High-Dose Vitamin C and Lysine: A Revolutionary Approach to Arterial Plaque Removal?

The relationship between vitamin C, lysine, and cardiovascular health has intrigued researchers for decades, particularly since Nobel laureate Linus Pauling's groundbreaking work in this field. Today, we'll dive deep into the science behind this potentially revolutionary approach to cardiovascular health.

The Pauling Protocol: A Historical Perspective

Linus Pauling, the double Nobel laureate, proposed that coronary artery disease results from a combination of vitamin C deficiency and other factors. His theory, while controversial at the time, has gained increasing scientific attention in recent years. Pauling suggested that optimal daily intake should be around 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C, far exceeding the standard recommended daily allowance.

Understanding the Science: How Vitamin C and Lysine Work Together

The Role of Vitamin C

Recent research has revealed several mechanisms through which vitamin C might help combat atherosclerosis:

1. Endothelial Function: Studies have shown that vitamin C supplementation can significantly improve endothelial function, particularly in patients with atherosclerosis and diabetes. This improvement in blood vessel function is crucial for preventing plaque formation.

2. Antioxidant Protection: According to recent molecular studies published in 2024, vitamin C plays a crucial role in protecting lipoproteins against oxidative damage, a key factor in preventing atherosclerosis development.

3. Collagen Synthesis: Research has shown that vitamin C deficiency can reduce collagen content in atherosclerotic plaques, potentially leading to more unstable formations. Adequate vitamin C helps maintain plaque stability while working to reduce overall plaque burden.

The Lysine Connection

The theory behind lysine's role is that it acts as a Lp(a)-binding inhibitor, potentially blocking the attachment of lipoprotein(a) to arterial walls. This mechanism is particularly important because:

• It may help prevent new plaque formation
• It could assist in the gradual removal of existing plaques
• It works synergistically with vitamin C's collagen-supporting properties

Current Research and Clinical Evidence

Recent studies have provided compelling evidence for this approach:

1. Cardiovascular Protection: A 2024 comprehensive review revealed that high-dose vitamin C administration can significantly impact cardiovascular health, particularly when combined with other nutrients.

2. Plaque Stabilization: Clinical studies have shown that micronutrient supplementation, including approximately 4 grams of vitamin C daily, can help halt the progression of coronary calcifications.

3. Endothelial Function: Population studies in Ischemic Heart Disease have demonstrated that vitamin C can reduce atherosclerosis by improving endothelial function.

Optimal Dosing and Safety Considerations

While high-dose vitamin C therapy shows promise, it's important to approach it carefully:

Vitamin C Dosing

• Starting dose recommendations typically range from 200-250 mg daily
• Therapeutic doses may range up to 2,000-5,000 mg daily. Pauling specifically states 5, 000.
• Doses should be divided throughout the day for better absorption

Lysine Supplementation

• Typical therapeutic doses range from 2-6 grams daily. Pauling specifically states 5,000 mgs daily for both Lysine and Vitamin C. I'll go with him, a Nobel Prize recipient in Chemistry versus some doctor who likely knows nothing about this protocol.
• Should be taken on an empty stomach for optimal absorption
• May need to be adjusted based on individual response

Important Precautions

It's crucial to note several important considerations:

1. Individual Variation: Research indicates that vitamin C's effects on endothelial function can vary depending on health status, with stronger effects observed in atherosclerotic and diabetic patients.

2. Monitoring Required: It's essential for individuals with significantly elevated blood pressure not to rely solely on vitamin C supplementation and to maintain regular medical supervision.

3. Potential Interactions: Some studies suggest that very high doses of vitamin C supplements might promote early atherosclerosis in certain cases, emphasizing the importance of professional guidance.

Future Directions and Research

The field continues to evolve, with several promising areas of investigation:

1. Mechanism Studies: Researchers are working to better understand how vitamin C and lysine interact with arterial plaques at the molecular level.

2. Optimal Combinations: Studies are investigating how vitamin C works in conjunction with other nutrients for maximum cardiovascular benefit.

3. Personalized Approaches: Research is exploring how individual factors might affect treatment response and optimal dosing strategies.

