Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is damage of the liver in which its normal structure is destroyed by widespread scarring. Amongst the most common causes of Cirrhosis are: excessive alcohol intake and hepatitis B infection. Rarer causes include Wilson’s Disease, in which the mineral copper is poorly metabolised by the body; gallbladder disease; heart disease and certain drugs.
Typical features of Cirrhosis include: jaundice, deep reddening of the palms of the hands, contractures of the fingers, abnormal breast growth in men, abnormal nail growth (clubbing), enlarged spleen, bleeding in the gut, liver failure and accumulation of fluid in the abdomen.
Cirrhosis may also affect metabolism of certain vitamins and minerals, most notably vitamin D. This may lead to weakening of the bones. Complications of Cirrhosis include: brain damage and heavy bleeding from blood vessels around the oesophagus
Complementary Health Advice
Nutritional therapy
- The antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and the supplement phosphatidyl choline may help to reduce the toxic effects of alcohol and drugs. Vitamin B Complex and folic acid can be taken as they are often deficient in liver disease.
Herbal Therapy
- Once Cirrhosis has been diagnosed, milk thistle can be taken 3 times daily to prevent free radical damage in the liver, and catechin to help regenerate liver tissue.
The following complementary therapies can be used in the treatment of Cirrhosis:
Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Herbal Medicine, , Reflexology.