& Support Training #4 & Support
The Liver The liver is the largest solid organ in the body and is also the largest gland in the body. The liver is made up of two different types of glands: 1. It is a secretory gland because it has a specialized structure that allows it to make and secrete bile into the bile ducts. Bile aids in digestion and the absorption of fats. Bile also carries waste products into the intestine. 2. The liver is also an endocrine gland since it makes and secretes chemicals directly into the blood, which has an effect on other organs in the body. - 2 -
Liver Facts It is located on the right side of the body underneath the ribs. It weighs about three pounds and is eight inches long. It holds about 13% of the body s blood supply at any given moment. It filters over 1 litre of blood each minute. It is involved in the production of over 13,000 different chemicals. It maintains over 2000 internal enzyme systems. It makes blood proteins, clotting proteins, lipoproteins, and 80% of our cholesterol. It filters blood, makes bile, makes and breaks down hormones, regulates blood sugar, and changes harmful toxins into substances that can be safely eliminated from the body. It acts as a storage site for vitamins and minerals. It produces red blood cells and Kupffer cells. The Kupffer cells help to eliminate harmful microorganisms as they travel through the blood to help fight infection. The liver produces glycogen, which is regulated throughout the body. This is just a short list of actions that the liver performs (it actually has over 500 functions in the body) and without it, a person would die within 24 hours. - 3 -
Whether you eat it, breathe it, or drink it, the liver has to deal with the abundance of endotoxins and exotoxins that are filtered through it. Optimal liver function is vital in order for it to do its many jobs and if the liver is not in good health, toxins can cause the liver to become sluggish, resulting in congestion and poor functioning. A poorly functioning liver can lead to many health problems such as: Allergies and sensitivities Blood sugar fluctuations Fatigue Headaches or migraines High cholesterol Hormonal imbalance Poor digestion of foods Skin issues Toxicity - 4 -
How Does The Liver Help Detoxify The Body? The liver s role in detoxification is to change or detoxify harmful toxins into substances that can be safely eliminated. The liver secretes bile, which serves as a carrier for the elimination of toxins from the body. It transforms fat-soluble toxins into a water-soluble state that can be released through the kidneys and eliminated through urine. Detoxification occurs through a two-phase system. - 5 -
Phase I Liver Detoxification Phase I liver detoxification works to eliminate toxins through a complex group of enzymes known as Cytochrome P450. There are 50 to 100 enzymes that make up the Cytochrome P450 system. Each enzyme works best on detoxifying different types of chemicals. There is overlap between them, which ensures maximum detoxification takes place. The following steps occur during Phase 1 liver detoxification: Toxins are neutralized and released into bile Toxins are made water-soluble so the kidneys can excrete them via urine When necessary, toxins are converted into a more chemically active form called active intermediaries - 6 -
Phase II Liver Detoxification Active intermediaries are more toxic than the original substance and can do significant damage by producing free radicals if not promptly eliminated. Active intermediaries are converted a second time, where they are combined with mineral compounds, amino acids, or other biochemicals that are water-soluble. Phase II liver detoxification works via 6 different mechanisms and involves a process called conjugation. Toxic substances are bound to other substances in the body such as glutathione, amino acids, methionine, sulfur, acetyl coenzyme A, and glucuronic acid. Once bound, these substances can be safely eliminated through the kidneys and bladder or via the bile. Phase II is required for the following: detoxifying drugs, food additives, and toxins from intestinal bacteria. It is also required to eliminate steroid hormones, estrogen and thyroid hormones. - 7 -
Symptoms of Liver Detoxification Toxins may build up in the body if either phase of detoxification is inefficient or overloaded. A lack of specific nutrients also impairs detoxification. Let s review common symptoms of liver dysfunction: Abdominal pain and swelling Allergies Chemical sensitivities Chronic fatigue Dark urine colour Depressed appetite Fatty liver Itchy skin Jaundice (skin and eyes that appear yellowish) Hormonal imbalance Loss of appetite Metallic taste in the mouth Nausea or vomiting Pale, bloody or tar-coloured stool Pain on the right side Skin problems Swelling in the legs and ankles Tendency to bruise easily When to see a doctor? Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any persistent signs or symptoms that are concerning. Seek immediate medical attention if you have severe abdominal pain. - 8 -