Conclusion

The use of high-dose vitamin C and lysine for arterial plaque removal represents a promising approach to cardiovascular health. While the foundational theory proposed by Linus Pauling continues to gain scientific support, it's essential to approach this treatment under proper medical supervision.

The evidence suggests that this combination therapy might offer a valuable tool in the fight against atherosclerosis, particularly when combined with other heart-healthy lifestyle measures. However, more research is needed to fully understand the optimal protocols for different patient populations.

Remember, while supplementation can be beneficial, it should never replace standard medical care. Always consult with healthcare providers before starting any new supplementation regimen, especially when dealing with cardiovascular issues.

This field continues to evolve, and ongoing research may reveal even more effective ways to utilize these nutrients for cardiovascular health. The key is staying informed about the latest developments while maintaining a balanced, evidence-based approach to heart health.

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Human Growth Hormone: Why Should You Increase Your Human Growth Hormone Levels?

You've probably heard whispers about human growth hormone (HGH) in fitness circles or anti-aging discussions. Maybe you've seen headlines about athletes using it illegally, or celebrities crediting it for their youthful appearance. But what's the real story behind HGH, and why might you want to pay attention to your own levels?

Let's cut through the noise.

Your body naturally produces HGH in the pituitary gland, and it plays a crucial role in growth, cell repair, and metabolism. Think of it as your body's built-in restoration system. But here's the catch – your HGH levels naturally decline as you age. By the time you hit your 60s, your HGH production can drop to less than half of what it was in your 20s.

The Benefits of Healthy HGH Levels

When your HGH levels are optimized, you might experience:

• Better muscle growth and recovery
• Improved bone density
• Enhanced fat metabolism
• Better sleep quality
• Stronger immune function
• Improved cognitive function
• Improved sexual stamina and rock hard erections

But before you get too excited about boosting your HGH levels, let's be clear about something: synthetic HGH injections are strictly regulated and only FDA-approved for specific medical conditions. Using them for anti-aging or performance enhancement isn't just illegal – it's potentially dangerous.

Natural Ways to Optimize Your HGH Production

The good news? You can support your body's natural HGH production without touching synthetic hormones. Here's how:

1. Master Your Sleep

Your body releases significant amounts of HGH during deep sleep. Research shows that poor sleep can dramatically reduce HGH production. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep in a dark, cool room.

2. Time Your Meals Wisely

Intermittent fasting isn't just a weight loss trend. Studies indicate that fasting can trigger significant increases in HGH levels. Even reducing your eating window to 8-10 hours per day might help optimize your hormone production.

3. Get Moving (The Right Way)

High-intensity exercise is your friend here. High-intensity workouts and resistance training can naturally boost HGH levels. But don't go overboard – overtraining can have the opposite effect.

4. Watch Your Sugar Intake

High insulin levels can suppress HGH production. Reducing sugar intake and maintaining stable blood sugar levels can help optimize your natural HGH production.

5. Consider Your Amino Acid Intake

Certain amino acids, particularly arginine, have been shown to influence HGH levels. You can get these through protein-rich foods like eggs, fish, and legumes. You can also opt for a quality HGH precursor that will stimulate your own pituitary gland to produce more growth hormone. Most quality HGH supplements contain L-Arginine because it is the workhorse that stimulates your pituitary gland to do its job more effectively. It also may improve your nitric oxide levels which can eleviate ED (erectile dysfunction) while also increasing blood flow throughout your cardiovascular system according to several Nobel Prize winners.

The 1998 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Robert F. Furchgott, Louis J. Ignarro, and Ferid Murad for their discoveries concerning nitric oxide as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system. Here's a more detailed look at their contributions:
Robert F. Furchgott:
Studied the effects of drugs on blood vessels and identified an endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF), which he later showed to be nitric oxide. 
Louis J. Ignarro:
Independently confirmed Furchgott's findings and further characterized nitric oxide as a signaling molecule. 
Ferid Murad:
Investigated how nitroglycerin and related compounds caused vasodilation and discovered that they release nitric oxide, which relaxes smooth muscle cells. 

