In those with fatty liver it is very common to have Syndrome X which causes high levels of insulin. The insulin excess results in instability of the blood sugar levels. To overcome fatigue and cravings for carbs, it is vital to stabilize the blood sugar levels.

Overcome unstable blood sugar levels

If you have unstable blood sugar levels you may need extra supplements to control your carbohydrate cravings and prevent the symptoms of low blood sugar. When the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood drops to abnormally low levels, some very unpleasant and disabling symptoms may occur. The symptoms of low blood sugar may include – Strong cravings for sugar and foods high in carbohydrates Dizziness and feeling light-headed Sweating and racing pulse Fatigue Foggy vision Moodiness Mental confusion The condition of abnormally low blood sugar levels is called hypoglycaemia and this can be tested for with a 2 hour Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT). When the blood sugar levels drop below 2.5 to 3 mmol/L, the condition of hypoglycaemia is said to exist. Hypoglycaemia often alternates with high levels of sugar in the blood so that the levels of blood sugar resemble a roller coaster; this is common in Syndrome X and/or the early stages of diabetes. Glicemic Balance can be taken to improve the function of insulin and stabilize blood sugar levels; to reduce the symptoms of hypoglycaemia. The most effective ones are – The herbs Gymnema Sylvestre and Bitter Melon Chromium picolinate Lipoic acid Carnitine fumarate The minerals – selenium, magnesium, manganese and zinc Thankfully there are supplements designed that contain all these ingredients in one capsule; it is best to take one or two capsules with every meal. There are other herbs that help with the control of blood sugar and these can be used in cooking or taken as supplements; they include – Cinnamon Fenugreek Coriander Turmeric

