liver fight against further damage.

Many people with severe, chronic liver diseases, such as Hepatitis C, often struggle with a fluctuating viral load. Recent research has shown a direct correlation between alcohol consumption and viral load. Simply put, those people who drink alcohol are at a higher risk of having a dangerously elevated viral load than someone who abstains from alcohol altogether. Furthermore, studies have shown that alcohol consumption interferes with standard medical treatment for Hepatitis C; it renders interferon therapy much less effective than it would normally be for a non-drinker.

Alcohol is no friend to the liver, and should be kept far away from this vital organ when battling liver disease. Anyone who keeps alcohol in their diet is actively harming their own liver. Because alcohol is so addictive, many people find it hard to give up, but it is a small price to pay for having a healthy liver.

Alcoholic liver disease occurs due to an acute or chronic inflammation of the liver due to alcohol abuse. This disease usually occurs after a prolonged use of alcohol. In the United States 10% of men and 3% of women suffer from problems related to alcoholic consumption.

The occurrence of the disease depends on the amount of alcohol consumed and the duration it is consumed in. The greater the duration and greater the amount leads to a greater chance for liver disease to occur.

Other factors include the toxicity of ethanol to the liver, susceptibility to the disease, and genetic factors. Studies have shown that women may be more susceptible than men. The disease starts as inflammation (hepatitis) and progresses to fatty liver and cirrhosis. Alcoholism generally leads to three pathologically different liver diseases. They are the fatty liver ( Steatosis), hepatitis and cirrhosis.

The disease will not show any symptoms until it advances. Complications that arise are alcoholic encephalopathy and portal hypertension.

The symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, jaundice, abdominal pain, fever, ascites,weight gain, mental confusion, excessive thirst, dry mouth and fatigue.

Other symptoms are vomiting blood, bloody bowel movements, paleness, fainting, lethargic movement, fluctuating mood, impaired judgement and confusion.

Liver function tests and liver biopsy are the common tests done to detect the disease. Treatment includes the discontinuation of alcoholic use, providing high calorie, high carbohydrate diet to break down the protein present in the patient’s body. Counseling and rehabilitaion may prove necessary for the patients.

Liver transplants become necessary if the situation advances to cirrhosis. Once the patient becomes medically stable, there is a need to abstain from drinking. Although stopping drinking may result in the reversal of fatty liver and hepatitis, liver cirrhosis may continue, but progressive liver deterioration can be checked.

Food restrictions for patients with liver disease are prescribed by doctors or dieticians individually. Diets depend on the cause of disease and the stage of liver disease. Other conditions of the body, such as heart problems and diabetes, also need to be taken into consideration before dieting. In general, taking meals every two hours in small quantities is ideal for patients with liver disease. This makes it easier to digest and absorb food. Diets that aim at a balance of necessary nutrients are good for a damaged liver. Each of the following nutrients plays a role in easing the function of a damaged liver.

Vitamins

Vitamins are nutrients that are metabolized by the liver. Vitamins in excess may cause problems in digestion even for normal persons, so patients with liver disease may need to limit vitamin intake. Depending on the severity of liver damage, some patients may require vitamin supplements.

Minerals

Minerals like calcium, sodium, and iron play an important role in the balance and functioning of the human body. Calcium content usually decreases when the liver becomes damaged. So, calcium supplements are beneficial for persons with liver disease. On the other hand, sodium (salt) and iron should be minimized for better functioning of a damaged liver.

Proteins and Amino Acids

Animals and vegetables are two sources of protein. Animal protein sources are also high in fat and can prove harmful for people with cirrhosis. Hence, vegetable protein is more beneficial than animal protein. Excess of both proteins and amino acids, taken in the form of supplements, forces the liver to work hard. This can harm the already damaged liver.

Carbohydrates and Fats

A diet containing 400grams of carbohydrates is a well-balanced liver disease diet. Carbohydrate intake should neither be too low nor too high. The diet should be low in saturated fats to avoid clogging of arteries and increasing in cholesterol levels.

Thus, a well-balanced diet is absolutely essential for persons suffering from liver disease.

Because they a lovable, loyal animals, dogs are highly preferred as pets. Dogs become family members, so their health is very important. Pet owners need to keep in mind that dog health and liver problems are very closely tied together.

The liver is an important part of the digestive system, so if there is a liver problem, a dog health will be severely affected. There are many kinds of liver problems that dogs can have, including cirrhosis of the liver, toxicity, hepatitis, fibrosis, etc. But in this article, we will be discussing hepatic micro vascular dysplasia.

Hepatic micro vascular dysplasia

This is a common liver problem for dogs. With hepatic micro vascular dysplasia, there is a mixing of venous and arterial blood on a microscopic level. Another name for this condition is hepatic-portal micro vascular dysplasia. Though this condition affects all dog breeds, it seems to occur more often in terrier breeds.

As there are no symptoms that are peculiar to this condition, it is hard to diagnose with any certainty. Among the symptoms that a dog might have are seizures, central nervous system disorder symptoms and other gastro intestinal disorder symptoms, such as diarrhea and vomiting. A bile acid response test is the first step in diagnosing the condition.

