Fatty Liver Disease

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Some of the key functions of the liver include:

1. Detoxification: One of the liver’s primary functions is detoxifying the blood by removing harmful substances, toxins, drugs, and waste products from the body. It metabolizes and neutralizes these substances, making them less harmful and ready for excretion.
2. Bile Production: The liver produces bile, a greenish-yellow fluid that helps in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and released into the intestine when needed.
3. Protein Synthesis: The liver is responsible for synthesizing numerous essential proteins, including albumin (important for maintaining osmotic pressure), clotting factors (essential for blood coagulation), and immune proteins (important for fighting infections).
4. Storage: The liver acts as a storage organ for various nutrients and substances. It stores glycogen, vitamins A, D, B12, and minerals like iron and copper. It also stores glucose via glycogen to be released when needed.
5. Regulation of lipids: The liver helps regulate cholesterol by producing cholesterol and removing excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.

Common Causes of Liver Disease

The most common cause of liver disease worldwide is viral hepatitis. Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, and it can be caused by different viruses, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Of these, hepatitis B and C are the most significant contributors to liver disease globally.

Apart from viral hepatitis, other common causes of liver disease include:

• Alcoholic liver disease (ALD): In the past, this was the main cause of non-hepatitis related liver issues. Chronic excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcoholic liver disease. This includes fatty liver (steatosis), alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and an increased risk of liver cancer.
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): NAFLD is a more recent condition in which excess fat accumulates in the liver in people who consume little or no alcohol. It is closely associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.
• Autoimmune hepatitis: In autoimmune hepatitis, the body’s immune system attacks the liver, causing inflammation and damage.
• Chronic liver infections: Besides viral hepatitis, other infections like schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection, and certain bacterial infections can also lead to liver disease.
• Genetic and metabolic disorders: Certain inherited genetic conditions and metabolic disorders can affect the liver’s function and lead to liver disease such as hemochromatosis – too much iron or Wilson’s disease – too much copper.

Globally, at least 1 billion people are estimated to have NAFLD.

The total may be as high as 25% of the world population.

What is Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)?

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease is a rapidly increasing cause of liver disease in which excess fat is stored in the liver. Untreated, this can potentially lead to liver damage. As its name suggests, Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease is a condition that looks similar to the damage alcohol causes, but in those who consume little or no alcohol.

How do you know if you have Fatty Liver Disease?

The majority of individuals with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease are asymptomatic, often diagnosed when liver enzymes are elevated or noted incidentally on imaging tests. A diagnosis of NAFLD also requires excluding drug reactions and metabolic conditions.   

Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease

People usually don’t experience symptoms until the disease progresses:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Swollen abdomen and legs
• Severe tiredness
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Mental confusion
• Yellowing of skin and eyes

How does fatty liver disease develop? Often with the following health conditions:

• High body weight or obesity
• Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes
• High triglycerides
• Sleep apnea (untreated)
• Low thyroid (hypothyroidism)
• Fatty liver is associated with higher intake of processed foods, especially vegetable oils also known as seed oils, artificial sweeteners, glyphosphate, high calorie intake, and high intake of fructose, especially high fructose corn syrup.
• NAFLD has increased as geneically modified (GM) foods, vaccines, and geoengineered aerial spraying has increased.
• mTOR over-activation with suppression of autophagy. Animal studies show high fructose diet creates fatty liver and rapamycin reverses it.

Why is it important to treat fatty liver disease?

Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), the progressive form of fatty liver disease, increases the risk of cirrhosis-related liver failure and liver cancer, which could require a liver transplant. The average life expectancy for someone with cirrhosis of advanced liver disease is about 9 – 12 years. NAFLD also greatly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and liver failure – all of which decrease life expectancy in adults.

Our Treatment for Fatty Liver Disease

We follow Dr. Burt Berkson’s protocol for the treatment of fatty liver disease. Our treatment is built on key supplements with a focus on Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) IV therapy. ALA is made in the body, however levels decline as we age. It is well absorbed in both water and fat so it can penetrate tissues well, including the liver.

Alpha Lipoic Acid:

• ALA significantly decreases the reduces inflammation/liver damage which reduces scarring and progression toward serious damage. 
• ALA also reduces fat (triglyceride) in the liver.
• ALA reduces liver fat content, inflammation, and scarring – also referred to as fibrosis.

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation Today!

If you have fatty liver disease and want to learn more about our treatment for Fatty Liver Disease, please contact our Wellness Consultants for a complimentary wellness consultation today at 281-698-8698. That’s 281-698-8698.