Liver Dysfunction: Common Causes
Liver dysfunction and subsequent damage can be caused by:
Metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and high triglycerides – When the body’s metabolism is not running properly, fat can accumulate around the liver, causing what is known as fatty liver.
Alcoholism – Excessive and chronic alcohol consumption is the leading cause of cirrhosis. Alcohol converts to acetaldehyde, a carcinogenic toxin.
Illness – Certain illnesses, such as tuberculosis and malabsorption syndrome, can cause liver damage.
Pharmaceuticals – Certain prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs list liver damage as a side effect and a risk. Some of these include psychotropic medications (such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers), corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and others. It’s always important to review side effects and risks of pharmaceuticals with your healthcare professional and pharmacist.
Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy drugs can damage the liver as a side effect.
Pregnancy – In rare cases, fatty liver can be a complication of pregnancy.
Poor diet – A diet high in trans fats and heavily refined simple carbohydrates can cause metabolic disturbances that lead to fatty liver.
Pesticides and heavy metals – These can be stored in body fat over a lifetime and have the potential to produce liver damage.
Viral infections – Hepatitis A – E can lead to liver damage.
Excess vitamin A – Megadosing of vitamin A can damage the liver.
Candida – Candida yeast ferments sugars into acetaldehyde, which is the same carcinogen that causes alcohol hangovers. Candida also appears to increase gut and urinary levels of ammonia, which is another liver toxin.
Inappropriate use of herbal remedies – Plants of the Senecio, Crotalaria and Heliotopium families, plus chaparral, germander, comfrey, mistletoe, skullcap, margosa oil, mate tea, Gordolobo yerba tea, pennyroyal, and Jin Blu Huan are all toxic to the liver.9
Additional Information about Liver Dysfunction
- Liver Dysfunction Overview
- Common symptoms of liver dysfunction
- Help me choose a natural and alternative treatment for liver dysfunction
- Dietary and lifestyle recommendations that may help in the treatment of liver dysfunction
- Conventional or prescription medications used in the treatment of liver dysfunction
- Cited Sources and Additional Reading for liver dysfunction
Article ID: 214
