Liver function

[Banditsmom09]

I am not a health care person, but I have a little understanding of the liver. It is not like a coffee filter that takes out the bad. It is more like a fine-tuned machine that performs a series of chemical changes resulting in the creation of Glutathione which is a super-antioxidant. This helps eliminate toxins from the body.

The compromised liver is limping along. Years ago I was diagnosed with a genetic anomaly on my MTHFR gene. This meant my body did not use synthetic B vitamins and Folate or folic acid. These are essential vitamins used by the liver to create the Glutathione. I take a bioavailable B12 and Folate. (Methyl folate and methylcobalamin, which is B12, are fairly inexpensive.)

I was diagnosed last year with Cirrhosis. According to the liver specialist, my liver is still functioning and could for years. I am watching my diet to make good choices for my long term health. Thanks to the Fatty Liver Foundation, I have a better understanding of foods that will keep me healthy. This has not been an easy road, but I have more good days as time passes.

[fattyliver2022]

Thank you for the info. I had no idea that the liver was not like a coffee filter. I thought it was. Good info to know!!

[nash2 Partner in reply to fattyliver2022]

I think of it as a community of factories. The liver does over 500 jobs and is by far the most complex part of the body.

[nash2 Partner]

Thanks Banditsmom

That is the measure many of us have, more good days than bad, but getting there takes time and attention to details every day. Genetic challenges are particularly difficult because they are always there. Glad to hear that you are managing.

Wayne

[Looking4Health2]

Thanks for sharing. My sister, and her son both have discovered they have MTHFR mutations, which I know are pretty common. However, they are C665T homozygous, and A1286C heterozygous, which I understand is relatively rare and may cause high homocysteine levels. I consulted with a hematologist locally who specializes in oncology. He prescribed folic acid (1 mg) and low dose aspirin. I have read about the potential need for methylated versions of B12 and folate, but there seems to be a lack of consensus on this point, which is the case in medicine and science quite often. Would you be willing to share your experience with this? Did you receive consult from a doctor regarding the need to take the methylated versions? If so, what kind of doctor was it? I am wondering if I need to keep pushing to learn more. In the mean time, I switched my multivitamin to one that includes the methylated versions.

[Banditsmom09]

I also have the C665T and the A1286C. I had 2 problems before beginning the Methylated B vitamins. First, if I would eat food enriched with vitamins (and those are the B vitamins) I would feel nauseated and ill. Second, I started having noticeable irregular heartbeats. That cleared up several months after I started the B vitamins. I had 2 major resources at that time. The first was an RN who dealt with the same defect and did her research. The second was a diet tech who was also knowledgeable. I read the book Dirty Genes that goes into all the problems the defects can cause. Unfortunately, this Cirrhosis diagnosis blindsided me. I was already gluten free, had eliminated high fructose corn syrup, watched processed foods, etc. No alcohol use, but liked sugar. Am so thankful for the insights and diet info from the Fatty Liver Foundation.