Cirrhosis refers to scarring of the liver. Over time, healthy liver tissue is progressively replaced by hard, fibrous scar tissue that disrupts the liver’s normal structure. Because scar tissue can’t carry out the work of healthy liver cells, liver function gradually declines.
This scarring also interferes with blood flow through the liver, including blood returning from the intestines causing pressure to build up inside the blood vessels. This condition, known as portal hypertension, can lead to an enlarged spleen and varicose veins in the esophagus. Cirrhosis develops slowly and silently over many years, progressing through five stages from mild (stage 1) to severe (stage 5).
What Causes Cirrhosis?
When the liver is persistently inflamed, liver cells become damaged and eventually die, a process called necrosis. The body then replaces those dead cells with scar tissue.
Ongoing liver inflammation can result from:
- Excess alcohol consumption over many years
- Viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B and C
- Certain prescription medications. Always ask your doctor about potential liver-related side effects
- Autoimmune conditions such as autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, or sclerosing cholangitis
- Undiagnosed or poorly managed intestinal diseases such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease
- Genetic disorders including haemochromatosis (iron overload), Wilson’s disease (copper overload), or alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- Poor diet. A diet that is high in sugar and unhealthy fats and low in vegetables can lead to fatty liver disease, which is now the most common cause of cirrhosis
How Can liver Inflammation Be Reduced?
Managing liver inflammation requires consistent, long-term effort. Stopping and starting won’t be enough. Sustained lifestyle changes are key.
- Support liver function with a quality liver supplement containing ingredients such as milk thistle, N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC), activated B vitamins, selenium, and antioxidants, all of which have evidence supporting their role in reducing liver inflammation. These ingredients are found in Livatone Plus.
- Increase omega-3 fatty acids by eating oily fish (such as salmon, sardines, herrings, and trout), or by taking fish oil or vegan DHA supplements. Omega-3s help lower inflammation throughout the body.
- Get enough selenium, which supports immune function and helps reduce liver inflammation. Selenium can be obtained through a quality supplement or selenium-rich foods.
- Eat foods high in vitamin E, such as avocados, raw nuts, and seeds. Vitamin E may help slow scar tissue formation and soften existing scarring. A supplement can be considered if dietary intake is low.
- Boost your sulphur intake by eating cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts), onions, garlic, and whole eggs. The yolk in particular is a good source of sulphur. Sulphur supports the liver’s detoxification processes, helping to clear the toxic build-up that drives inflammation. Collagen Food powder is an excellent source of sulphur.
- If you experience bowel symptoms such as bloating or diarrhea, see a doctor to rule out an inflammatory bowel condition. Gut problems make liver problems worse.
- Maintain adequate vitamin C levels through citrus fruits, berries, capsicum, and other fresh produce. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that may help prevent further scar tissue formation.
How Do You Know If Your Liver Is Inflamed?
A liver function blood test can detect elevated liver enzymes, which is often the first sign of inflammation. Other diagnostic tools such as a FibroScan can assess the degree of inflammation and scarring present in the liver.
The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.