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) describes chronic liver disease in people who drink little to no alcohol. The first stage of this disease involves the buildup of fat in the liver, also known as fatty liver. In some people this fat accumulation causes inflammation and scarring. This inflammation can lead to severe scarring of the liver and turn into cirrhosis, a degenerative inflammatory disease. With liver cirrhosis, fatty deposits and dense connective tissue build up and cause hardening, drying and scarring of the liver. As a result, blood supply is reduced. If enough of the liver is damaged from scarring, liver failure could occur. - 9 -
What Causes Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease? According to the Canadian Liver Foundation, the most common cause of fatty liver disease in Canada is obesity. Several decades ago, obesity was not very common. According to current statistics, more than 50% of Canadians are now overweight. It is estimated that 75% of obese individuals are at risk of developing fatty liver. Up to 23% of obese individuals are at risk of developing fatty liver with inflammation. - 10 -
Additional Causes of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Besides obesity, other causes of fatty liver disease include: starvation and protein malnutrition long-term use of total parenteral nutrition (a feeding procedure that involves infusing nutrients directly into the bloodstream) intestinal bypass surgery Rapid weight loss Certain conditions often accompany and may contribute to fatty liver disease, such as: diabetes mellitus hyperlipidemia, which is elevated lipids in the blood insulin resistance High blood pressure Other causes include: drugs and chemicals such as alcohol, corticosteroids, tetracycline and carbon tetrachloride Genetic factors Reference: Canadian Liver Foundation. (2015). Fatty Liver Disease. Available: http://www.liver.ca/liver-disease/types/fatty-liver.aspx#2. Last accessed 25 Aug 2015. - 11 -
Intestinal Permeability & Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Both animal and human studies suggest that endotoxins from the gut may be an important factor in NAFLD. A study from 2009 provided the first evidence that NAFLD in humans is associated with increased gut permeability and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. The increased permeability (also referred to as leaky gut syndrome) appears to be caused by disruption of intercellular tight junctions in the intestine. Leaky gut may play a rather important role in fatty liver disease. Since Candida, parasites and other pathogenic bacteria contribute to the development of leaky gut and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, it would be wise to do a liver cleanse after completing a Candida or parasite protocol. This will help to support the liver. Reference: Miele, L. Valenza, V. et al. (2009). Increased Intestinal Permeability and Tight Junction Alterations in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.Hepatology. 49 (6), 1877-1887 - 12 -
The Liver-Cholesterol Connection Cholesterol is found in every cell of the body. It is used by the body to make cell membranes, some hormones and vitamin D. There is plenty of confusion when it comes to cholesterol. Let s uncover common cholesterol myths. - 13 -
Myth #1: Cholesterol Comes From The Food We Eat This is only partially true. Up to 80% of cholesterol is made by the liver and only about 20% comes from food. The cells, intestines and liver make about a gram of cholesterol each day and the average adult has about 150 grams (or 5 ounces) in their body. This is enough to fill a wine glass. Amazingly, the liver creates 3 to 8 times the cholesterol that a normal diet contains. Even without consuming cholesterol, an individual will continue to make 75% to 95% of the cholesterol found in their body. - 14 -
Myth #2: There Are Two Types Of Cholesterol Cholesterol is carried through the blood attached to proteins. The cholesterol-protein package is called a lipoprotein. These two lipoproteins are commonly referred to as high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL). HDL and LDL are not cholesterol; they are the vehicles that carry cholesterol around the body. Cholesterol is essentially a passenger. LDL transports cholesterol away from the liver to tissues and cells. It acts like a dump truck dropping cholesterol off where it needs to be. Some LDL particles are very small and can get into the arteries. This is how plaque builds up and is the reason why LDL is considered Lousy. HDL picks up and transports cholesterol back to the liver where it is recycled. It acts like a pick-up truck. This is the reason why HDL is considered Healthy. - 15 -
Myth #3: Cholesterol Is Bad For Us Cholesterol is present in the protective lining around every cell in the body. It is a major component of the central nervous system. Cholesterol is necessary for many reasons. It makes hormones and vitamin D. It is vital for digestion and most importantly, it plays a key role in healing and repair of damaged tissues. - 16 -
