Fatty Liver
Liver usually has little or no fat. But when large vacuoles of triglyceride fat accumulate in liver cells, it is called a fatty liver condition. This happens due to abnormal retention of lipids called steatosis. In most cases, fatty liver does not present any symptoms.
Fatty Liver diseases
Non-alcoholic fatty liver: This condition can be treated with lifestyle changes.
Non-alcoholic steatorrhoeic hepatitis: This condition needs medical attention lest it deteriorate into liver cirrhosis.
Persons who lack exercise, are obese and who partake a high fat diet are prone to fatty liver. Diabetes and high alcohol intake are other contributory causes for fatty liver. Liver function test, liver ultrasound and biopsy might be done to detect the degree of liver malfunction.
A healthy lifestyle with regular exericise is vital to tackle fatty liver disease. Cholesterol and blood pressure will need to be monitored and treated.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a condition where the concentration of bilirubin in the blood and tissues increases far more than normal concentration. The person notices yellowish tinge to skin, eyes and mucus membrane. The urine becomes dark and the stools become clay-colored due to lack of bile pigments.
Pre-hepatic jaundice: Occurs due to malaria, thalassemia, Gilbert's syndrome or sickle cell anemia.
Intra-hepatic jaundice: Occurs due to liver conditions such as hepatitis, leptospirosis cirrhosis or fatty liver disease. Neonatal jaundice is usually of this kind.
Post-hepatic jaundice: Occurs due to bile obstruction into the digestive system; usually due to gallstones. Pancreatitis or biliary strictures can lead to obstructive jaundice.
L carnitine
L carnitine is an amino acid naturally synthesized by the body from amino acids - Lysine and methionine.
This amino acid is found mostly in red meats and in smaller quantities in diary products. As L carnitine is similar to another amino acid Carnitine which plays a major role in energy metabolism. The body produces carnitine in the liver and kidneys and stores it in the skeletal muscles, heart, brain and sperm.
Deficiency in these amino acids can manifest as general apathy, fatigue, muscle weakness, decreased tolerance to metabolic stress, and cardiomyopathy.
Symptoms of fatigue and general prognosis improved significantly in those patients who received oral L-carnitine supplementation. L carnitine's action of facilitating the transport of fatty acids is useful in preventing a buildup of amyloid plaque that damages brain tissues. Supplements of L carnitine has helped in some studies, to improve sperm mobility in men with poorly active sperm, a condition known as asthenozoospermia. Some laboratory studies have indicated the beneficial effects of L-carnitine supplements in counteracting the toxic effects of AZT, a drug for the treatment of HIV - human immuno deficiency virus and acquired immuno deficiency syndrome. Cartinine and L-Cartinine are thought to improve some of the following conditions:
- Heart Disease - As Cartinine helps to improve the overall energy levels, the patients have a better sustained physical activities after suitable medications combined with supplements.
- High Cholesterol - Patients with elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides reported a significant lowering.
- Intermittent Claudication - Patients with Deficiency in blood circulation in the peripheral regions ( peripheral vascular disease PVD ) reported better muscle functions after taking supplements.
- Fatty Liver - Alcohol induced fatty buildup in the liver has been reversed and even prevented in some studies.
- Down's Syndrome - In patients afflicted with this disease, significant improvement in visual memory and attention span was noted after supplements.
- Male Infertility - supplementation may increase sperm count and Sperm mobility.
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