 |
 |
 |
|
Liver Detoxification / Support Requirement: Overview
Hampered detoxification processes can result in a condition labeled by many naturopathic and nutrition-oriented physicians as the "congested" or "sluggish" liver, or the more recently coined "impaired hepatic detoxification". Standard liver enzyme blood tests may or may not be elevated in such cases.
The capacity of the liver to detoxify any given compound is determined not only by the inherent toxicity of the compound but also by the available supply of nutrients and endogenous molecules required for Phase I and II reactions, by any pre-existing liver disease which may be present and by the total load of all toxins to which it is exposed.
Causes and Development
Impaired liver function can result from intrahepatic problems caused by exposure to food additives, solvents (cleaning materials, formaldehyde, toluene, benzene, etc.), pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, and aluminum), and other toxins. Other causes include viral infections of the liver, some inherited disorders such as Gilbert's syndrome, alcohol-induced fatty deposits, the use of anabolic steroids/estrogens/oral contraceptives and hyperthyroidism. Bile flow can be restricted also by extrahepatic means such as gallstones, pregnancy, or other physical causes such as tumors.
The congested or sluggish liver is characterized by a diminished bile flow, a condition known in medical terms as cholestasis, while impaired hepatic detoxification refers to decreased phase I and/or phase II enzyme activity. Phase I detoxification rates that are in excess of Phase II activity will also cause toxicity problems due to excessive accumulation of activated intermediates.
The activity of Phase I detoxification enzymes decreases in old age. Aging also decreases blood flow through the liver, further aggravating the problem. Lack of the physical activity necessary for good circulation, combined with the poor nutrition commonly seen in the elderly, add up to a significant impairment of detoxification capacity, which is typically found in aging individuals. This helps to explain why toxic reactions to drugs are seen so commonly in the elderly.
Signs and Symptoms
The presence of chronic fatigue is a frequent symptom. Among the other symptoms, people with a sluggish liver may complain of depression, general malaise, headaches, digestive disturbances, allergies and chemical sensitivities, premenstrual syndrome, and constipation. Not surprisingly, these are the same types of symptoms people exposed to toxic chemicals often complain of. Many toxic chemicals (especially solvents) and heavy metals have an affinity for nervous tissue, giving rise to a variety of psychological and neurological symptoms such as depression, headaches, mental confusion, mental illness, tingling in extremities, abnormal nerve reflexes, and other signs of impaired nervous system function.
Diagnosis and Tests
Although there are more sensitive tests to determine the functional activity of the liver, such as a serum bile acid assay and various clearance tests, clinical judgment based on medical history remains the major diagnostic tool for the sluggish liver.
Clearance tests using saliva, urine, and/or blood after chemical challenge by caffeine, aspirin, and acetaminophen can be useful in detecting Phase I and II imbalances.
Treatment and Prevention
General treatments include:- Protection against toxic substances
- Artichoke leaf extract
- Milk thistle (Silymarin)
- Bile creation enhancement (cholerectics) often lowers cholesterol
- Dandelion
- Artichoke leaf extract (cynara which becomes caffeic acid in stomach)
- Curcumin
- Bile movement enhancement (cholagogues)
- Fatty Infiltration reduction
- Alcohol avoidance
- Low fat diet
- High water-insoluble fiber consumption
- Carnitine supplementation (other lipotropics less effective)
- Protection from free radical damage
|
|
 |
|
 |
Signs, symptoms & indicators of Liver Detoxification / Support Requirement:
Conditions that suggest Liver Detoxification / Support Requirement: | | | | | Circulation |  Varicose Veins
Bruising Susceptibility |
Digestion |
Hemorrhoids |
Hormones |
 Progesterone Low or Estrogen Dominance |
Immunity |
 Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia Syndrome | In one evaluation of 200 Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia patients it was found that 80% had a significant impairment of liver detoxification function.
Patients suffering from toxic burdens may experience a wide range of symptoms, among them fatigue and poor tolerance for exercise. These processes have been postulated to be a central factor in the development of CFS. Oxidative damage to mitochondria and the detoxification process itself is being considered as a fundamental mechanism in the development of CFS. [1 Bland JS, HealthComm Inc., 1997; Int Clin Nutr Rev 1988;8(4): pp.173-5] |
|
Infections |
Yeast / Candida Infection |
Metabolic |
Migraine/Tension Headaches | A 'sluggish liver' often contributes to headaches. |
Susceptibility to Hangovers | Acetaldehyde is a toxic substance produced in the body from alcohol and is one of the impurities found in cheap wine and 'moonshine' spirits. Some researchers believe that an acetaldehyde buildup is the cause of hangovers. If the liver's detoxification pathways are impaired, aldehydes can, instead of being converted to the next intermediate product, build up to harmful levels and cause damage since they are often more toxic than the original substances from which they are derived.