Natural Therapies to help those with a fatty liver

There are many different liver tonics available today, as medicine is finally starting to realize that common diseases such as obesity, diabetes, chronic fatigue and digestive complaints, etc can be traced back to poor liver function. For someone with a fatty liver it can be difficult to decide what type of liver tonic will be most effective. This is especially true as fatty liver is considered to be a liver disease which may vary from very mild to severe. I personally do not think it is good to take liver tonics in the form of herbal tinctures containing alcohol, especially every day, and on a long-term basis, as their alcohol content is not good for the liver. I prefer to use liver tonics that are in powder or capsule form, as their contents are better absorbed than from a solid tablet. This is because tablets must be compressed and held together with binders and fillers. In those with a fatty liver or fatty pancreas there may be difficulty breaking down and absorbing the tablet. The capsules contain combinations of various liver herbs with synergistic nutrients which are in powdered form. The powder is contained by a vegetarian capsule (not an animal gelatin capsule), or alternatively the powder can be stirred into fresh juices. There is an excellent liver tonic which contains a mixture of, dandelion, milk thistle, globe artichoke, taurine, lecithin, psyllium, barley leaf, carrot, beet powder and alfalfa powder. Taurine is essential for the healthy production of bile, and the liver uses it to conjugate toxins and drugs to excrete them from the body through the bile. Taurine helps the liver to excrete excessive cholesterol out of the body through the bile, and thus is an aid for weight control and the prevention of atherosclerosis. Taurine is made from the amino acids methionine and cysteine, and is called the detoxifying amino acid. It is one of the most abundant sulphur-based amino acids in the body. Psyllium is an excellent source of soluble mucilloid fibre, and has been shown to lower cholesterol levels by 14 to 20% after only 8 weeks; psyllium is probably the best cholesterol lowering fibre available. Dandelion also known as Taraxacum officinale, has been used by diverse cultures for centuries to help those with liver and biliary complaints. It is able to stimulate digestion and the flow of bile. This is because it contains bitter substances such as taraxacin and inulin. Dandelion has laxative and diuretic actions and is useful for liver and gall bladder inflammation. Globe Artichoke also known as Cynara scolymus is a bitter liver tonic with liver-protective and liver-restorative actions. Clinical studies have established its value in lowering blood cholesterol and nitrogen waste products of metabolism. Globe Artichoke is of use as a liver restorative in cases of liver damage, poor digestion and gallstones. Lecithin helps the liver to metabolise fats and reduces high cholesterol levels. It contains phosphatidylcholine, which is beneficial for the cell membranes in the liver. Carrot, Beetroot, Alfalfa and Barley leaf in powdered form can be a component of liver tonics to provide a boost of chlorophyll, antioxidants, carotenoids and fibre. It is recommended to take the Liver tonic capsules in the initial stages for a 4-week period and then continue with Livatone tonic capsules. The reason for starting with the powder is because it contains more fibre to assist in the early stages of liver and bowel cleansing. Standard doses are one teaspoon of the powder twice daily in fresh juices, or two capsules twice daily with food. Commence with half this dose for the first two weeks, and then begin the full dose. While taking the powder or capsules ensure that you increase the intake of pure water to 8 to 12 glasses daily. This water should be drunk gradually throughout the day. Raw vegetable juices are also vitally important for liver health. This increased fluid intake will assist the detoxification and weight loss process. When choosing a liver tonic it is important to evaluate what is in the formula - in other words what are the ingredients and what are the amounts of the ingredients? It’s also good to get professional advice when choosing a liver formula. It is also important to know that the liver tonic you decide to take is – Made in a Good Manufacturing Procedures (GMP) certified and TGA approved laboratory Analyzed by an independent laboratory to validate the types and amounts of its contained ingredients When you have a liver disease it is vital to take a formula that contains the proper or therapeutic dosage of the active ingredients. The herbs should be standardized and pure so you know that you are getting the correct dosage. The clinically effective dose of the herb St Mary’s Thistle (also known as Milk Thistle), is the dose that has been proven to repair liver damage in hundreds of European clinical trials. The active component of St Mary’s Thistle is called silymarin and at least 420mg of pure silymarin is required daily. Milk thistle has been used for more than 2000 years to treat liver diseases and is a safe non toxic herb. Milk Thistle does not cause any side effects and its young fresh leaves were once eaten as a food in Europe. The silymarin in Milk Thistle protects the membranes of the liver cells with its powerful antioxidant properties and stimulates the production of new healthy liver cells to replace damaged liver cells. It also helps the liver filter to remove dangerous toxins. Silymarin can increase the quantity of the powerful liver protector anti-oxidant called glutathione, and improves protein synthesis in the liver.
Powerful liver tonics are available that combine St Mary’s Thistle with –
  • All the B-group vitamins, which are essential for healthy liver function and detoxification
  • Sulphur-bearing amino acids, (Glutamine, Glycine Taurine & Cysteine), which are needed for efficient liver detoxification
  • An effective dose of the most important antioxidant vitamins namely vitamin C, E and natural beta-carotene.
Powerful synergistic formulas are available that have been designed to support the metabolic detoxification pathways within the liver. They contain specific ingredients that can stimulate the repair and renewal of damaged liver cells. They also enhance the liver’s ability to break down toxic chemicals via the Phase One and Phase Two detoxification pathways. Vitamin E has been proven to reduce scarring in the liver, which can lead to cirrhosis. The anti-oxidant mineral called selenium has been shown in numerous studies to reduce cellular inflammation, and reduce the risk of cancer. So when choosing your liver formula, choose wisely and check the amounts of the ingredients in the different formulations available - you may be surprised! To get the effective dosage of the ingredients, you need to take either 2 capsules twice daily or 1 teaspoon of the powder twice daily. The powder can be stirred into fresh juices and is not unpleasant to take. The capsules are best taken with food, but if you forget, it is acceptable to take a liver tonic on an empty stomach. Next edition you will receive – Part of the MENU PLAN TO COMBAT FATTY LIVER This menu plan is a very specific way of eating, which is designed to – Reduce the fat in the liver Repair liver damage Improve the function of insulin Make weight loss easier This is not a low-fat low-calorie diet, and unlike these old fashioned diets, will not leave you hungry and tired. It is not a high protein diet either but rather provides you with first class protein regularly throughout the day. Enjoy this way of eating as your liver will definitely enjoy it! For more life saving information on the treatment for fatty liver and Syndrome X – see the previous editions of our Liverish newsletters And Stay tuned- Next newsletter we are going to discuss more vital information to reverse a fatty liver!