Alcohol can damage the liver even in moderate quantities. Alcohol is a concentrated sugar which causes fat to be deposited in the liver. For those who drink only occasionally, the damage is temporary and the liver can usually 'bounce back' to normal after several days of rest and clean living. Those who drink more often don't give the liver a chance to recuperate from the alcohol poisoning and more serious damage to the live can result. In some cases alcohol abuse can lead to alcoholic hepatitis or cirrhosis. As mentioned before, the liver is one organ which has the amazing ability to regenerate itself. Cirrhosis is a condition in which a liver damaged by disease, alcohol or drugs doesn't grow back 'good as new.' In cirrhosis, the liver forms fibrous scar tissue and lumpy irregular nodules as it regenerates. In advanced cases the liver becomes so badly scarred by cirrhosis that it can no longer do its work, and the afflicted person dies of liver failure.

The liver as we know has well over 500 functions in the human body. Below are some functions of this amazing organ:

• Metabolizes proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, thus providing energy and nutrients

• Stores vitamins, minerals, and sugars

• Filters the blood and helps remove harmful chemicals and bacteria

• Creates bile which breaks down fats

• Helps to assimilate and store fat soluble vitamins (A,E,D,K)

• Stores extra blood which can be quickly released when needed

• Creates serum proteins which maintain fluid balance and act as carriers

• Helps maintain electrolyte and water balance

• Creates immune substances such as gamma globulin

• Breaks down and eliminates excess hormones

• Vascular (blood management)

• Provides blood clotting factors

• Breaks down ammonia (and other toxins) created in the colon by bacteria; thus preventing death

• Helps to maintain blood pressure

• Constructs cholesterol and estrogen, reconstructs hormones

• Humanizes nutrients, metabolizes protein, carbohydrates, fat for energy

• Synthesizes urea, constructs blood protein, interconverts amino acids

• Constructs 50,000 systems of enzymes to govern metabolic activity throughout the body

• Removes damaged red blood cells

Liver Weakness
Signs and Symptoms

• Depression, Anger, Frustration, Lumps in neck, breast, etc., Poor digestion

• Dizziness, Eye problems, Red or flushed face, Irritability, Ringing in the ears, Warm palms and soles

• Hypertension, Migraines and other types of headaches, Dizziness, Insomnia, Violent anger, Bitter taste in mouth

• Weak tendons and ligaments, Chronic menstrual problems, Scanty menstruation

• Rigid body, Vertigo, Extreme dizziness, Severe pain, Convulsions, Spasm. Tremors

• Constipation, Sinus congestion, Allergies, Hemorrhoids, Excessive Mucus

• Difficulty in breathing, Fatigue, Respiratory distress, Gas, Bloating, Cholesterol problems, Skin problems.

• Chronic degenerative diseases, Cancer, Diabetes, Arthritis, Osteoporosis

Unfortunately blood testing has no real way of telling us the health of our liver or our biological age. But we have discovered that by the time you have reached the age of 30 your liver is probably functioning at 75% of its ability at best.

The health and vitality of all body systems depend to a large extent on the health and vitality of the liver. Because we are constantly bombarded by toxins in our air, water and food, it is a good idea once or twice a year to renew the health of a clogged and overworked liver with a detoxification regimen. Also if you have been using prescription drugs (antibiotics and/or tranquilizers), for any length of time, your immune system may be exhausted, and it's essential to rejuvenate and flush your liver to release stored toxins.

As you learn more about your body, always remember how vital your liver is to maintaining good health. It's not something we think about all the time, but the common problems of an abused or toxic liver will speak to you with many symptoms. You know your body better than anyone else.. listen to it.

Hepatitis A, B

Pathological Considerations:
An inflammatory disease of the liver caused by viral or bacterial infections or a variety of toxic agents characterized by jaundice, fever or enlargement of the liver, often resulting in fatty degeneration and cirrhosis of the liver.

Physiological Considerations:
Damage to the liver with fatty degeneration and scar formation may cause accumulation of ammonia in the blood which comes from the breakdown of body proteins and is accelerated by stress.

Diet:
The diet for hepatitis must be designed to build resistance rapidly and destroy any toxic substances to prevent development of jaundice and formation of ammonia. Normally these patients utilize protein well, but at times a high protein diet cannot be given because toxic quantities of ammonia may accumulate. However, ammonia formation from undigested protein in the bowel may be prevented by use of acidophilus milk or yogurt with digestive enzymes.

The vitamin B-complex especially vitamin B-6 and choline is also essential in preventing putrefaction and ammonia formation. and choline. When a diet is deficient in choline and high in fat, a fatty liver may develop. In many cases, when this develops, large amounts of vitamin C may produce dramatic recovery.

Food to avoid:
Sweets, Sugar, Fats, Coffee, Black Tea, Alcohol and Acid formimg foods. Keep stress and anger to a minimum.

Hepatitis C, D, E

Pathological Considerations:
An inflammatory disease of the liver caused by viral or bacterial infections or a variety of toxic agents characterized by jaundice, fever or enlargement of the liver, often resulting in fatty degeneration and cirrhosis of the liver.

Physiological Considerations:
Damage to the liver with fatty degeneration and scar formation may cause accumulation of ammonia in the blood which comes from the breakdown of body proteins and is accelerated by stress.

Diet:

The diet for hepatitis must be designed to build resistance rapidly and destroy any toxic substances to prevent development of jaundice and formation of ammonia. Normally these patients utilize protein well, but at times a high protein diet cannot be given because toxic quantities of ammonia may accumulate. However, ammonia formation from undigested protein in the bowel may be prevented by use of acidophilus milk or yogurt with digestive enzymes. The vitamin B-complex especially vitamin B-6 and choline is also essential in preventing putrefaction and ammonia formation. and choline.

When a diet is deficient in choline and high in fat, a fatty liver may develop. In many cases, when this develops, large amounts of vitamin C may produce dramatic recovery.

Food to avoid:
Sweets, Sugar, Fats, Coffee, Black Tea, Alcohol and Acid formimg foods.

Keep stress and anger to a minimum.