Combat Beyond the "Cold War"

In recent years, zinc's reputation as a powerful combatant of the

common cold has been on the rise. But sufferers of a much more

serious disorder -- cirrhosis of the liver -- might be interested to

learn that zinc offers some serious hope for their condition as well.

Physicians and researchers in Japan have discovered that treating

cirrhosis patients with zinc supplements helps them avoid the more

severe complications of the condition, such as the often-fatal

hepatic encephalopathy.

Apparently, cirrhosis negatively impacts the body's ability to

absorb and use zinc. One study revealed that patients with cirrhosis

have 30 percent less zinc in their bloodstream than healthy

individuals. The most critical impact of this deficiency is that zinc

assists an enzyme known as OTC (ornithine transcarbamylase) to

metabolize ammonia. As a result, cirrhosis patients who are

deficient in zinc suffer from a build-up of ammonia, which raises

the risk of encephalopathy.

The research hasn't reached a definitive conclusion yet, so it may

be a while before it reaches the mainstream. But since zinc

supplements are still very safe, there's no reason you can't benefit

from them in the meantime.

Keep in mind that zinc inhibits copper absorption and usually any

supplementation with zinc should be accompanied by a

corresponding dose of copper. However, one of the many causes of

cirrhosis is Wilson's Disease, which is an abnormal storage of

copper in the liver. Thus, whenever zinc is being considered at

therapeutic doses, it should be under the care of a natural medicine

physician who can monitor all of your nutrient levels and ensure

that you are getting the proper balance for your condition.

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Q: Do you have recommendations about treating candidiasis? It

seems to be more and more prevalent, and the doctors just

prescribe anti-fungals, which don't seem to work on a long-term

basis. What's the natural way out?

JVW: Candidiasis is basically a chronic yeast infection, which can

be localized, topical, or systemic. One of the reasons this condition

is becoming so common is the all-too-common sugar-laden diet so

many Americans consume. Sugar feeds yeast. Also, individuals

with compromised immune systems, women who are pregnant or

taking birth control pills, or people on antibiotics are more prone to

yeast infections. And that's quite a significant portion of the

population.

Luckily, there is a lot you can do about it. First, cutting out refined

and simple sugars, alcohol, fruit juice, and refined carbohydrates is

a must.

Also, food allergies need to be investigated, as they can cause

imbalances in the system that invite yeast infection as well. Also,

some individuals who experience an overgrowth of intestinal yeast

significantly under-produce hydrochloric acid in their stomach.

This affects the acid-alkaline balance of the entire gastrointestinal

tract, leaving it lopsided on the alkaline side, which encourages the

growth of yeast. For both of these conditions you should work

closely with a natural medicine physician to remedy the underlying

cause.

Incorporating probiotics and digestive enzymes into your diet can

also produce "good" flora in your system which will help balance

the yeast. Probiotic supplements (like acidophilus and

lactobacillius) are available in most natural food stores and vitamin

shops.

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Cirrhosis is a chronic condition of the liver where scarring distorts

the normal structure and regrowth of liver cells. The significant

flow of blood through the liver from the intestine is blocked and

the work done by the liver is hindered. And the liver does a lot of

work… it makes proteins, eliminates waste material from the body,

produces cholesterol, stores and releases glucose energy, and

metabolizes many nutrients and drugs. It also produces bile that

flows through bile ducts into the intestine where it helps to digest

food.

Because the liver is so important and so sturdy, cirrhosis can take a

long time to develop, and unfortunately, is not usually detected

until it is quite advanced. Generally, there aren't any early

symptoms, although fatigue, weakness, and decreased appetite may

occur and worsen with time. Knowing the risk factors for cirrhosis,

and when possible avoiding the conditions that cause it are your

best bet for ensuring that your liver remains healthy and vital.

Causes include: excessive alcohol use, type B and type C hepatitis,

chronic bile duct blockage, Wilson's Disease, hemochromatosis,

prolonged exposure to drugs and toxins, autoimmune hepatitis, and

cystic fibrosis.

Yours in good health,

Amanda Ross

Managing Editor

Nutrition & Healing

Sources:

Yang SS, Lai YC, et al. "Role of zinc in subclinical hepatic

encephalopathy: comparison with somatosensory-evoked

potentials." J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2004; 19(4): 375-379

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