The Liver and Liverstones

Each year, millions of people in the United States suffer from gallstone-related pain. However, it may surprise many of these individuals to discover they are, in fact, suffering from the presence of liver stones. Liver stones are the less publicized cousins of the gallstone, as the two are essentially the same. Ultimately, location defines the difference between the two. To help reduce the risk of suffering from this painful condition, everyone should understand how the liver functions and what can be done to support its health.

The Location and Purpose of the Liver

The liver is the largest gland in the body and it’s located at the beginning of the small intestine. The gallbladder, for comparison, is located behind the liver near its base. The main purpose of the liver is to produce bile—an essential secretion for breaking down digested lipids into smaller particles so fats and fat-soluble vitamins can be absorbed by the small intestine.

The liver forms bile from water, electrolytes, and other molecules including cholesterol, bilirubin, bile acids, and phospholipids. Adults produce between 400 and 800 ml of bile each day and it’s stored in the gallbladder until needed.¹ Besides manufacturing bile, the liver works as a filter to detoxify and purge harmful chemicals (such as alcohol) from the body.

What are Liver Stones?

Liver stones are commonly formed whenever an excess of cholesterol exists in the body. When excess dietary cholesterol is present, the remainder often crystallizes into small, pebble-shaped masses. Recently, researchers at the University of Bonn in Germany discovered that heredity may also be a contributor to the condition. The scientists believe they have isolated a gene within the body that greatly increases a person’s chances of forming liver and/or gallstones.²

Common Diseases of the Liver

Due to the liver’s role as the body’s detoxifying system, much of what we eat and drink can greatly affect the gland’s health. Here are some of the more common diseases of the liver:

Cirrhosis: In this condition, damage to the liver causes scarring which further prevents the liver from functioning the way it should. Common causes of cirrhosis include alcoholism and hepatitis. About 5% of cirrhosis patients develop liver cancer and end up receiving liver transplants due to excessive scarring.

Fatty Liver: "Fatty liver" is a common condition in people who drink too much alcohol. The liver becomes enlarged by the accumulation of fat cells. Usually, the only symptom presented is a slight discomfort within the abdomen. The condition normally improves if the person in question ceases drinking alcohol.

Hepatitis: Alcoholic hepatitis (liver inflammation) is also caused by the intake of too much alcohol and is often a precursor to cirrhosis and eventual liver failure. If detected early enough, damage to the liver may be somewhat reversed. Viral Hepatitis, on the other hand, attacks the liver directly. Actually five different types of viral Hepatitis exist:

1. Hepatitis A (HAV) - Can affect anyone and ranges from single cases to widespread epidemics
2. Hepatitis B (HBV) - A deadly disease causing cirrhosis, cancer, liver failure, and even death
3. Hepatitis C (HCV) - Easily spread by coming into contact with the blood of an infected person
4. Hepatitis D (HDV) - A virus found in the blood of affected individuals, and the patient usually has HBV as well
5. Hepatitis E (HEV) - Similar to HAV, but rarely found in the United States.³

Gilbert Syndrome: Gilbert Syndrome is caused by a defect in the uptake of bilirubin into the liver cells. Gilbert Syndrome can be very difficult to diagnose and is sometimes confused with liver disease.

Symptoms of a Sluggish Liver

When the liver doesn’t function properly, a number of signs can indicate a problem. Patients may express symptoms such as the following:

Interestingly, the symptoms for impaired hepatic detoxification are commonly the same as those attributed to patients suffering from exposure to toxic chemicals.

Can Any Organisms Harm the Liver?

Yes! Liver flukes (Trematodes) are a type of parasitic flatworm which infects the digestive system and other organs in the body. Adult flukes have external suckers which leech nourishment from its host. Trematodes normally enter the body through the act of eating uncooked fish or plants and fish from fluke-infested waters. Trichinosis is another type of parasitic disease that can harm the liver. Trichinosis is contracted from eating under-cooked meat (usually pork) and it affects the bile ducts that drain the liver.

Another condition caused from parasitic infestation in the liver is schistosomiasis. This is caused from parasites that enter the body through the skin, usually from walking barefoot in infested fresh water. The parasites travel through the body, settling in the small veins of the liver.

Ultimately, schistosomiasis results in cirrhosis of the liver due to the scarring caused by the inflammation. Also, many people may not realize Hepatitis A is a virus that enters the liver as an organism. The most common way to contract Hepatitis A is to eat food prepared or handled by someone who didn’t thoroughly wash their hands after using the bathroom.

What Chemicals Affect the Liver?

Chemicals which can cause hepatotoxicity include Acetaminophen, Isoniazid, aflatoxins, arsenic, and carbon tetrachloride.⁴ Taking more than the recommended dosage of Acetaminophen causes the glutathione pathway to become overwhelmed with NAPQI—Acetaminophen’s metabolite. Ultimately, this toxic compound accumulates in the liver and the glutathione is unable to remove it, thus damaging the liver in the process.

