Depending Upon The Liver

Liver is largest solid organ in the body, situated under rib cage, in the upper part of abdomen on the right side. It weighs around three pounds. The liver has a multitude of important & complex functions, like storing glycogen (fuel for the body) which is made from sugars. When required, glycogen is broken down into glucose which is released into bloodstream. It helps to process fats & proteins from digested food. It makes proteins which are essential for blood clotting. It helps remove or process alcohol, poisons & toxins from the body. It makes bile which passes from liver to gut & aids in intestinal absorption of fats & fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, & K. It processes & removes potentially harmful biochemical products produced by the body, such as bilirubin, from breakdown of old red blood cells & ammonia from breakdown of proteins & detoxifies by metabolizing and/or secreting, drugs, alcohol, & environmental toxins.

Liver in Disease

Cirrhosis is an abnormal liver condition in which there is irreversible scarring of liver. It is a slowly progressing disease where healthy liver tissue is replaced with scarred tissue, eventually preventing liver from functioning properly. Scarred tissue blocks flow of blood through liver & thereby slows processing of nutrients, hormones, drugs, & naturally produced toxins. It also slows production of proteins & other substances made by liver.

CAUSES OF CIRRHOSIS

Chronic Alcoholism

Chronic alcoholism is the leading cause of cirrhosis. Consuming too much alcohol can cause liver to swell, which over time can lead to cirrhosis.

Chronic Viral Hepatitis

Chronic hepatitis C is the second leading cause of cirrhosis. Hepatitis C causes liver to swell, which over time can lead to cirrhosis. About one in four people with chronic hepatitis C develop cirrhosis. Chronic hepatitis B & hepatitis D also can cause cirrhosis.

Non-Alcoholic SteatoHepatitis (NASH)

Fat build up in liver that is not caused by alcohol use, is non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH can cause liver to swell & can lead to cirrhosis. People with NASH often have other health issues including diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease & poor eating habits.

Bile Duct Disease

Bile duct disease limits or stops bile from flowing to small intestine. Bile backs up in liver causing liver to swell & can lead to cirrhosis. Two common bile duct diseases are primary sclerosing cholangitis & primary biliary cirrhosis.

Genetic diseases

Some genetic diseases can also lead to cirrhosis. These diseases include glycogen storage diseases, Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, autoimmune hepatitis, hemochromatosis, a condition in which excessive iron is absorbed & deposited into liver & other organs, & Wilson's disease, caused by abnormal storage of copper in liver.

COMPLICATIONS OF CIRRHOSIS

·         Cirrhosis is a known risk factor for cancer of liver.

·         End stage liver disease can also lead to kidney failure.

·         Bruising (due to low platelet count and/or poor clotting)

·         Bleeding (due to decreased clotting proteins)

·         Sensitivity to medications (the liver processes medications in body)

·         Insulin resistance & type 2 diabetes

·         Hepatic encephalopathy (confusion due to effects of blood toxins on brain)

·        Gallstones (interference with bile flow can cause bile to harden & form stones)

·        Esophageal varices

·        Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)

     Edema & ascites

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Don’t Ignore Guts

Constipation is one of those topics few like to talk about. If you've suffering from this problem, though, you know it can be both painful & frustrating. Constipation or dyschezia refers to bowel movements that are infrequent or hard to pass. Though not usually serious, constipation can be a concern & lead to numerous complications. Severe constipation includes obstipation (failure to pass stools or gas) & fecal impaction, which can progress to bowel obstruction & subsequently become life-threatening.

Tell Tale Signatures

Bad breath is an indicator that you may be constipated. When toxic waste remains in body, gasses rise up to mouth, letting out putrid odors. Skin eruptions can be caused or aggravated by colon toxicity. Other symptoms related to constipation can include bloating, distension, abdominal pain, headaches, a feeling of fatigue & nervous exhaustion, or a sense of incomplete emptying. Body gives you indications when something is going wrong, take the hint!

Causes for Constipation

Constipation is a symptom with many causes. It predisposes you to all major colorectal disorders starting with enlarged hemorrhoids & ending up with colorectal cancer. The causes include obstructed defecation & colonic slow transit (or hypomobility). It could also be due to some structural & functional abnormalities like spinal cord lesions, Parkinson’s, colon cancer, anal fissures, proctitis, & pelvic floor dysfunction. Some metabolic or muscular problems include hypercalcemia, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, cystic fibrosis, & celiac disease. Constipation is also common in individuals with muscular & myotonic dystrophy.

