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PRIMARY BILIARY CIRRHOSIS (PBC)

What is PBC?

This is an inflammatory condition of bile ducts resulting in narrowing and obstruction of the flow of bile causing damage to the liver cells. The bile ducts within the liver become inflamed due to an unknown cause. The disease more commonly affects middle-aged women. The onset of symptoms is gradual, most commonly with fatigue and itching skin as the first symptom. Long-standing bile obstruction is believed to lead to liver cirrhosis. The disease may be associated with autoimmune disorders (hypothyroidism, Raynaud's syndrome, CREST syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis). The incidence is 3 to 15 cases per million per year.

Excerpt from Dr Cabot's book
The disease has many similarities to sclerosing cholangitis and essentially the dietary and supplement program is the same for both diseases. As with sclerosing cholangitis, excellent results and long term control of this disease can usually be achieved with nutritional medicine. High doses of vitamin E (1000 IU twice daily) should be taken to reduce liver scarring. A powerful liver tonic containing natural synergistic nutrients to support liver function should be taken long term. This is available in capsule or powder form.""The Healthy Liver and Bowel Book"

What are the symptoms of PBC?

The Symptoms include:
  • itching
  • jaundice
  • enlarged liver
  • abdominal pain
  • fatty deposits under the skin
  • soft yellow spots on the eyelids
  • fatty stools

Tests

The tests that are performed that diagnose this condition are a liver biopsy and mitochondrial antibodies (positive in about 95%). Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and Vitamin D replacement therapy adds fat-soluble vitamins lost with fatty stools. A calcium supplement is indicated to prevent osteomalacia. Liver transplant for primary biliary cirrhosis prior to liver failure has been successful.

Recommended books:

"The Healthy Liver and Bowel Book"
"Raw Juices Can Save Your Life" 

Treatment and general recommendations

  • If you want to improve liver function you should limit dairy products - opt for organic unsweetened soy, oat, rice, almond or light coconut types of milk.
  • Avoid ALL margarines and similar type spreads
  • Avoid deep fried and fatty foods.
  • Limit chicken and turkey that is not free range, as this contains artificial growth hormones, antibiotics and steroids that increase the liver's workload.
  • Avoid ALL alcohol.
  • Drink 2 litres of water each day.
  • Avoid artificial sweeteners see www.dorway.com

Diet

Follow the principles of eating outlined on pages 20-27 in - "The Healthy Liver and Bowel Book"  Make these principles a way of life. 

Recommended supplements:

Liver tonic powder or capsules

  • Take 1 teaspoon twice daily in water or juices, or take 2 capsules twice daily - A powerful liver tonic will combine a mixture of herbs, vitamins and minerals to stimulate the phase 1 and 2 detox pathways in the liver - therefore it supports the liver function.

Selenium tablets

  • Take 2 tablets twice daily - Selenium is a powerful antioxidant mineral which works to assist in protection of further damage to liver cells.

MSM with Vitamin C powder

  • Take 1 teaspoon twice daily in water or juice - MSM is an organic sulphur food powder.  Sulphur may assist in preventing further scar tissue.

Flaxseed capsules

  • Take 2 capsules daily - essential fatty acids help replacement and repair to damaged liver cell membranes and assist in reducing inflammation.

Orthodox medicine

Cholestyramine (or colestipol) may reduce the itching by reducing blood levels of bile acids, and improving clearance of bile acids in the skin. Ursodeoxycholilc acid (or actigall) may also improve clearance of bile from the blood stream.

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