Alcohol abuse is a major cause of an unhealthy liver. Hepatitis is a liver disease developed from alcoholism, infection, or chemicals in drugs. Liver cirrhosis is a liver disease causing severe damage, impairing function, and can lead to liver failure and even death. The most common cause of liver cirrhosis in the U.S. is chronic alcoholism. Other factors can be hepatitis or a hereditary disease such as cystic fibrosis.
Hepatitis causes flu-like symptoms such as loss of appetite, fever, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes jaundice. Liver cirrhosis can go without symptoms for years. Some signs are weakness, malaise, loss of appetite, or weight loss. In treating both hepatitis and liver cirrhosis, alcohol intake should be avoided. An adequate amount of protein is also important in dealing with liver cirrhosis. Several natural supplements can be used in prevention and treatment of symptoms of both hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. They are SAMe, phosphatidycholine, vitamin E, and zinc. Some useful herbs are bupleurum and white and red peony.
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