Associated Complications from Untreated Constipation

• Hemorrhoids: These are caused by too much strain on the anal sphincter while trying to force bowel movement.
• Anal Fissures: These are tears in skin around anus brought about by over-stretching while trying to pass hard stool. This can also cause rectal bleeding.
• Rectal Prolapse: This is when a small amount of intestinal lining is pushed out of the anal opening while straining for bowel movement.
• Fecal Impaction: This develops when hard stool are compacted tightly in the intestine & rectum that normal peristaltic movement of large intestine is insufficient to expel content.
• Bowel Perforation: This is when hardened fecal matter punctures through intestinal wall & spills into the abdominal area. These cause severe infection as waste products of the body come into direct contact with other organs housing by abdominal cavity. The severe infection caused by this overflow of fecal matter may even prove fatal when not treated immediately.
• Genitourinary Health: Constipation affects genitourinary health, particularly for women, because large intestine & the female reproductive organs reside in close proximity. These problems run the gamut from undue pressure on the uterus to rectal prolapse inside vagina, from fecal incontinence to miscarriage from straining, & numerous other problems.

Quality of Life

Constipation affects quality of life, causes stress, & diminishes your overall sense of well-being. These things tend to self-perpetuate, & profoundly affect the cardiovascular, endocrine, & immune systems. Constipation is also one of the symptoms of disbacteriosis — a condition where normal, intestinal flora is dead & missing. When alive, this flora performs several, important functions. First, it protects the colon itself from any inflammation-causing pathogens. Second, it produces essential B-vitamins & vitamin K, responsible for blood clotting. Third, it governs primary immunity & fourth — bacteria form stools, & keep them soft & moist. When all of these functions are compromised, one cannot enjoy a long & healthy life.

Last Word

Closer to the end of one‘s life, chronic constipation strip large intestine from its thinning, mucosal membrane, & cause flat lesions & polyps that eventually transform into colon cancer. 

Thus constipation is extremely dangerous for your health & life, & you should do everything possible to reverse it while it is still possible, or, at the very least, to manage its after-effects when it has become irreversible.
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You Deserve Better Sleep

Insomnia is the most common sleep complaint. It is a persistent disorder that can make hard to fall asleep, hard to stay asleep or both, despite the opportunity to get a full night of sleep. It is the inability to get the amount of sleep you need to wake up feeling rested & refreshed. Insomnia commonly leads to daytime sleepiness, lethargy & general feeling of being unwell both mentally & physically. Although insomnia can affect people at any age, it is more common in adult females than adult males.Insomnia can be caused by psychiatric & medical conditions, unhealthy sleep habits, specific substances, and/or certain biological factors.

Medical Causes of Insomnia

There are many medical conditions (some mild & others more serious) which lead to insomnia. In some cases, a medical condition itself causes insomnia, while in others, symptoms of condition cause discomfort that can make it difficult for person to sleep. These medical conditions include brain lesions & tumors, stroke, chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, congestive heart failure, angina, acid-reflux disease (GERD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, sleep apnea, Parkinson's &Alzheimer's, hyperthyroidism, arthritis, etc.

Some medications such as those taken for high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease, birth control, asthma, & depression also cause insomnia.

Psychological Causes of Insomnia

People with mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or depression, as well as anxiety disorders or psychotic disorders are more likely to have insomnia.

Habits & Lifestyle

Insomnia can be triggered by your behaviors & sleep patterns. Unhealthy lifestyles & sleep habits can create insomnia on their own, or they can cause insomnia by another problem, which is worse. These activities include vigorous exercise just before bedtime; big discussions or arguments; & TV, computer, or video game use. Erratic sleep schedules like work shifts and/or day napping can also disrupt a good night’s sleep.

Environmental Factors

The environment where you sleep can also cause insomnia. Disruptive factors such as noise, light or extreme temperatures can interfere with sleep. Sleeping with a bed partner who snores also causes sleep disruption. Extended exposure to environmental toxins & chemicals may prevent you from being able to fall or stay asleep.

Insomnia & Food

Certain substances & activities, including eating patterns, can contribute to insomnia. Alcohol is a sedative. It can make you fall asleep initially, but may disrupt your sleep later in the night. Caffeine is a stimulant, but excessive caffeine can cause insomnia. Caffeine can stay in your system for as long as eight hours, so the effects are long lasting. If you have insomnia, do not consume food or drinks with caffeine too close to bedtime. Nicotine is also a stimulant & can cause insomnia. Smoking cigarettes or tobacco products close to bedtime can make it hard to fall asleep & to sleep well through the night.

The Last Supper

Heavy meals close to bedtime can disrupt your sleep. It can cause discomfort & make it hard for your body to settle & relax. Spicy foods can also cause heartburn & interfere with your sleep. Some people are sensitive to certain foods & may be allergic to them. This can often result in insomnia & disrupted sleep.

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