The Reality Check

While optimizing your HGH levels can bring benefits, it's not a miracle solution. Some people might try to sell you on the idea that boosting HGH will turn back time or transform you into a superhuman athlete. It won't.

What it can do is support your body's natural processes for growth, repair, and metabolism. Think of it as one piece of the overall health puzzle, not the whole picture.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you're concerned about your HGH levels, talk to a healthcare provider. They can test your levels and determine if you have a genuine deficiency requiring medical intervention. Remember, synthetic HGH is a serious medical treatment, not a supplement.

HGH Supplementation: What You Need to Know

Human Growth Hormone (HGH) supplementation is a complex and often misunderstood topic that requires careful consideration. Before making any decisions about HGH, it's crucial to understand the legal, medical, and safety implications.

Legal Status and Regulation

First and foremost, let's be clear about the legal status of HGH:

The only FDA-approved form of synthetic HGH comes in the form of injections, available only through prescription. This is crucial to understand because many products marketed as "HGH supplements" or "HGH boosters" are not actually HGH. They instead are HGH precursors. And quality HGH precursors can and do stimulate the pituitary gland.

Current law explicitly prohibits the distribution of HGH except for clearly defined medical conditions. Using HGH for anti-aging, athletic enhancement, or other non-approved purposes is illegal.

FDA-Approved Medical Uses

HGH therapy is legally prescribed for specific conditions, including:

• Growth hormone deficiency
• Turner Syndrome
• Prader-Willi Syndrome
• Chronic kidney disease
• HGH deficiency due to medical conditions
• Other specific growth disorders

In the United States, there are currently 8 FDA-approved indications for pediatric GH therapy, and additional approved uses for adults with documented deficiencies.

Safety and Clinical Evidence

The safety profile of HGH therapy has been extensively studied:

• Long-term clinical trials have shown that when properly prescribed and monitored, HGH replacement therapy can be safe for those who genuinely need it
• Clinical studies have demonstrated that supervised HGH therapy has a generally acceptable safety profile in patients with documented deficiencies
• However, unsupervised use or abuse can lead to serious health complications

Important Warnings

1. Over-the-Counter Products
   Any HGH products sold as pills, sprays, or supplements are not genuine HGH and may contain unknown or dangerous ingredients. Now, let's dispense with the fear mongering regarding Human Growth Hormone (HGH) supplementation. The truth is HGH supplement are NOT real HGH but they are precursors and that means that quality precursors can and do stimulate the pituitary gland to increase your own HGH levels.

2. Athletic Performance
   HGH is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency and most sports organizations. Using it for athletic enhancement is both illegal and potentially dangerous.

3. Anti-Aging Claims
   Despite marketing claims, scientific articles have demonstrated that HGH supplementation does not significantly increase muscle strength or aerobic exercise capacity in healthy individuals.

Natural Alternatives

Instead of seeking unauthorized HGH injections, consider focusing on natural ways to optimize your body's own HGH production:

• Quality sleep
• Regular exercise, especially high-intensity training
• Proper nutrition
• Stress management
• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Quality HGH precursors

When to Seek Medical Help

If you suspect you have a growth hormone deficiency, the appropriate course of action is to:

1. Consult with a licensed endocrinologist
2. Undergo proper medical testing
3. Follow prescribed treatment plans if necessary
4. Maintain regular medical supervision

The Bottom Line

Supporting your body's natural HGH production isn't about chasing eternal youth or superhuman performance. It's about giving your body the best conditions to maintain its natural hormonal balance. Focus on the basics: quality sleep, smart exercise, good nutrition, and stress management.

These strategies won't just support healthy HGH levels – they'll improve your overall health and well-being. And isn't that what we're really after?

Start with one small change today. Maybe it's fixing your sleep schedule or adding some high-intensity intervals to your workout. Your body will thank you for it, increaed HGH levels and all.

Don't Miss These Signs of Heart Attack: What You Need to Know Today

Your heart doesn't come with an owner's manual. I wish it did. Because when it comes to heart attacks, knowing the signs isn't just helpful—it's the difference between life and death. Yet many of us would be surprised to learn we've been missing some of the most critical warning signs.

