(25-11-10) Milk thistle, vitamin E and fish oil fats can prevent and reverse fatty liver disease

by John Phillip, citizen journalist


(NaturalNews) As many as 1 in 3 Americans are living with a ticking bomb known
as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The condition is virtually
symptomless until the liver becomes inflamed or scarred from decades of dietary
abuse. The vast majority of NAFLD is caused by poor dietary choices that
increase dangerous blood fat levels. As a consequence, fat is deposited in the
liver cells where it triggers inflammation and the release of chemical
messengers known as adipokines as the liver attempts to repair itself. Left
unchecked, NAFLD can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure. Emerging research
provides powerful nutritional options that can dramatically lower the risk of
developing fatty liver disease.

Understanding the Cause of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Many chronic conditions are known to initiate and progress due to inflammation
within our body, and fatty liver disease is no exception. The liver is
responsible for metabolizing cholesterol and influences how fat is either
burned for energy or stored for future use. An increasing burden is placed on
the organ as we eat excess calories from sugar, refined carbohydrates and
hydrogenated fats. Fat metabolism is disrupted as high levels of blood fats
become stored in the liver. Eventually this leads to a decline in liver
function and finally to total organ failure and death.

Study Supports the Antioxidant Power of Vitamin E
Natural nutrients that are known to exert strong antioxidant and anti-
inflammatory properties have proven more effective than any pharmaceutical in
the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. Researchers from the Virginia
Commonwealth University Medical Center compared the effect of vitamin E and the
drug Actos on lowering liver enzymes that are associated with advancement of
liver disease. They found that the insulin-sensitizing drug had no effect while
vitamin E (800 IU per day) was shown to provide significantly lowered enzyme
markers and to improve scarring.

Fish Oil Fatty Acids Improve Blood Lipids, Improve Liver Function
EPA and DHA Omega-3 fats have gained notoriety for their ability to positively
regulate cholesterol ratios and lower triglycerides. Research published in the
British Medical Journal found that supplementing with 1,000 mg of Omega-3 fats
per day markedly decreased serum markers of liver cell damage, triglyceride
levels and glucose. Any natural therapy that helps the body eliminate
triglycerides and lower blood sugar levels will lower the underlying risk
factors for NAFLD.

Milk Thistle Shown to Directly Target the Liver
The active compound in milk thistle, known as silymarin, is a potent
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that directly impacts liver function.
Researchers have discovered that milk thistle inhibits the release of cytokines
from the liver that normally increases with fatty liver inflammation. This
action allows the liver to begin the natural healing process while reducing fat
accumulation and reducing blood markers associated with liver damage.

Vitamin E, Omega-3 fats and milk thistle each help to restore normal liver
function for the millions of men, women and children that suffer the silent
effects of fatty liver disease. Including all three of these powerful natural
nutrients in your daily disease-fighting arsenal will provide a multi-modal
defense against NAFLD.

Article References:
http://pmj.bmj.com/content/82/967/3...
http://www.nature.com/ajg/journal/v...
http://hepatmon.com/view/?id=425

News

---

In evidenza

"L'informazione presente nel sito serve a migliorare, e non a sostituire, il rapporto medico-paziente."

Per coloro che hanno problemi di salute si consiglia di consultare sempre il proprio medico curante.