Why Is Too Much Cholesterol A Health Concern? When there is too much cholesterol in the blood, a person can develop fatty deposits in the blood vessels. Eventually, these deposits make it difficult for blood to flow through the arteries. The heart may not receive adequate oxygen-rich blood, which increases the risk of a heart attack. Additionally, decreased blood flow to the brain can cause a stroke. Various factors within our control, such as inactivity, obesity and an unhealthy diet, contribute to high LDL and low HDL cholesterol. Factors beyond our control may play a role too. For example, genetic makeup may keep cells from removing LDL cholesterol from the blood efficiently or cause the liver to produce too much cholesterol. - 17 -
Is The Culprit For Cardiovascular Disease Really Cholesterol? It is important to note that studies are finding that the culprit for cardiovascular disease is chronic, systemic inflammation. This systemic inflammation is mostly caused by a diet high in processed carbohydrates, fatty acid imbalance, free radical and oxidative stress, obesity, smoking, and toxins. Blaming cholesterol for a heart attack is like blaming a firefighter for a fire simply because they are always seen together. Cholesterol actually cleans up the damage caused by inflammation. It functions as an antioxidant in the body and it is only when it oxidizes that it becomes dangerous. Reference: Osman,R. et al. (2006). Critical Appraisal of C-Reactive Protein Throughout the Spectrum of Cardiovascular Disease. Available: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ articles/pmc1993979/. Last accessed 25 Aug 2015. - 18 -
The Importance of Liver Detoxification and Elimination - 19 -
Cleansing The Liver Normally, our bodies are equipped to metabolize and eliminate toxins through detoxification. However, since we are bombarded daily with multiple chemicals from many sources, our bodies are overburdened. Diet and supplements can assist the body in breaking down toxins and help to support natural hormonal balance. Certain foods support liver metabolism and detoxification. For example, the family of cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, collards, and cauliflower contain liver detoxifying nutrients that help to eliminate toxins from the body. Artichoke, garlic, dandelion and turmeric are also excellent at supporting healthy liver function. Fibre sources such as flax seeds and acacia bind toxins and support elimination via the bowels. - 20 -
Other Ingredients To Help Cleanse The Liver Herbs such as milk thistle, dandelion root, burdock root, beet root and fenugreek help proper liver function. Amino acids are the basic building blocks of protein. They are necessary for detoxification of environmental pollutants. Glutathione, cysteine, glycine, glutamine, taurine, and methionine are important for detoxification. Selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E, and alpha-lipoic acid are antioxidants that protect us from toxic overload. A good multivitamin and mineral formula also provides necessary cofactors for liver detoxification. - 21 -
Focused With LiverDTX LiverDTX is a 2 part, 30 day advanced cleanse designed to detoxify the liver. It helps to support and enhance normal liver function. LiverDTX includes a blend of powdered herbs, minerals and amino acids contained in vegetable capsules. LiverDTX 1 contains herbs, amino acids, and antioxidants which support detoxification and cleansing of the liver. LiverDTX 2 contains a blend of Ayurvedic herbs that help support optimal liver function, including bile production. LiverDTX can be repeated up to 3 months in a row. - 22 -
Focused With LiverDTX Ideal for people who: Have skin issues like psoriasis or eczema Have difficulty with weight loss Suffer from PMS Have a sluggish or fatty liver Take supplements or medications that are hard on the liver Suggested support products include: Organic Clear Fibre, Norwegian Gold Critical Omega & CleanseMORE if a customer is not having 2-3 bowel movements a day. - 23 -
LiverDTX Ingredients LiverDTX 1 contains (per capsule) Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) 50% silymarin* Artichoke Leaf Extract (Cynara scolymus) 4:1 Extract (400mg) Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale) 4:1 extract (400mg) Curcumin (Curcuma longa rhizome) Taurine L-Methionine N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine DL-Alpha Lipoic Acid Green Tea Leaf (Camellia sinensis, 35% Catechins) Selenium LiverDTX 2 contains (per capsule) Boerhavia Diffusa Root 11:1 extract (1100mg) Eclipta Alba Herb 12:1 extract (1200mg) Belleric Myrobalan Fruit (Terminalia bellerica) Tinospora Cordifolia Stem Andrographis Paniculata Leaf Picrorhiza Kurroa Root 150mg 100mg 100mg 100mg 100mg 50mg 50mg 50mg 25mg 50mcg 100mg 100mg 100mg 100mg 50mg 50mg *50% Silymarin via HPLC = 80% Silymarin via UV - 24 -
Norwegian Gold Critical Omega Omega-3s such as EPA and DHA have been shown to promote a healthy brain, heart and nervous system. They have also been shown to reduce inflammation and improve cellular health, including the cells of the liver. Norwegian Gold Critical Omega is a unique essential fatty acid supplement from wild, cold water fish such as anchovy and sardines. It is formulated to supply 840 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids. Norwegian Gold Critical Omega enteric coated capsules also include the fat digesting enzyme lipase. This ensures maximum utilization of the oils and helps eliminate any fishy aftertaste or burping afterwards. All Norwegian Gold Omega oils are TRUE third party tested for purity, potency and sustainability through the internationally recognized agencies IFOS and Friends of the Sea. As you can see, Norwegian Gold Omega oils are products that you can trust. - 25 -
