Selenium supplements such as Selenomune Designer Energy Capsules are a good idea for those with chronic infection with liver viruses. Selenium is known as “the viral birth control pill” because it reduces the replication of viruses and thus can reduce viral load. This has also been found to be true in those with HIV, where selenium is able to reduce the viral load of the human immuno-deficiency virus. Selenium is also a potent anti-oxidant and protects liver cells from toxic chemicals and free radicals. Recommended doses of selenium are 100 to 200mcg daily and are best taken in the form of selenomethionine. Selenium is a component of Livatone Plus tonic. Zinc is another mineral which exerts a useful anti-viral effect and is vital for a strong immune system and is a component of Livatone Plus tonic.

Livatone Plus  is an excellent way to support your liver function and reduce chronic inflammation in your liver. A good liver tonic should contain the clinically proven dose of Milk Thistle to provide a standardised dose of silymarin of 420mg daily. To reduce costs and the need to take multiple tablets, a good liver tonic should combine the other liver essentials with the Milk Thistle; these include sulphur containing amino acids, zinc, selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E and B group vitamins. These can all be taken together in the form of powders or vegetarian capsules.

Flaxseed Oil and Fish Oil are both extremely valuable natural anti-inflammatory oils. Supplements with flaxseed oil provide extra amounts of the omega 3 essential fatty acids known as Alpha Linolenic Acid. Fish oil provides DHA and EPA omega 3 fats. Omega-3 fats are used by the body to produce Series 1 and 3 prostaglandins, which are anti-inflammatory hormone-like molecules. Omega-3 fats can help reduce the chronic inflammation in liver cells that results in cirrhosis. Doses vary from 2000 to 4,000mg daily. I think that liquid forms of fish oil and flaxseed oil are best, but if you cannot handle the strong taste, capsules can be taken. Take these oils just before meals for best absorption. If you keep the oils in the fridge and take them at the beginning of meals you won’t get any after taste or belching.

Also you can get omega 3 from the following foods – Oily fish such as sardines, salmon, tuna, herring – grilled or canned, walnuts, pecans, omega 3 eggs and green leafy vegetables

Vitamin D – this fat-soluble vitamin exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects all over the body and yet is often overlooked. More than 50% of people who live in big cities and work indoors have dangerously low levels of this health promoting vitamin. I urge you to have a blood test to check your levels of vitamin D – you may get a shock!

Try to get 30 minutes of sunshine daily, as this will ensure production of vitamin D in your body, and remember you have to expose your skin to the sun – clothes and sun screens stop the production of vitamin D which occurs when the sun’s rays hit your body.

Raw juicing can help to boost your intake of anti-oxidants and provides concentrated vitamins, minerals, phyto-nutrients and pigments, which exert natural anti-inflammatory effects. Remember by reducing chronic inflammation in the liver we can greatly reduce the risk of cirrhosis and cancer. Excellent things to juice include –

  • All citrus fruits (oranges, limes, Grapefruit, lemons)
  • Pineapple
  • Fresh green leafy herbs – such as mint, parsley, basil and coriander etc
  • Cabbage
  • Cucumber
  • Radish
  • Beetroot
  • Apple
  • Carrot
  • Garlic – is an excellent anti-viral agent, but not everyone wishes to include it in their juice!

Smoothies are also a great way to boost your intake of anti-inflammatory anti-oxidants – try coconut milk out of a can (dilute with water 50%), berries (fresh or frozen) and banana – wow that’s a nice way to fight inflammation and much safer than taking anti-inflammatory drugs.

In those with chronic disease one cannot rely on the diet alone to achieve optimal nutrition for the immune system.

If you would like information about how to enhance your immune function and reduce inflammation make sure you contact us!

References:

Marquis, Christopher. 2000. “90% of U.S. diets lacking, Feds say”. Denver Post. 28 May, 24A

Munoz, S.J. 1991. Nutritional Therapies in Liver Disease. Seminars in Liver Disease. 11:278-291