Treatment for Cirrhosis - Foods, Herbs and Lifestyle Tips

Wish to learn about treatment for cirrhosis? Here, you will read about some useful foods, herbs as well as lifestyle tips.

Cirrhosis is a serious condition affecting the largest solid organ in the human body. Weighing about three pounds, the liver is responsible for a number of vital functions the body could not live without, in particular removing the toxins taken into the body through breathing, eating and drinking, or that are absorbed through the skin.

The scar tissue from cirrhosis blocks the flow of blood through the liver and slows the processing of nutrients and the production of proteins made by the liver. Though the body is wonderfully made with the built in ability to repair itself, if left untreated, this condition can be fatal.

It is said to be the third most common cause of death for those who are between the ages of 45 and 65.

The treatment for cirrhosis depends on the cause and whether developing complications have presented themselves. Treatment goals are clear cut - arrest the disease by slowing the progression of scar tissue and treating any complications. Liver cirrhosis is treatable.

There are a number of causes of cirrhosis, alcohol and hepatitis being the two most prominent, with heredity following. Those suffering cirrhosis are encouraged to change their lifestyle by giving up alcohol and steering clear of toxins such as drugs, as these will only continue the damage; this includes many over the counter medications as well.

Diet is of the utmost importance in the treatment for cirrhosis and recovery from the ailment. Changes should begin at once.

Vitamin deficiencies are common because processing nutrients by converting them for use through the body as well as metabolizing them is one of the functions of the liver. Though it is best to get the vitamins and minerals in the foods we eat, supplements at this time can be just as important as good whole foods. Whole food supplements are best.

Vitamin C should be taken by everyone, but especially by those who smoke, drink or take drugs, as these activities rob the body of this nutrient. The liver deals with dietary fats as well as functions as the storage site for fat soluble vitamins such as A, E and D. Until such time that the liver has recovered and is functioning, these should ideally be supplemented as well.

The last vitamin important for proper liver function and repair is vitamin K, which is used in the chemical process of producing liver protein for controlling the clotting of blood.

The vitamins mentioned are helpful during treatment for cirrhosis. Again, it is ideal that whole food supplements are used.

In the treatment for cirrhosis, herbal supplements could include milk thistle (containing silymarin) to help protect the cell membranes of the liver and to help it do its job of neutralizing toxins. It is also rich in flavonoids, which are (antioxidants) useful in fighting harmful agents known as free radicals.

Similar antioxidants are found in turmeric, garlic, ginseng, rosemary, reishi mushrooms, grape leaves and shizandra; they help by increasing the production of beneficial liver enzymes. Do not forget ginger, as it actually boosts other herbs by helping the body to assimilate them. These herbs can form useful parts of treatment for cirrhosis.

Some popular home remedies for cirrhosis are spinach juice enhanced with carrot juice - both are rich in vitamins and minerals and filled with antioxidants. Ground papaya seed in lemon juice is another. Include carbohydrates and plenty of raw salad greens (the darker in color, the better) in the diet, along with radishes.

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