Build Healthy New Liver Cells With Norwegian Gold Critical Omega Norwegian Gold Critical Omega is formulated to supply 840 mg of Omega-3 fatty acid in every capsule in a balanced ratio of 490 mg EPA and 240 mg DHA. The benefits of Norwegian Gold fish oils include: Ultimate Digestibility due to the enteric coating and the addition of lipase, a fat digesting enzyme. 100% Fish-Derived Gel Caps which are perfect for fish-eating vegetarians or anyone with religious dietary restrictions. Friend of the Sea Third Party Certified which is part of our ongoing commitment to the environment and sustainability of resources. Higher Potency & Purity which ensures the absence of harmful contaminants, PCB s and heavy metals. 5-star Rating Purity Testing & Certification by the International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS) program. - 26 -
Ongoing Liver Care With Critical Liver Support Optimal liver function is vital in order to complete the hundreds of jobs that the liver is required to perform. If the liver is not in good health, it can become sluggish and result in congestion or poor functioning. To ensure optimal liver function, it is important to: 1. Promote liver rejuvenation 2. Protect the liver against damage 3. Promote proper liver function Critical Liver Support does all 3 of these important tasks. - 27 -
Ongoing Liver Care With Critical Liver Support If taking medications and/or supplements that are hard on the liver, or if a person is simply looking for ongoing liver support, Critical Liver Support acts like a daily multivitamin for this vital organ. It improves liver function and provides therapeutic liver protection. Critical Liver Support is formulated for anyone who suffers from chronic liver conditions that are under control, or is simply looking to ensure optimal liver health. It consists of powdered herbs and amino acids delivered in vegetable capsules. 3 capsules are taken per day. Suggested support products include: Organic Clear Fibre, Norwegian Gold Critical Omega & CleanseMORE if a customer is not having 2-3 bowel movements a day. - 28 -
Critical Liver Support Ingredients Critical Liver Support contains ingredients to rejuvenate, support, and protect the liver. Critical Liver Support - Each capsule contains Milk Thistle Seed (Silybum marianum) 50% Silymarin* DL-Alpha-Lipoic Acid Garlic Bulb (Allium sativum) 4:1 extract (500mg) N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) Artichoke Leaf (Cynara scolymus) 4:1 Extract (100mg) Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale) 4:1 Extract (100mg) Turmeric Root, Rhizome (Curcuma longa) 4:1 Extract (100mg) Selenium (selenomethionine) 200mg 200mg 125mg 100mg 50mg 25mg 25mg 25mg 100mcg *50% Silymarin via HPLC = 80% Silymarin via UV - 29 -
Help Soak Up Toxins With Fibre Organic Clear Fibre Organic Clear Fibre uses 100% organic acacia fibre. Acacia is high in soluble fibre, yet yields little to no gastrointestinal side effects. Some soluble fibres, such as inulin, can cause gas and bloating. Organic Clear Fibre is a powder that dissolves in liquids (including soups) and it blends well with soft foods such as apple sauce and yogurt. Acacia fibre works like a sponge to absorb toxins and excess cholesterol. It also works to help control blood sugar levels in the body. Clinical studies have clearly proven that supplementing the diet with soluble fibre is very effective in lowering cholesterol levels. The benefits are related to its gel-forming nature: the greater the water-binding ability of a particular dietary fibre, the more effective it will be in lowering cholesterol levels. Organic Clear Fibre is also suggested for use during a liver cleanse. This is due to its highly soluble nature, which works to soak up toxins. - 30 -
Avoid Constipation With CleanseMORE It is extremely important to have at least 1 bowel movement per day when cleansing the liver. If not, toxins may be reabsorbed into the colon and recirculated back to the liver. CleanseMORE is a natural colon support formula for relief of occasional constipation. It helps relieve constipation naturally without irritants or harsh laxatives. It includes magnesium hydroxide to draw water into the bowel and gentle herbs that stimulate peristalsis for healthy bowel function. CleanseMORE can be used as needed to maintain bowel regularity. - 31 -
& Support Product Appendix - 32 -