Don't Miss These Signs of Heart Attack

Let's cut through the noise and get straight to what you need to know.

The Classic Signs You Can't Ignore

You've probably seen it in movies—someone clutching their chest, face twisted in pain. While that's one way a heart attack can show up, according to the Mayo Clinic, the reality is often more subtle. The chest pain might feel more like pressure, tightness, or a squeezing sensation. Think of it as an elephant sitting on your chest, not necessarily a knife stabbing through it.

But here's where it gets tricky: Your body might be screaming "heart attack" without the chest pain taking center stage. Some people experience:

• Pain that travels to their jaw, neck, or back
• Discomfort in one or both arms
• Shortness of breath that feels like you've run a marathon (even when you've just been sitting)
• A cold sweat that comes out of nowhere
• Nausea or vomiting that you can't explain

The Secret Signs Nobody Talks About

Here's something that might surprise you: Women often experience heart attacks differently than men. While men typically get that classic chest pain, women might have what doctors call "atypical symptoms." Translation? They might feel:

• Unusual fatigue that makes everyday tasks feel impossible
• Pain in the upper back or shoulder blades
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Pressure in the lower chest or upper abdomen
• Symptoms that feel like severe heartburn

What To Do When Minutes Matter

Time is muscle—that's what cardiologists say. The faster you get help, the better your chances. If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, don't play the waiting game. Don't try to tough it out. Don't worry about looking silly if it turns out to be nothing.

Call 911 immediately. Yes, immediately. Not after you've called your spouse. Not after you've Googled your symptoms for the tenth time. Now.

While waiting for help:

• Sit or lie down
• Stay as calm as possible
• If you have aspirin and no allergies to it, take it (but only if emergency services tell you to)
• Unlock your door so emergency responders can get in
• Don't try to drive yourself to the hospital

Prevention: The Best Medicine

Look, I get it. Nobody wants to think about having a heart attack. But knowing these signs isn't about living in fear—it's about being prepared. It's about being smart. It's about staying alive.

Make today the day you commit these signs to memory. Share them with your family. Put them on your fridge. Because knowledge isn't just power—it's life.

Remember: Your heart works 24/7 for you. The least you can do is learn its warning signs. Don't wait until you need this information to wish you had it.

Your life might depend on it.

Krill Oil vs Fish Oil: A Deep Dive Into These Omega-3 Powerhouses

If you've ever stood in the supplement aisle staring at rows of omega-3 products, you've probably wondered: krill oil or fish oil? It's not just you – this debate has caught the attention of researchers, health enthusiasts, and environmentalists alike. Let's break down everything you need to know about these marine-sourced supplements.

The Fundamental Difference

While both supplements provide essential omega-3 fatty acids, they come from very different sources. Fish oil is extracted from fatty fish, while krill oil comes from tiny crustaceans called Antarctic krill. But the differences go far beyond their origins.

Absorption and Bioavailability

Here's where things get interesting. According to research published in Lipids in Health and Disease, krill oil might have a slight edge when it comes to absorption. Why? It's all about structure. The omega-3s in krill oil are primarily bound to phospholipids, while in fish oil, they're bound to triglycerides. This difference in molecular structure might make krill oil easier for our bodies to utilize.

However, don't count fish oil out just yet. Studies have shown that both supplements can effectively raise omega-3 levels in the body, though you might need a higher dose of fish oil to achieve the same effects as krill oil.

Potency and Dosage

Fish oil typically contains more EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) per serving than krill oil. Research from the Cleveland Clinic indicates that because of krill oil's potentially superior absorption, you might need less of it to achieve similar benefits. This means that while krill oil supplements might contain lower amounts of omega-3s, your body could be using them more efficiently.

Additional Benefits

Krill oil comes with a bonus: astaxanthin. This powerful antioxidant gives krill oil its distinctive reddish color and provides additional health benefits. Studies published in Vascular Health and Risk Management suggest that this antioxidant helps prevent the oxidation of omega-3s, potentially making krill oil more stable than fish oil.

