Morning, a little case history… I am a patient in the lipid clinic at my local hospital and have a 10 year history of high cholesterol. I was originally put in statins as high I had a reaction too and was then moved to ezitamibe and now also bemdedoic. I also take blood pressure meds. I have never seen a liver specialist although I did visit the liver roadshow in Peterborough last year and had a liver scan which showed that I probably had NAFLD. Im 51 years old male.
The reason for this post is to share and try and understand the condition of my liver. I have struggled with digestion of food and extreme tiredness for as long as I can remember and recently have started to experience extreme itching on my body. I am convinced my symptoms are linked to my liver. I had a full set of blood tests done in November and my serum alt level was stable a result at 61, although outside of normal range (in the past has been over 151) and bilirubin levels were bilirubin was 12.
Has anyone tried any of these whole myriad of liver recharge supplements which claim to help liver function (containing milk thistle, ginger, turmeric artichoke extract). I’m concerned about the interaction with my meds and if these are too good to be true?
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Wilfyreddog
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I believe you will generally find a resounding chorus from our community of; please avoid the: "myriad of liver recharge supplements which claim ...".
(There may be some community members who feel differently to the view which I have shared. However, I maintain that each person's body, medical history, medication situation plus family history varies. When it comes to liver matters; I believe you do yourself the best service by consulting a Hepatology Dr. Even with the best endeavour; I do not feel it is possible for even GPs to be liver expert - to the level of support required by a NAFLD / MASLD patient).
If I were in your place (assuming you are in the UK); on Monday, I would instead contact the excellent Nurse-led British Liver Trust Helpline and have a conversation with them about sensible next steps / what type of conversation with which to engage your GP about a referral to the Hepatology Clinic at your local General Hospital.
Blood tests can be helpful, within limitations, but a consultation with a Hepatology Dr would be more likely to take into account your full health situation / history and the inheritance features which may sometimes be relevant within some families too.
If your liver roadshow scan results last year suggested you probably have NAFLD (more recently tending to also be mentioned as MASLD): the British Liver Trust Team Members are likely to encourage you to read about: a more appropriate liver health diet, less - towards no - alcohol, ditto tobacco / vaping, and upping your movement / activity / exercise (subject to your GP's guidelines - taking into account your mention of blood pressure meds.).
Given that you are on various medications still, it's not surprising that you Liver related blood tests are out of kilter a bit.
I wouldn't waste your money on any of the purported "Liver cleanses" or "Liver Recharge" stuff. It's all just marketing. There's no hard evidence any of it will actually do anything for you and in some cases may actually make things worse.
Have the folks at the lipid clinic given you any advice on what things you can do to help lower your cholesterol levels or help minimise the impacts of any fat that may have built up in your liver? Have they suggested any suitable activities from a diet or activity perspective?
If not, then it may be worth talking this over with your gp to see if they have any suitable advice for you.
Thanks Kristisan, my lipid clinic appointments are really focussed on cholesterol levels and not too much discussion on liver, although these are obviously linked! I only go once a year and appointments are very brief. Don’t know whether a liver specialist appointment is also needed. Sounds like it from another reply I had. The advice is always the same and is understood but not easy to achieve! It’s get more exercise and lose a bit of weight. Will look after both cholesterol and blood pressure. My cholesterol is a genetic thing, was over 9 when first discovered but now just over 2, which has taken a while but remains more or less under control. The world of medical advice is often a confusing one for me 🤣
As many of us within the liver disease community all too often find - it can be something of a confusing hassle when trying to balance the seemingly competing dietary / medication / exercise and lifestyle priority considerations e.g. when balancing multiple diagnoses - liver disease plus one (or more) "something else" (unfortunately, I speak from current experience).
You may already know, but it may be of interest to others too; that the British Heart Foundation have a good webpage (and you can get a PDF download or request a printed brochure sent to you from them - which is helpful if you know someone without internet or computer access) about high cholesterol when it features genetically in families - familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) - "Some people are born with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), a genetic condition where your liver can't process cholesterol properly. This leads to a high level of cholesterol in your blood. ":
Hi mickeymouse42, b12 was lower end of normal but not tested thyroid. I’m convinced my liver is not functioning as it should, need to keep pressing. I have had my gall bladder removed 25 years ago. Also convinced (although denied by medical professionals) that this hasn’t helped my condition. As no store of bile when you need to call on it. I’m no expert but have read various articles that suggested this may cause issues!? Probably need to read up on cholera’s though. Incidentally think itching may be related to an increase in A1c levels which has left me at high end of normal and pre diabetes. Cut down on what little sweet things I eat now. But could be the itching, seem to coincide with my recent results.??
Itching (pruritus) and elevated bilirubin levels can be a sign of cholestasis (slow transport of bile acid between the liver, pancreas, bile ducts and small intestine). Perhaps ask your GP for a serum bile acid test. If this is also high, you might have gall stones developing. An ultrasound or a much more accurate MRI of gallbladder and pancreas (MRCP) would tell you if gall stones and cholestasis are developing
Be cautious about recommending complementary - herbal 'therapies' and such like. There are forum members who have been told to stay well clear of such things bt tgeir liver specialists. They can potentially make things worse for a struggling liver and also 'muddy the waters' when it comes to those undergoing diagnostic tests. The BLT have a page outlining possible risks involved with some of these things.britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...
The British Liver Trust does not endorse or recommend any specific products, services, therapies, or activities mentioned by any third party (individual or company).
The British Liver Trust does not recommend the use of any homoeopathic or herbal remedies for those with any liver problems as these may damage the liver and lead to severe illness.”
For more information on this subject please visit the following page on our website:
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