LiverDTX Ingredients LiverDTX 1 There are several categories of herbs used in the LiverDTX 1: Hepatoprotective (Herbs that protect the cells of the liver): Alpha Lipoic Acid Stimulates the production of glutathione. L-Methionine An amino acid precursor to glutathione, which is essential for Phase II detoxification. It has a protective effect on glutathione, and prevents it s depletion during toxic overload. L-Taurine Increases sulfaction conjugation in Phase II detoxification. Important for detoxing drugs, food additives, and toxins from intestinal bacteria. Required to eliminate steroid hormones (estrogen) and thyroid hormones, so they do not overload the body. N-Acetyl-Cysteine Converts into glutathione, which is essential for Phase II detoxification. Has protective effect on glutathione, and prevents it s depletion during toxic overload. Milk Thistle Seed Includes the extract Silymarian, a group of flavonoid compounds. Prevents depletion of glutathione, and has been shown to increase its levels by up to 35%. Has been shown to be effective in treating various liver diseases including cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, fatty infiltration of the liver and inflammation of the bile duct. Curcumin The most active constituent of turmeric has significant hepatoprotective effects. Selenium Plays a role in enzyme production by the liver. A selenium deficiency is known to inhibit Phase II detoxification enzymes. Cholagogues (Herbs that stimulate bile flow in the liver): Artichoke Leaf Stimulates the production of bile in the liver. Dandelion Root Stimulates the production of bile in the liver. L-Taurine Helps gallbladder function by forming tauracholate from bile acids, which helps to increase cholesterol elimination in the bile. Antioxidant: Alpha Lipoic Acid A powerful antioxidant, also restores the antioxidant properties of Vitamin C & Vitamin E after they have been neutralized by free radicals. Green Tea Leaf Contains the compound polyphenols, which have strong antioxidant properties. L-Taurine Has some antioxidant properties. Milk Thistle Seed Includes the extract called Silymarian (a group of flavonoid compounds). Prevents damage to the liver by acting as an antioxidant. Curcumin Showed significant free radical scavenging properties. Selenium A well known antioxidant that is used to protect cell and organelle membranes, including liver organelles. LiverDTX 2 There are 4 categories of ayurvedic herbs used in LiverDTX Part 2: Cholagogues (Herbs that stimulate bile flow in the liver): Eclipta Alba Herb Hepatoprotective (Herbs that protect the cells of the liver): Boerhavia Diffusa Root Eclipta Alba Herb Tinospora Cordifolia Stem Andrographis Paniculata Leaf Picrorhiza Kurroa Root Antioxidant: Tinospora Cordifolia Stem Stimulate peristalsis: Belleric Myrobalan Fruit 1 of the three fruits that make up Triphala, which is known to promote peristalsis (regular muscle movement of the colon), an important part of detoxification. - 33 -
Critical Liver Support Ingredients Critical Liver Support Critical Liver Support contains ingredients to rejuvenate, support, and protect the liver. Ingredients to promote liver rejuvenation: Milk Thistle Aids in liver repair, protection and cellular regeneration. Prevents damage to the liver by acting as an antioxidant. Includes the extract Silymarian, a group of flavonoid compounds. Prevents depletion of the anti-oxidant glutathione, and has been shown to increase its levels by up to 35%. Has been shown to be effective in treating various liver diseases including cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, fatty infiltration of the liver and inflammation of the bile duct. Ingredients to protect the liver against damage: Alpha Lipoic Acid A powerful antioxidant that protects the liver. It also restores the antioxidant properties of Vitamin C & Vitamin E after they have been neutralized by free mradicals. It stimulates the production of glutathione. Not only is Alpha Lipoic Acid a powerful antioxidant in its own right, but it also recycle glutathione, giving cells a double dose of antioxidant protection. In addition, it is easily absorbed when taken orally, and once inside cells it is quickly converted to its most potent form, dihydrolipoic acid, which is an even more potent free-radical neutralizer than Alpha Lipoic Acid. N-Acetyl- L-Cysteine Helps the liver convert toxic substances so they do not harm the liver. It converts into glutathione and prevents glutathione depletion during toxic overload. Selenium A well known antioxidant that is used to protect cell and organelle membranes, including liver organelles. It also plays a role in enzyme production by the liver. A selenium deficiency is known to inhibit Phase II detoxification enzymes. Vitamin C A potent water-soluble antioxidant. Ingredients to promote proper liver function: Garlic Bulb Inhibits lipid peroxidation (the oxidative degradation of lipids) in the liver, slowing the aging process in liver cells. Maintains health function of the liver Garlic is a powerful detoxifying agent that can protect against various liver toxins. In an experimental study, garlic protected against acetaminophen induced liver toxicity. Artichoke Leaf Increases the breakdown of cholesterol to bile salts, thus increasing bile production and flow, and regulates the internal production of cholesterol in the liver. Dandelion Root Stimulates the production of bile in the liver. Turmeric Rhizome Showed significant free radical scavenging properties. Has significant liver protecting effects. - 34 -
& Support Thank You for your time & involvement! - 35 -