It is probably the metabolism of methanol to formaldehyde and formic acid that caused the symptoms of the hangover. Quick methanol metabolizers suffer more. This is reinforced by the fact that the types of drinks associated with more severe hangovers contain higher levels of methanol. [Hangovers: Not The Ethanol, Perhaps The Methanol, British Medical Journal, January 4, 1997;14: pp.2-3]
All types of alcoholic drinks contain some methanol, a substance blamed for the worst hangovers. Whiskey, cheap red wine, fruit brandy and other dark spirits contain the most methanol, sometimes as much as 2% by volume. Vodka and other clear drinks contain the least. In the liver, methanol takes 10 times longer than ethanol to break down. |
Jaundice
Intoxication Susceptibility
Edema (Water Retention)
Bulimic Tendency |
Nutrients |
Magnesium Requirement |
Organ Health |
Night Blindness | Reduced night vision can be linked to a variety of conditions caused by impaired liver function which in turn reduces vitamin A metabolism. |
|
Skin-Hair-Nails |
Psoriasis | Correcting abnormal liver function is of great benefit in the treatment of psoriasis. The connection between the liver and psoriasis relates to one of the liver's basic tasks (filtering and detoxifying the blood). Psoriasis has been linked to the presence of several microbial byproducts in the blood. If the liver is overwhelmed by excessive levels of these toxins in the bowel, or if there is a decrease in the liver's detoxification ability, the toxin level in the blood will increase and the psoriasis will get worse. |
Body Odor
Dandruff
Night Sweats |
Symptoms - Liver / Gall Bladder |
Gallbladder attacks |
Tumors, Benign |
Ovarian Cysts |
Uro-Genital |
Fibrocystic Breast Disease | Impaired liver function can result in excess circulating estrogens and a worsening of breast tenderness. |
|
| | | | |
Risk factors for Liver Detoxification / Support Requirement:
Liver Detoxification / Support Requirement suggests the following may be present:
Liver Detoxification / Support Requirement can lead to: | | | | | Immunity | Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia Syndrome | In one evaluation of 200 Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia patients it was found that 80% had a significant impairment of liver detoxification function.
Patients suffering from toxic burdens may experience a wide range of symptoms, among them fatigue and poor tolerance for exercise. These processes have been postulated to be a central factor in the development of CFS. Oxidative damage to mitochondria and the detoxification process itself is being considered as a fundamental mechanism in the development of CFS. [1 Bland JS, HealthComm Inc., 1997; Int Clin Nutr Rev 1988;8(4): pp.173-5] |
|
Skin-Hair-Nails |
Body Odor
Psoriasis | Correcting abnormal liver function is of great benefit in the treatment of psoriasis. The connection between the liver and psoriasis relates to one of the liver's basic tasks (filtering and detoxifying the blood). Psoriasis has been linked to the presence of several microbial byproducts in the blood. If the liver is overwhelmed by excessive levels of these toxins in the bowel, or if there is a decrease in the liver's detoxification ability, the toxin level in the blood will increase and the psoriasis will get worse. |
|
| | | | |
Recommendations and treatments for Liver Detoxification / Support Requirement: | | | | | Botanical |  Silymarin / Milk Thistle
Dandelion
 Garlic
Castor Oil | Castor oil packs are commonly placed over the liver. |
|
Detoxification |
Coffee Enema | The coffee enema causes the liver to produce more bile (which contains processed toxins) and moves bile out towards the small intestine for elimination. This frees up the liver to process more incoming toxic materials that have accumulated in the organs, tissues and bloodstream. Coffee contains some alkaloids that also stimulate the production of glutathione-S-transferase, an enzyme used by the liver to make the detox pathways run. It is pivotal in the formation of more glutathione, one of the main conjugation chemicals, enabling toxins to be eliminated via bile into the small intestine. So in other words, a coffee enema speeds up the detoxification process and minimizes the backlog of yet-to-be-detoxified substances. |
Liver/Gall Bladder Flush
Liver Detoxification Phase II Support |
Diet |
Therapeutic Fasting | Fasting has a powerful effect on improving liver function, an effect which continues after the fast. However, fasting should be avoided in cases of severe liver disease or failure. |
Alcohol Avoidance | Acetaldehyde, a metabolic breakdown product of alcohol, is said to destroy vitamins B1, B6 and C. Even though supplements of these nutrients, together with the amino acid cysteine, may help the liver detoxify acetaldehyde, it would be wiser to avoid alcohol, it's primary source. |
|
Environmental |
 Particulate Matter Avoidance |
Lab Tests/Rule-Outs |
Test/Monitor Liver Function
Liver Detoxification Profile |
Nutrient |
TMG (Tri-methyl-glycine)
Alpha Lipoic Acid | Alpha-lipoic acid has been used very successfully as a therapeutic agent in a number of conditions relating to liver disease, including alcohol-induced damage, mushroom poisoning, metal intoxification and carbon tetrachloride poisoning. |
|
| | | | |
KEY | Weak or unproven link: may be a sign or symptom of; may suggest; may increase risk of; sometimes leads to | | Strong or generally accepted link: is often a sign or symptom of; often suggests; often increases risk of; often leads to | | Definite or direct link: is a sign or symptom of; strongly suggests; increases risk of |  | Strong counter-indication: often contraindicates | | May be useful: may help with | | Moderately useful: often helps with | | Very useful: is highly recommended for |
Last updated: Apr 08, 2012
|
|
