March 2013
Welcome to the monthly Ask Dr. Marty Newsletter. In response to several requests, I have decided to share some information based on questions that I frequently receive regarding natural health topics. I promise to keep the newsletter short. But if at any time you get overwhelmed with emails, please let me know and I’ll be glad to take you off of the mailing list. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the newsletter and hope that you will forward any questions you may have as well. Even if they don’t make it into the newsletter, I promise to answer all questions. All questions will be anonymous.
Question: My doctor told me I have a fatty liver. Help me understand what that means and what I can do about it.
Answer: The liver is the largest gland in the body and is responsible for lots of important functions, such as:
– regulating blood sugar;
– regulating thyroid hormones;
– metabolizing carbohydrates and proteins;
– manufacturing bile, which helps to digest fats and keeps the bowels moving;
– generating cholesterol;
– producing energy from fat;
– metabolizing lipids, like cholesterol and some vitamins (A, D, E and K);
– partnering with the kidneys in filtering waste and toxins from the blood;
– producing blood clotting factors;
– destroying old, worn out red blood cells;
– aiding the assimilation of calcium in the body.
Does it make you tired just thinking about all the jobs required of our overworked livers?
The four most important stresses on the liver are:
– toxins (like insecticides and preservatives) that accumulate in the body. When other organs like the pancreas and the kidney are under stress, more burden is placed on the liver.
– prescription and non-prescription medications, alcohol, and caffeine, that create stress on the liver,
– poor food choices, like junk food, processed food, white sugar and white flour;
– overeating, which is the most common form of liver abuse. Overeating doesn’t allow the liver to sufficiently perform all those functions for the volume of food consumed and results in the deposit of fat in all parts of the body, including the liver.
In my consultations, I provide information regarding a wide variety of different herbs, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other supplements that can restore balance to a liver that is fatty. The supplements below are the ones I have found especially helpful.
– According to Chinese medicine, if someone is cold, pale and depressed, the liver may be responsible and CHINESE BLOOD BUILD can build that weakened liver. And in an individual who is hot, excitable, flushed and irritable, the liver may also be stressed and respond to CHINESE LIVER BALANCE.
– LIVER CLEANSE FORMULA can also be very helpful.
– L-CARNITINE is an amino acid that can burn fat in the liver.
– LECITHIN is a fat emulsifier, which means it makes the fat easier to digest.
– CHICKWEED is an herb that can help reduce fatty congestion in the liver.
The good news is that the liver is the only organ that can actually regenerate itself. So there’s hope. But the biggest impact on a fatty liver is usually making some changes in diet to reduce the load on the liver. You’ll both be happier and healthier for it.
Hot tip: A low grade fever at night can sometimes be an indicator that the liver needs to be checked.
Next month…Consistency
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Maureen (Marty) Kernion is not a physician and does not diagnose nor prescribe. She received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Louisiana State University, and a Master of Science degree and Doctorate of Natural Health degree from Clayton College of Natural Health. She is the author of Going Natural with Herbs. Marty lectures on natural health topics across the country and has been featured at 78 Barnes and Noble book stores since her book was published. She is also a retired adjunct professor with Clayton College of Natural Health where she authored 39 courses in nutrition and herbal remedies.
It is always wise to advise your pharmacist or health care practitioner about any change in diet or supplements you plan to take, especially if you take any prescription medication.
“Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:12
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