Systemic Inflammation Worsens Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis of the liver is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.  It is most commonly caused by excessive alcohol consumption or hepatitis C infection, but may also occur as a result of autoimmune disease.

Cirrhosis occurs as a result of long term damage to the liver. Eventually scar tissue replaces normal healthy liver cells, leaving the liver unable to carry out its functions. The liver becomes unable to cleanse and filter the bloodstream adequately; hence waste products accumulate and adversely affect other parts of the body.  When waste products reach the brain they disrupt normal mental function and nerve function; this is referred to as hepatic encephalopathy. Patients with cirrhosis of the liver also commonly experience a disruption to the heart’s normal rhythm.

Researchers from the University College London Medical School decided to measure the level of cytokines in the bloodstream of cirrhosis patients. Cytokines are inflammatory molecules. They are released by immune cells, fat cells and some other cells of the body in response to tissue damage.

The study recruited 80 patients with cirrhosis of the liver and 11 healthy people with no liver disease. The participants were assessed for the presence of hepatic encephalopathy through various cognitive tests and a brain scan (electroencephalogram). They were also checked for any heart abnormalities with an electrocardiogram. Lastly the researchers measured the levels of cytokines in the participants’ bloodstream; one of them being the inflammatory chemical interleukin-6.

Through this research the scientists discovered that higher blood levels of cytokines (particularly interleukin-6) are strongly associated with a worsening of both mental and cardiac function in people with cirrhosis of the liver. All cirrhosis patients have elevated levels of inflammatory chemicals compared to healthy people. As cytokine levels rise, the complications of cirrhosis increase.

So what causes inflammation and what can be done to minimise it?

Inflammation is an immune system response to infection, injury or allergies. Acute inflammation occurs as a result of conditions such as a sprained ankle or a boil, however inflammation can also occur in a subtle, chronic form. Several factors promote inflammation in the body, these include:

• Allergies
• Diabetes
• Obesity, particularly abdominal obesity
• Lack of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in the diet
• Stress
• Exposure to environmental pollution
• A high intake of omega 6 polyunsaturated vegetable oil – such as found in sunflower oil, safflower oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil, canola oil and soybean oil.
• A deficiency of omega 3 fats – such as found in oily fish, walnuts, pecans and flaxseeds.
• Smoking cigarettes
• Alcohol, sugar, wheat and a high intake of red meat
• Infections

If you want to minimize inflammation in your body you need to minimize each of the factors above.

Here are some natural ways to reduce inflammation in your body:

• Get adequate good quality sleep.  This is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory.
• Exercise regularly.
• Consume raw vegetable juices.  They are a potent source of inflammation reducing antioxidants.
• The mineral selenium has an anti-inflammatory effect. Selenomune is an excellent source of selenium and other immune boosting nutrients.
• Take MSM, which helps to reduce inflammation, reduce the risk of scar tissue and help with tissue repair. MSM is methyl sulfonyl methane; a natural source of sulphur.
• Keep your blood sugar in the healthy range. High blood sugar activates the immune system in a destructive way.  If you have diabetes, follow the eating plan in our book Diabetes Type 2: you can Reverse it Naturally.

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