The Environmental Angle

Here's where the debate gets complicated. While some manufacturers market krill oil as more sustainable, environmental concerns have been raised about krill harvesting. Krill are a crucial part of the Antarctic food chain, serving as food for whales, seals, and penguins. The impact of commercial krill harvesting on these ecosystems is still being studied.

Fish oil sustainability varies widely depending on the source. Many reputable manufacturers now use sustainable fishing practices and smaller fish species that reproduce quickly.

Cost Considerations

Let's talk money – because it matters. Krill oil typically costs 3-4 times more than fish oil. While you might need less krill oil to achieve similar benefits, the higher price point can be a significant factor in choosing between the two.

Side Effects and Tolerability

Both supplements can cause similar side effects, including:

• Fishy burps (though generally less common with krill oil)
• Digestive discomfort
• Potential interaction with blood-thinning medications

Making Your Choice

So, which should you choose? Consider these factors:

1. Budget: If cost is a major concern, fish oil offers more omega-3s per dollar.
2. Absorption: If you've had trouble absorbing supplements in the past, krill oil's phospholipid form might work better for you.
3. Environmental Impact: Research the sourcing practices of specific brands rather than assuming one type is automatically more sustainable.
4. Dosage Preference: Fish oil typically requires larger pills but fewer specialized processing steps.

The Bottom Line

Both krill oil and fish oil can be effective sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Clinical studies have shown similar health benefits from both sources, particularly for heart health and inflammation reduction. Your choice might come down to personal factors like budget, absorption preferences, and environmental concerns.

Remember to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you're taking blood-thinning medications or have seafood allergies. They can help you determine the most appropriate option based on your individual health needs and circumstances.

Whether you choose krill oil or fish oil, the most important thing is consistently getting enough omega-3s in your diet. Both supplements can help you achieve this goal – it's just a matter of finding the right fit for your needs and values.

Buy Krill Oil or Fish Oil Here

Did You Know That Eating Fats Can Make You Hungry?

Eating a delicious, juicy, fat packed double bacon cheeseburger loaded with tons of belly fat producing calories may not be good for your health but it does stomp out your hunger. Right?

Maybe you'll feel as full as a beached whale right after but you could be hungry again very soon because ...

Meals high in saturated fat will result in lower levels of leptin so in fact a low calorie meal rich in vegetables, whole grains like brown rice and unsaturated fats from cold water fish will not only be a much more healthy choice but will also stay your hunger for a longer period of time.

Leptin Decoded: The Hormone That Controls Your Weight Loss Journey

Imagine a hormone that could be the secret key to unlocking your body's weight loss potential. Enter leptin—the fascinating "satiety hormone" that plays a crucial role in how your body manages weight, hunger, and metabolism.

What Exactly is Leptin?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, leptin is a hormone produced by fat cells that travels through your bloodstream to the brain's appetite center. Its primary job? To tell your brain when you're full and to regulate energy balance.

The Basics of Leptin Signaling

• Produced by fat cells
• Communicates with the hypothalamus
• Helps regulate hunger and metabolism
• Influences how your body stores and burns fat

The Complex World of Leptin and Weight Loss

Recent research published in Diabetes reveals a fascinating insight: high leptin levels don't necessarily mean easier weight loss. In fact, it's more complicated than that.

Leptin Resistance: The Hidden Barrier

Nature's research explains that in obesity, leptin resistance develops—a condition where your body stops responding to leptin's signals, making weight loss increasingly difficult.

Mechanisms of Leptin Resistance

Scientific studies have identified several key mechanisms:

• Genetic mutations in leptin and its receptors
• Inflammatory responses
• Disrupted signaling pathways
• Reduced receptor sensitivity

Natural Ways to Support Leptin Function

1. Diet Matters

Research from nutritional studies suggests that diet plays a crucial role:

• Avoid high-fat, high-sugar diets
• Increase protein intake
• Consume complex carbohydrates
• Minimize processed foods

2. Sleep and Stress Management

Cleveland Clinic researchers note that sleep deprivation can significantly disrupt leptin levels:

• Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep
• Practice stress-reduction techniques
• Maintain consistent sleep schedules

3. Exercise Strategically

A systematic review in the Journal of Clinical Medicine highlights the importance of exercise in leptin signaling:

• Incorporate both cardio and strength training
• Focus on consistent, moderate-intensity workouts
• Build muscle mass to improve metabolic health

The Cutting-Edge of Leptin Research

Exciting developments are emerging:

• Potential treatments to restore leptin sensitivity
• Advanced understanding of metabolic mechanisms
• Targeted interventions for leptin resistance

Debunking Leptin Myths

Myth: Leptin Supplements Work

WebMD clarifies that there's no evidence supporting leptin supplements. Your body's natural leptin production is far more complex.

Understanding Your Leptin Levels

Diagnostic Insights

Emerging research suggests that diagnosing leptin issues involves:

• Comprehensive medical history
• Blood tests
• Body composition analysis
• Metabolic health evaluation

The Holistic Approach to Leptin and Weight Loss

International Journal of Molecular Sciences research emphasizes that leptin is more than just a weight loss hormone. It's a complex signaling molecule that:

• Regulates appetite
• Influences metabolism
• Plays a role in energy balance
• Impacts overall metabolic health

Practical Takeaways

1. Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods
2. Prioritize quality sleep
3. Manage stress effectively
4. Exercise consistently
5. Avoid extreme diets
6. Consider professional metabolic health assessment

The Future of Leptin Research

Scientists are actively working on developing more targeted approaches to address leptin resistance and metabolic health.

Conclusion: Your Leptin-Powered Transformation

Understanding leptin isn't about finding a magic weight loss solution. It's about working with your body's natural mechanisms, making informed lifestyle choices, and approaching weight loss holistically.

Your body is an intricate system. Leptin is just one piece of a complex puzzle—but understanding it can be a powerful tool in your health and weight loss journey.

The Top 3 Things You Can Do, Starting Right Now, To Lose Weight And Win The Battle Against Obesity

Obesity is defined "clinically" as being 30 pounds or more over your ideal weight and is recognized, in North America - especially the U.S., to be a major killer taking 300,000 lives each year from heart attack, stroke, cancer and diabetes which have ALL been strongly linked to obesity. Think about that and put it in proper perspective.

* 52,000+ American soldiers died in Viet Nam during that 10 year war
* 35,000+ Americans die each year from car collisions
* 100,000+ Americans die each year from prescription drugs

But...

300,000+ Americans die each year from obesity-linked diseases. And that isn't my uneducated guess, that's the number given in the 2001 Surgeon General's Report.

The report also said that 31% of Americans are obese.

With a population now of around 300 million people that means 93 million Americans are walking time bombs due to the health risks of obesity. People who may die prematurely from a disease directly linked to being obese. And unfortunately the problem has continued to become worse with obesity now taking a foothold in children.

An estimated 14% of children under 18 are obese.

Instead of eating to live people, more than ever, are living to eat and that fact, along with poor nutrition (Fast Food), is causing a major problem.

What can you do right now, today, to wage war on obesity and lose weight?

Here are 3 strategies that you probably won't take seriously until you are told you have an obesity-linked disease and even then, you may not do anything to help yourself. But, if you are ready to take control of your life and health these 3 things could save your life.

1) Change your eating habits. Eat to live instead of living to eat. Which means:
a) Eating smaller meals 3 - 5 times daily
b) Exercising portion control
c) Cutting useless, empty calorie foods from your menu
d) Consuming less calories than you burn daily

2) Get Moving!
a) Walk at least 30 minutes per day to burn calories
b) Take the stairs not the elevator
c) Participate in a physical sport at least 3 times per week

3) Use safe diet products to help you:
a) Burn fat
b) Suppress appetite and curb cravings
c) Block excess carbs and fat and
d) Cut calorie consumption...

Doing the things mentioned above will pretty much guarantee you reach your weight loss goals...Even if it takes you a little longer than you first forecasted. And, by continuing to adhere to this new, healthy lifestyle you'll keep your lost weight off and continue to enjoy a healthier life.

