Fatty Liver Disease and Curry

Researchers at Saint Louis University have found that chemicals found in the spices that give Curry its "zing" might be helpful in the treatment of patients with benign fatty liver disease.

Benign fatty liver disease, often linked to obesity and weight gain, can lead to fibrosis of the liver, and possibly cirrhosis, cancer, or even death. Liver tissues can also be damaged by medications, such as Tylenol, through consumption of alcohol, and from poisoning. 

The chemical, according to researchers, is Curcumin, and it is present in turmeric.

"My laboratory studies the molecular mechanism of liver fibrosis and is searching for natural ways to prevent and treat this liver damage," said Anping Chen, Ph.D., who is the director of research in the pathology department at Saint Louis University. "While research in an animal model and human clinical trials are needed, our study suggests that curcumin may be an effective therapy to treat and prevent liver fibrosis, which is associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis."
Fatty liver disease, or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis affects approximately 5% of the US population. Typically, medical options have been limited. Often, the medical doctor will take a "wait and see" attitude. This approach is more reactive and less pro-active.

Another herb that has been touted for years to be beneficial in treating of liver toxicity is Milk Thistle. Milk thistle may help to protect the liver from damage due to toxins, and might actually stimulated new liver tissue growth.

For those that are suffering from liver disease, there are options. Since the liver is often damaged by medication use, it makes sense that the best current options for treatment are herbal.

Keith E. Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
www.biggschiropractic.blogspot.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com

Good Fats, Bad Fats

Oils and fats in our diets are made up of building blocks called fatty acids.  There are healthy fats and oils, and some that can be quite damaging. For example, Conjugated Linoleic Acid, or CLA, which is often found in many dietary supplements, has been found to cause benign fatty liver disease and resistance to insulin. On the other hand, Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils, such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) can be helpful in reversing the affects of CLA.

Recent studies by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are helping to demonstrate the benefits of DHA and EPA.

Darshan S. Kelley, lead researcher, has indicated that results show that in laboratory rats, DHA has demonstrated itself to be beneficial in protecting the animals from the dangerous affects of CLA.  The tests show that EPA was not as affective.

Insulin resistance can lead to early development of diabetes, and benign fatty liver disease can lead to non-alcoholic cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Dr. Kelly indicates that further tests are needed to further investigate the healthy benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA.

Keith E. Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
www.biggschiropractic.blogspot.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com