As the air temperature starts to cool and your thoughts turn toward pumpkin spice, it is also critical to focus our attention on our health, including one of the most important and integral portions of the body - the liver. The liver is responsible for facilitating digestion, transforming food into energy, and filtering out toxic particles from our bodies to help us remain in good health. As a whole, the liver is a vital organ that is responsible for a number of tasks to help us enjoy a ... [Read More]
Liver Damage
What Causes Hepatitis B?
There are approximately 1.2 million people in the United States who have hepatitis B, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a division of the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). This is a type of liver infection that is caused by the hepatitis B virus, or HBV. There are two main types of hepatitis B: acute and chronic. If you have acute hepatitis B, you should be able to recover from the disease within about six months; however, it can become chronic. ... [Read More]
Liver Diseases and Causes
The liver is the second-largest organ in the body behind the skin. It helps the body digest food, store energy, and filter out toxins. Liver disease can occur due to many possible sources – basically, any condition that can damage the liver can cause or contribute to liver disease. Hepatitis A, B, and C are common causes. Heavy drinking and drug use are common causes of fatty liver disease (a buildup of fat in the liver) and cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver. Genetics can predispose a person ... [Read More]
How Alcohol Affects Your Digestive System
Here’s a toast to those who either drink in moderation or don’t drink at all. By drinking, of course, we’re talking about the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Why does it matter? Because consuming alcohol can damage your digestive system and can increase your risk of cancer and liver disease. How Your Digestive System Processes Alcohol Your digestive system includes more than just your stomach and intestines. It also includes your mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, pancreas, and anus. Each ... [Read More]
Can Medication Cause Liver Damage?
With the help of enzymes, the liver metabolizes food into nutrients for the body, converts toxins into harmless substances and helps eliminate waste from the body. With a fully functional liver the body metabolism is balanced and works efficiently. However, various factors can throw the system out of gear and cause dangerous liver problems and damage, including drugs and dietary supplements. Studies show that more cases of acute liver failure are caused by prescription and over-the-counter ... [Read More]