Used to treat Tuberculosis, Isoniazid is a powerful medication necessitating the patient to undergo constant liver tests. Isoniazid is believed to cause granulomas (chronic inflammatory nodules) within the liver.

Aflatoxins occur naturally and can be found in soil, decaying vegetation, and other natural settings.⁵ Aflatoxins typically flourish in areas of high heat and moisture and normally contaminate crops of cereals, spices, peanuts, and other dried goods. High exposure to aflatoxins causes carcinoma, cirrhosis, and eventual necrosis of the liver.

Arsenic is a well-known carcinogen and teratogen. The most common exposure for humans comes from drinking tap water. High levels of arsenic can be fatal within 12 to 48 hours after ingestion with some deaths occurring within one hour.⁶ Once absorbed into the body, arsenic is stored in the liver where it can contribute to the onset of cancer.

Carbon tetrachloride is very dangerous to humans and animals when inhaled. Clinical signs of carbon tetrachloride inhalation include elevated levels of the hepatic enzyme Aspartate Aminotransferase, elevated levels of bilirubin, decreased levels of albumin and fibrinogen, and a swollen and tender liver.⁷

General Statistics about Liver Problems

• Physical injuries to the liver are responsible for just 5% of all hospital admissions.⁸
• 80% of all cases of liver toxicity are caused by pharmacological drug reactions.⁹
• More than 900 prescription drugs are known to cause injury to the liver. Toxicity is the leading reason for withdrawing a drug from the market.¹⁰
• Liver and gallstones are present in 10% to 20% of the population.¹¹
• 6,500 liver transplants were performed in the United States in 2005.¹²

Which Herbs Promote Liver Cleansing?

Organic Chicory Root

Cultivated from the Nile river for thousands of years, Organic Chicory Root (Chichorium intybus) has a long and well-documented history of assisting with liver problems. In fact, documentation exists that ancient Romans used this herb to help cleanse the blood. Similarly, ancient Egyptians were known to consume Chicory Root in large amounts to aid in purifying the liver and the blood. Especially during periods of scarcity for traditional coffee beans, roasted Chicory Roots have often served as a natural caffeine-free alternative.

Learn more about Organic Chicory Root!

Organic Dandelion Leaf

Dandelion Leaf (Taraxacum officinale) helps promote bile excretion from the liver. As such, the body can more efficiently process foods and liquids while purging harmful toxins. In addition, improved bile flow makes it possible for the body to better metabolize fat, which helps optimize the body’s cholesterol levels.

Dandelion Leaf is also effective at stimulating a sluggish gallbladder, which is responsible for storing and excreting bile as the body needs it. As such, this natural substance is effective at promoting blood purity which helps reduce the burden placed on the liver to filter out toxins.

Learn more about Organic Dandelion Leaf!

Organic Dandelion Root

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a perennial herb native to North America and Europe. You may consider dandelions as a type of weed, but their roots have been used for many years to aid the body in purifying the blood and helping to avoid liver problems. For people suffering from excess water in the liver due to health problems (a condition known as edema), Dandelion Root can help remove the water and improve overall liver function.

Learn more about Organic Dandelion Root!

Organic Greater Celandine

Celandine (Chelidonium majus) is often used to assist with liver and gallbladder cleansing programs for various disorders directly and indirectly associated with the liver. In addition, this valuable herb is often used to help prevent the accumulation of foreign particles in the liver.

Learn more about Organic Greater Celandine!

Organic Milk Thistle Seed

A number of studies suggest Milk Thistle Seed (Silybum marianum) supports optimal liver function. For example, Milk Thistle Seed’s can promote the liver’s ability to regenerate new tissue after damage occurs. Milk Thistle Seed even shows promise in stimulating the liver to produce additional bile for improved digestive function.

Learn more about Organic Milk Thistle Seed!

Organic Peppermint Leaf

Organic Peppermint Leaf (Mentha piperita) helps to improve the flow of bile from your liver to the gallbladder. The volatile oil found in Peppermint (a hybrid of watermint and spearmint) also aids with the overall digestive process. As such, Peppermint helps keep your liver in proper working order and allows it to function more effectively.

Learn more about Organic Peppermint Leaf!

Organic Turmeric

Offering strong antioxidant effects, Organic Turmeric (Curcuma longa) helps remove toxins from the body. As a result of this antioxidant effect, your liver does not have to work as hard to filter blood and keep your body healthy. This creates a healthier liver by allowing it to focus on removing toxins from the body.

Learn more about Organic Turmeric!

Organic Yellow Dock Root

Yellow Dock Root (Rumex crispus) aids in eliminating foreign substances that can overburden the liver. Other health conditions believed to be indirectly reduced by taking Yellow Dock Root include headaches, mental "fuzziness", general irritability, skin blemishes, and blood and skin disorders—all of these problems are related to the liver not being able to operate efficiently.

