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SCLEROSING CHOLANGITISWhat is Sclerosing Cholangitis?This is an inflammatory disease of the bile ducts, which eventually become scarred and narrowed ducts (tubes). It is thought to be autoimmune in origin, which means that the immune system produces antibodies which attack the bile ducts in the liver. This is supported by the fact that 50% of patients with sclerosing cholangitis have inflammatory disease of the bowel. Sclerosing cholangitis can respond very well to a change in the diet and the principles of the-liver-cleansing diet need to be followed for life. I have had several patients with this problem who have been able to return their liver function to normal, after adopting my diet. However, they have found that the liver function becomes abnormal again if they do not maintain the liver diet principles. What causes it?It is thought to be autoimmune in origin, which means that the immune system produces antibodies, which attack the bile ducts in the liver. This is supported by the fact that 50% of patients with sclerosing cholangitis have inflammatory bowel disease. What are the symptoms?
How is it diagnosed?A biopsy (tissue sample) of the liver confirms the diagnosis of sclerosing cholangitis. What is the common prognosis?The outcome is variable with 50% of patients being able to have a reasonably normal life over many years. Strong anti-inflammatory drugs are sometimes helpful, but not without side effects. Those who do poorly will require a liver transplant. Recommended books
TreatmentIt is important to take natural anti-inflammatory supplements to reduce the inflammation in the bile ducts. The most important ones are the antioxidant vitamins, vitamin C, E and natural beta-carotene. Selenium exerts a powerful anti-inflammatory effect and the dosage required is 200mcg daily. I recommend that you take a designer yeast powder high in selenium and its synergistic trace minerals, in a dose of 2 teaspoons daily. Raw vegetable juices, containing a mixture of carrot, celery, beetroot, broccoli and apple provide many benefits. Foods high in sulphur such as garlic, onions, legumes and eggs enhance sulfation of toxins, making them easier to excrete. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens, radish, bok choy and Brussels sprouts will help liver function and support detoxification pathways. Follow the principles of eating outlined on pages 20-27 of "The Healthy Liver and Bowel Book". Make these vital principles a way of life. The diet should include as many raw foods as possible. Fresh or canned fish and organic poultry are good protein sources. Foods to be avoided are:
General recommendations
Pay careful attention to any drugs or medications because they may aggravate your liver inflammation. Check with your doctor before taking them. Raw JuicesDr Cabot has known about the incredible healing power of raw juices from a very young age. Her grandmother's life was saved by raw juicing back in the 1930s. Raw juices are an incredibly powerful healing tool and can improve the function of the liver, bowels and kidneys. This increases the elimination of toxins and waste products from the skin. Appropriate juice recipes are: • ‘Liver Tonic Juice' • ‘Liver Cleansing Juice' found on p116 of Dr Cabot's "Raw Juices Can Save Your Life" book. Recommended supplementsLivaTone® Plus Capsules/PowderA 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. This tonic could be combined with a general liver tonic containing the herbs Milk Thistle, Dandelion, Globe Artichoke combined with the amino acid Taurine and vegetable extracts.
Selenomune Designer Yeast PowderSelenium is a powerful antioxidant mineral that works to reduce inflammation and balances the immune system. Doses vary from 100-200mcg daily. A healthy immune system is vital to overcome auto immune disease of the liver. In population studies selenium deficiency has been associated with increased rates of cancer.
MSM Powder Plus Vitamin CMSM (Methyl-Sulphonyl-Methane) is an organic form of sulphur, which may assist in softening and preventing scar tissue. Sulphur is also a vital component of healthy bile. Vitamin C will neutralize free radicals generated during the phase 1 detoxification pathway in the liver and reduce toxic damage and chemical overload. Toxic chemicals are far less dangerous if there is plenty of vitamin C in the liver. Vitamin C helps the liver to regulate cholesterol levels and improves immunity. Organic Flaxseed OilHigh doses of flaxseed oil are essential for improving liver function. Flaxseed is an excellent, vegetarian source of essential fatty acids beneficial for damaged liver cell membranes and assists in reducing inflammation. Some people find the flaxseed oil capsules much easier to consume than the cold pressed flaxseed oil liquid. Essential fatty acids can also be sourced from fish oil. Natural Vitamin EAt least 1000 IU daily of Vitamin E is required to protect liver cell membranes from free radical damage 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. The powder supplements should be stirred into fresh raw vegetable juices containing carrot, celery and beet made with a juice extracting machine. Dr Cabot's book "Raw Juices Can Save Your Life" is an excellent source of juice recipes for various conditions. THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FDA AND ARE NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT OR CURE ANY DISEASES.
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