Zinc offers hope in cirrhosis of the liver

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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 '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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~What is.cirrhosis?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, 's Disease, hemochromatosis, prolonged exposure to drugs and toxins, autoimmune hepatitis, and cystic fibrosis.Yours in good health, RossManaging EditorNutrition & HealingSources: Yang SS, Lai YC, et al. "Role of zinc in subclinical hepatic encephalopathy: comparison with somatosensory-evoked potentials." J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2004; 19(4): 375-379Kathy Brunow