Another condition, photo systemic shunts, will also have an abnormal bile acid response. A liver biopsy then needs to be done to eliminate the possibility of photo systemic shunts so that the condition of hepatic micro vascular dyplasia can be properly diagnosed.

If diagnosed before symptoms appear, there is a good prognosis for a dog with hepatic micro vascular dysplasia. However, once symptoms begin to be seen, the only recourse is to use diet and medication to manage the condition.

Reducing the amount of protein consumed is the objective of diet therapy while the reduction of ammonia in the digestive system is accomplished with medication. So that dogs with this condition are able to excrete soft, formed stools, lactose injections are advisable.

Twice a day, injections of antibiotics are given. These may be neomycin, metranidazole or some other antibiotic. The response to the treatment will vary from one dog to another. Some dogs respond well enough to live out a normal life span, but other dogs will have a shortened life due to this condition.
Dog owners will usually take preventative measures once they are made aware of the connection between overall dog health and liver problems.

Glossary

Hepatic – The medical name for the liver, which is an important part of the digestive system.
Bile – The secretion of the liver that aids in the digestion of fat in the diet.

The liver is very well connected to the other organs and systems in your body. This is the reason why it is very difficult to diagnose a disease that is connected to the liver. The only way to find out for certain that the disease is indeed related to the liver is by doing a very thorough examination. It is not uncommon for a person who is suffering from a liver disease to experience symptoms that is characteristic of another disorder relating another organ or system.

Medical History

Since the symptoms of liver disease are very subtle, it is very difficult to diagnose during its early stages. This is why it is very important to have routine checkups, along with urine and blood samples if you know that you have a family history of liver disorders. Liver problems can also occur in situations where a person?s diabetes is poorly controlled.

Physical Exam

There are many symptoms that may show up during a physical examination that will indicate possible liver problems. Some of the possible symptoms that may be detected if you have liver problems would be enlarged lymph nodes. This could be caused by a secondary bacterial infection. Other symptoms include bruising and a high fever.

Urinalysis

There are many things a urine examination can tell about what is going on with the body. They can tell us what types of toxins there might be in the body, as well as tell what your body is lacking.

Blood Panel

Getting a complete blood count, as well as a biochemistry panel done by your health care provider would be a smart decision if you know that you are at risk for a potential liver disorder. This is to make sure that you are in good health and that your liver is in good working order. If you are already suffering from any symptoms that might indicate a liver disorder, then you should get these tests performed as soon as possible.

Hemochromatosis can kill you dead if undetected.

What exactly is this malady I speak of?

It is a condition in which the body absorbs more iron from food than it needs.
The extra iron is stored in and may damage the liver, heart, and pancreas.
It may cause organ failure, cancer, heart problems, and liver disease. …

Symptoms include:

Abdominal pain

Decreased sex drive or impotence.

Have you been feeling weak or tired all the time?

Do your joints hurt? Skin turning a bronze color?

Arthritis of the knuckles of the first and second fingers?

Cardiac problems (including abnormal heart rhythms

If so, you better alert your doctor.

A complete physical must be performed.

I know it’s a bummer but better than kicking the bucket.

Your examination must include:

Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) and Serum Iron (SI).

Divide the SI by TIBC for percentage of Transferrin Saturation TS.

Normal range is: 12-45%.

The same blood may be used to measure Serum Ferritin.

Normal range: 5 to 150.

Mostly men contract the disease for some unclear reason.
Probably due to normal iron loss during menstruation in women.
Usually around age 40. Individuals of European ancestry are much
more likely to be carriers of what was until recently the only known gene
to cause genetic hemochromatosis, than are people of other ethnic ancestries.

However, iron overload is common in people of African or Mexican
descent as it is among Caucasians.

Your goal is to prevent liver cancer, heart attack or stroke. Do that by unloading
stored iron as quickly as possible. Objective: ferritin below 10.

Any blood relatives must be tested and monitored yearly.

Iron will cross the blood brain barrier. Excess iron stored in the brain has been
found to elevate severity in Alzheimer’s, Lou Gehrig’s, Parkinson’s, MS, and other
diseases. Iron in the brain also leads to psychological problems.

If you have any of the above symptoms, make an appointment with your primary care physician immediately. The longer you put off testing, the more damage to your liver
will result if you have hemochromatosis.

Iron overload is most often present and silently causing problems long before you
notice any symptoms.

Serious consquences of untreated hemochromatosis can result in: arthritis, diabetes, depression, impotence, hypogonadism, gallbladder disease, cirrhosis and scarring of the liver, heart attack, cancer, and other life threatening ailments.

Limit red meat in your diet.
Iron loaded vegetables are okay because the body doesn’t absorb iron from plant
sources so well.

Drink black, green, or oolong tea with meals. The tannin from tea helps curb iron absorption (herbal tea doesn’t contain tannin). Cut all foods and snacks that have added iron.

Vitamin C supplements should be limited to less than 100 milligrams per day, because vitamin C promotes iron absorption. Use multivitamins that do not contain iron.
Avoid raw oysters and shellfish like the plague, which may be tainted with
bacteria that might be harmful, even deadly to someone with an iron overload.