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WILSON'S DISEASE

What is Wilson's Disease?

This is a very rare inherited disorder causing an inability of the body to metabolize the mineral copper. It results in very high and toxic levels of copper building up in the liver and parts of the brain, leading to liver scarring (cirrhosis) and neurological disease. Children affected with Wilson's disease develop liver problems, whereas young adults have more neurological problems, such as movement and speech disorders and eventually dementia

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis and treatment of this severe disease is performed by a specialist and involves the use of drugs such as D penicillamine, triethylene tetramine and/or zinc supplements.

Effective treatment depends upon early diagnosis before permanent damage has set in. Wilson's disease is one of the few inherited metabolic disorders for which there is effective treatment.

General treatment

Nutritional medicine can help patients with Wilson's disease. Follow the general principles of eating outlined on p 20-27 of "The Healthy Liver and Bowel Book" by Dr Cabot. Make these principles a way of life.

In addition the following recommendations also apply:

Avoidance of foods high in copper eg. organ meats, liver, shellfish, nuts, legumes, whole grains and their cereals and chocolate.
Eat plenty of cruciferous vegetables, garlic, onions and ginger.
Eat small regular meals.
Ensure a high fluid intake of 2 liters daily to reduce kidney stones.

Recommended supplements

LivaTone^® Liver Tonic Capsules/Powder

A specific liver tonic which contains the clinically proven dose of the herb Milk Thistle to provide 420mg of pure Silymarin daily. This liver tonic should also contain synergistic nutrients such as sulphur bearing amino acids, antioxidant vitamins and minerals to improve the liver's ability to detoxify and burn fat.

Selenium Complete

Selenium is a powerful antioxidant mineral that reduces inflammation and balances the immune system. The selenium dose for Wilson's disease would be 100mcg daily.

Natural Vitamin E

1000 IUdaily of vitamin E combined with selenium will reduce free radical damage caused by the excessive copper. Vitamin E will also protect liver cell membranes and possibly reduce and prevent scarring. Make sure you use vitamin E supplements which are natural (d-alpha-tocopherol); synthetic forms (dl-alpha-tocopherol) are derived from petrochemicals and are not well utilised by the body.

THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FDA AND ARE NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT OR CURE ANY DISEASES.

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