Cirrhosis
DEFINITION
Cirrhosis is a progressive liver disease in which the normal
liver tissue is replaced with nodules (small, knob-shaped
structures) that are surrounded by fibrous, scar tissue.
liver tissue is replaced with nodules (small, knob-shaped
structures) that are surrounded by fibrous, scar tissue.
DESCRIPTION
The liver performs an enormous range of very important
functions in the body. It helps to process nutrients into
substances that can be used by the body; it makes bile (the
substance that helps digest and absorb dietary fats); it helps to
regulate the amount of sugar, protein and fat that enter into the
bloodstream and it breaks down drugs, toxic substances and other
chemicals so they can be excreted by the body.
functions in the body. It helps to process nutrients into
substances that can be used by the body; it makes bile (the
substance that helps digest and absorb dietary fats); it helps to
regulate the amount of sugar, protein and fat that enter into the
bloodstream and it breaks down drugs, toxic substances and other
chemicals so they can be excreted by the body.
Cirrhosis is a progressive disease, which means that it gradually
destroys more and more of the liver so there are fewer normal areas
to carry out these essential functions. Many people with Cirrhosis
will not display any illness during the early stages of the
disease, while others may experience weakness, loss of appetite, a
general feeling of being unwell and weight loss. If there is any
obstruction to the flow of bile from the liver, then jaundice,
darkening of the urine, itchiness of the skin and yellowy
discolouration of the whites of the eyes can occur. There may be
malnutrition as a result of an inadequate diet, poor digestion of
fats and poor absorption of fat soluble vitamins. As the disease
progresses, small, red, spiderlike blood vessels can appear under
the skin and bruising occurs very easily. Fluid build-up in the
abdomen (ascites) and swelling of the abdomen and legs may
occur.
destroys more and more of the liver so there are fewer normal areas
to carry out these essential functions. Many people with Cirrhosis
will not display any illness during the early stages of the
disease, while others may experience weakness, loss of appetite, a
general feeling of being unwell and weight loss. If there is any
obstruction to the flow of bile from the liver, then jaundice,
darkening of the urine, itchiness of the skin and yellowy
discolouration of the whites of the eyes can occur. There may be
malnutrition as a result of an inadequate diet, poor digestion of
fats and poor absorption of fat soluble vitamins. As the disease
progresses, small, red, spiderlike blood vessels can appear under
the skin and bruising occurs very easily. Fluid build-up in the
abdomen (ascites) and swelling of the abdomen and legs may
occur.
CAUSE
The causes of Cirrhosis include chronic alcohol abuse,
prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals or diseases such as hepatitis
.
prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals or diseases such as hepatitis
.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Always consult your Doctor for the diagnosis and management of
Cirrhosis. The diagnosis of Cirrhosis involves blood tests that
measure liver function, ultrasound test, CT scan and other tests
that assess the severity of the condition. Cirrhosis is an
irreversible condition, but it is managed using nutritional therapy
and the treatment of any complications that occur. For example,
fluid retention may be managed by restricting salt intake and by
diuretic medications and itching can be controlled by a medication
that removes bile acids from the body, which is the cause of this
symptom. If the condition is severe, your Doctor may recommend a
liver transplant.
Cirrhosis. The diagnosis of Cirrhosis involves blood tests that
measure liver function, ultrasound test, CT scan and other tests
that assess the severity of the condition. Cirrhosis is an
irreversible condition, but it is managed using nutritional therapy
and the treatment of any complications that occur. For example,
fluid retention may be managed by restricting salt intake and by
diuretic medications and itching can be controlled by a medication
that removes bile acids from the body, which is the cause of this
symptom. If the condition is severe, your Doctor may recommend a
liver transplant.
DIET HINTS
- Nutritional support is required by people with Cirrhosis. A
Doctor or Dietitian should be consulted for advice about meeting
the special nutritional requirements of a person with
Cirrhosis. - It is important to avoid alcohol or any other drugs that have
to be broken down by the liver, as these can worsen Cirrhosis by
putting additional stress on the liver. - Cirrhosis increases the body’s protein requirements, so it is
recommended that patients ensure they have an increased or at least
normal daily intake of protein. - Some people with Cirrhosis find it easier to fulfil their
nutritional requirements by eating several meals during the day as
well as a late-evening snack. - Amino acids supplements may be required in extremely
malnourished people so that their daily protein requirements can be
met. - In some people with Cirrhosis, their livers cannot cope with
additional protein and for these people, branched chain amino acids
can help to supply certain essential nutrients.
VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS
Always consult your Doctor before taking any vitamins,
minerals or herbs for advice on any possible side effects or drug
interactions.
minerals or herbs for advice on any possible side effects or drug
interactions.
- Milk Thistle may be beneficial in the managment of acute and
chronic liver disease. This herb may offer protection against
toxins which can damage the liver and promote the formation of new,
healthier liver cells to replace old, damaged ones. - Alpha-Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant which may be useful in the
treatment of liver disease. It may shield the liver from
potentially harmful cell changes and assist in flushing toxins from
the body. - Dandelion may be beneficial to treat liver problems as it is
restorative to the liver. - Zinc may be beneficial in the treatment of cirrhosis. Low
levels of zinc are associated with an increased risk of cirrhosis
and with a reduced capacity for breaking down alcohol. - Schisandra is a herb that may offer some protection against
progression of Cirrhosis to liver cancer.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
- Follow the Diet Hints.
- Do not smoke. If you have difficulty stopping, ask your
Pharmacist. Smoking narrows the arteries and nicotine is broken
down by the liver. - Do not drink alcohol or any caffeine drinks. Caffeine increases
nervous tension and can reduce the appetite. Caffeine puts an extra
load on the liver as it is metabolised (broken down) in the
liver. - If the diet is inadequate consider some supplements. Vitamin C
and zinc are two supplements suggested to help the immune system of
the body. - Alcohol greatly reduces the absorption of B group vitamins and
other nutrients. It may be important to include this vitamin as a
supplement.