New Epidemic in America: Fatty Liver Disease

There's a medical condition that is frightening physicians and patients alike because it is growing much more common. Called Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD or hepatic steatosis), it affects about a third of the American adult population (13% of children) and the numbers are rising. Many are unaware they have this problem, since in and of itself it rarely causes symptoms, but NAFLD can progress and, though it is rare, when it does it can lead to serious liver damage or even death.

INTEMPERANCE IS THE PROBLEM

A fatty liver has long been associated with long-term and excessive alcohol consumption, but this "non-alcoholic" version of the disease is not about drinking -- it's believed that its main cause is poor diet, notably, one loaded with simple sugars and complex carbohydrates.

Exactly how NAFLD develops is still being studied, but there seems to be a connection between disease progression and the combination of a sedentary lifestyle and metabolic syndrome. In Sweden, researchers asked 18 healthy, normal weight people to consume two meals loaded with carbohydrates and sugar a day, as well as to restrict their physical activity for one month, with the goal of a 5% to 15% increase in body weight. After just one week participants had elevated blood levels of ALT, an enzyme that when elevated indicates NAFLD. In another study, at Saint Louis University, researchers fed sedentary mice a diet that was 40% fat and included lots of high-fructose corn syrup. After a month, they too showed signs of liver damage and also had the beginnings of glucose intolerance, a marker of type 2 diabetes.

FAT GETS STUCK

Brent Tetri, MD, professor of internal medicine at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine and an expert on NAFLD, was the lead author of the mice study. He explains that one of the liver's functions is to turn carbohydrates into fat and send it off to be stored in adipose (fat) tissue as fuel reserves. This is the normal metabolism in action, but when people consume excessive amounts of carbohydrates -- in particular from calorie-dense high-sugar and fatty foods -- it overwhelms the liver's ability to function, thereby slowing the delivery of fat into storage. The converted fat therefore lingers, clogging the liver. It is important to note that the fat in the liver is not what was consumed in food... rather it results from the liver's conversion of carbohydrates from food into fat. Insulin resistance increases the problem even further, resulting in yet more fat accumulation in the liver.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

At present there is no easy and truly reliable means to test for liver damage, just a test that measures levels in the blood. This is typically included in the routine blood tests conducted as part of adult exams. If you have children who are overweight and sedentary, request this test for them as well, given how pervasive obesity and poor eating habits have become.

Fortunately, it isn't difficult to protect your liver and it is possible to reverse liver damage if you catch it early. It is, however, the same song we always sing, which people hear all the time and yet disregard... following a healthy diet and exercising regularly are the best strategies for maintaining a healthy liver, along with a healthy everything else. Dr. Tetri suggests following a Mediterranean diet with plenty of vegetables, some fruit and some whole grains, olive oil and fish. People with any damage to their livers should avoid alcohol, but Dr. Tetri says others can safely enjoy a moderate amount of red wine.

Limit fast food and sugar-laden deserts/snacks to once a week or so. Avoid trans fats, as these challenge the liver. Drink water instead of soda. Personally, I was horrified to hear from Dr. Tetri that the sugar from high-fructose corn syrup in just two super-sized sodas amounts to more than you could possibly hold in your hands... that's a visual to call upon when you need help saying "no." High fructose corn syrup, especially in high quantities, suppresses the satiety mechanism in the brain, the one that tells you "that's enough, stop eating." Dr. Tetri suspects that the reason people can polish off huge burgers and piles of French fries is the high-fructose corn syrup in the soda that comes with the meal.

Drugs and some not-so-good-for-you supplements may also be contributing to the surge in liver damage. Acetaminophen in high doses can be extremely toxic to the liver. Also, several popular herbal supplements (Dr. Tetri specifically mentioned kava kava, for weight loss, and germander, ironically used to support liver function) have potential to harm the liver. If you are concerned about liver health, consider working with a physician trained in the use of natural substances to promote health -- there are supplements that might be quite effective when used properly, including milk thistle and possibly Vitamin E and other antioxidants.


Source(s):

Brent Tetri, MD, professor of internal medicine, division of gastroenterology and hepatology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine.