How To Treat Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease is a common condition among my clients. As such, these clients often ask me what the cause is, and if can I help them with this problem.
In the past, I have suggested that the reason may originate in their gut.
Up until recently, this idea has been based on anecdotal clinical experience.
However, is there a real link between the gut and the liver?
A recent scientific study has shown a close association between gut and liver health.
A recently published meta-analysis paper found that two liver enzymes, ALT and AST, were significantly reduced in subjects when taking probiotics.
A meta-analysis is a summary of findings from different clinical trials.
The study in question was a meta-analysis of 4 clinical trials comprising 134 subjects.
ALT and AST are byproducts of liver damage and are two markers your physician could measure through a blood test.
The study found that ALT and AST were significantly reduced in subjects when taking different blends of lactobacillus-bifidobacterium probiotics.
Lactobacillus-bifidobacterium bacteria are found in most professional brand probiotic supplements, including DFH Probiotic Supreme.
The researchers also found that probiotics reduced total cholesterol, TNF-alpha, an inflammatory marker, and improved insulin resistance in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients.
Everything in your digestive tract flows to and is purified by your liver via the portal vein.
Consequently, this is how we can see why a gut problem might ultimately cause liver problems.
How are the probiotics helping the liver?
The probiotics are improving gut health, and as the gut gets better, there is less mess in the gut that needs to drain to and be cleaned up by the liver.
The liver is then less overburdened and can heal and regenerate. There are, therefore, fewer liver enzymes.
So if you are struggling with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease or unusually elevated liver enzymes, you may consider your gut the root of the problem.
You may have a previously diagnosed digestive condition such as Irritable or Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
You may experience mild digestive symptoms such as heartburn, bloating, constipation or diarrhea.
Treating these conditions and symptoms may help with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.
What Do You Think?
Do you have more questions about fatty liver disease?
Have you tried taking probiotics to help with fatty liver disease?
Either way, leave a comment below.
Help And Online Dispensary
If you need extra help, I offer Functional Medicine consultations in person and via telemedicine. To book an appointment or learn more, please call 613 230-0998 or email info@dominickussey.ca.
If you need to buy supplements, you can do so through our online dispensary.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. Please do not apply this information without first speaking with your doctor.