Learn more about Organic Yellow Dock Root!

Wildcrafted Chanca Piedra (Grown in Organic Conditions)

With the recent "discovery" of a very well known Amazon rainforest plant, Chanca Piedra (Phyllautus niuri), healthcare practitioners have acquired a powerful plant ally in helping their patients maintain optimal bladder, kidney, gallbladder, and liver health. Chanca Piedra is traditionally regarded as a health supplement that can promote the liver’s normal detoxification efforts for purging harmful substances.^†

Learn more about Wildcrafted Chanca Piedra!

What Kind of Diet Promotes A Strong Liver?

Besides the intake of pharmaceutical drugs, a poor diet is a major contributor to most liver problems. High alcohol intake is the most common form of dietary danger to the liver. However, you can improve your diet a number of ways to promote overall liver function.

• A diet too high in protein may cause a condition called hepatic encephalopathy or "mental confusion". While the exact cause of hepatic encephalopathy is still unknown, it is theorized that when the body digests high amounts of proteins, excessive ammonia is formed, which affects the central nervous system.¹³ Your doctor should always be consulted before altering the protein in your diet.
• A diet high in calories, especially carbohydrates and fatty foods, can equally result in liver problems. Excess caloric intake can lead to fatty deposits within the liver.
• Watch your Vitamin A intake, as it is high in saturated fat and cholesterol and can be very toxic to the liver when taken in large amounts. However, Emulsified Vitamin A does not contain fat or cholesterol. Emulsified Vitamin A is a liquid form of the vitamin that is derived from the carotene found in green and yellow vegetables and egg yolk. Emulsified Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant for supplementing your diet. Vitamin A also helps promote cell differentiation and supports the body’s normal immune system response.

The best diet for the liver is one low in protein and also sodium.¹⁴ Eating plenty of raw fruits and vegetables will help to keep your body, especially your liver from overtaxing itself. Approximately 30% to 40% of your diet should consist of dark green leafy vegetables and orange, red, purple, and yellow colored fruits and vegetables. A high fat diet causes the liver to work extra hard, so reducing your fat intake is critical to a healthy liver.

Avocados and oily fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines are excellent choices for promoting liver health. Many varieties of raw seeds such as flaxseed, sunflower, and alfalfa seeds are beneficial in this regard as well. Certain oils (primrose, black currant seed, and cold-pressed olive oil to name a few) assist the liver as well.

Along with a healthful diet, you must routinely cleanse your liver to promote optimum function and health. A number of liver and even gallbladder cleansing products can be found in health stores and on the Internet, but the most effective of these are manufactured with only 100% organic and wildcrafted herbs and are produced using the TincTract® or Instruct® processes.

Liver cleansers produced with these methods, such as Livatrex™, provide you with herbs extracted using pure Kosher-certified vegetable Glycerin rather than alcohol, thus making them the safest and most effective class of supplements for supporting your health improvement initiatives.

Works Cited

¹ Bowen, R. "Secretion of Bile and the Role of Bile Acids In Digestion," Online. Accessed: 4 Oct 2007.
Available: www.arbl.cvmbs.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/digestion/liver/bile.html

² Lammert, F., Grunhage, F., Walier, M. and T. Wienker. "Research team discovers gallstone gene." Hepatology. Issue 46. Pub. 11 July 2007. Online. Accessed: 4 Oct 2007.
Available: www.uni-bonn.de/en/News/93_2007.html

³ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Viral Hepatitus." Online. Accessed: 5 Oct 2007.
Available: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis

⁴ Keeffe, E., Friedman, L. Handbook of liver diseases.
Pub. 2004. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 104-123. ISBN 0-443-06633-7.

⁵ Waliyar, Dr. F., Principal Scientist (Pathology) and Managing Director for Agri-Science Park. Online. Accessed: 17 Oct 2007.
Available: www.icrisat.org/aflatoxin

⁶ PDRhealth™ Online. Accessed: 17 Oct 2007.
Available: www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/ars_0026.shtml

⁷ Department of Health and Human Services, ATSDR. Online. Accessed: 17 Oct 2007.
Available: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp30-c3.pdf

⁸ McNally, Peter F. "GI/Liver Secrets." Saint Louis: C.V. Mosby. ISBN 1-56053-618-7.

⁹ Pirmohamed, M., Breckenridge, A., Kitteringham, N., Park, B. "Adverse drug reactions".
Pub. 1998. BMJ 316 (7140): 1295-8. PMID 9554902

¹⁰ Friedman, S., Grendell, J. and K. McQuaid. Current diagnosis & treatment in gastroenterology.
Pub. 2003. New York: Lang Medical Books/McGraw-Hill, p664-679. ISBN 0-8385-1551-7.

¹¹ Virtualmedicalcentre.com Pub. 21 Sept 2003. Online. Accessed: 5 Oct 2007.
Available: www.virtualbloodcentre.com/diseases.asp?did=182

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