(NaturalHealth365)  When the topic of liver health is discussed, most people immediately think of alcoholism.  Obviously, drinking alcohol can have a negative impact on liver health.  But, did you know that your liver health is strongly linked to brain function?

A recent cohort study published In JAMA Network Open reveals a surprisingly high number of dementia cases are actually a latent form of liver disease.  Plus, for millions of people, poor liver health is largely unrecognized until becoming a very serious problem.

Is Western medicine’s approach to dementia treatment misguided?

The study linked above suggests Western medicine has the wrong approach to dementia treatment.  Take a close look at the data, and you’ll find it is likely that 10% of those diagnosed with dementia likely have undiagnosed liver disease, with hepatic encephalopathy (HE) playing a part or even directly causing the symptoms.  In total, 177,422 individuals were analyzed in the study.

The only caveat to the study findings is that the data stems from military veterans who were 97% male.  Moreover, 80% of the study participants were Caucasian.  But, the results are still worth considering as a significant discovery about how we can avoid a dementia diagnosis.

The liver is integral to brain health and overarching biological health.  The little-known truth is the liver plays an important role in more than 400 bodily functions.  Hopefully, this study will encourage doctors to dig deeper into the complexities of dementia, including looking at hepatic encephalopathy as a possible cause.

Liver damage might be the real cause of dementia

Hepatic encephalopathy typically occurs when the liver cannot adequately remove toxins from the blood, particularly ammonia, which is a byproduct of protein metabolism.  This impaired detoxification process can be caused by various liver diseases or conditions that result in liver dysfunction, including liver cirrhosis, the most common cause of HE.

Cirrhosis is characterized by scarring of the liver tissue, which impairs its function.  It can be caused by chronic alcohol abuse, viral hepatitis (such as hepatitis B or C), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune liver diseases, or other conditions that lead to chronic liver damage.

Liver disease can often be subtle, with symptoms not readily noticeable.  If you or someone you care about experiences increased irritability or changes in sleep patterns, it’s crucial to consult a doctor to check for HE.  Additionally, confusion, disorientation, and memory loss can also signal the presence of HE, with the worst-case scenario being premature death.

Simple strategies to keep your liver healthy and prevent liver disease

Taking care of your liver is critical for overall well-being.  Here are some simple strategies to help keep your liver healthy and prevent liver disease:

1. Eat a liver-friendly diet:  Focus on consuming whole, nutrient-dense, organic foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.  Include liver-loving foods, such as dark leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and Brussels sprouts), garlic, turmeric, and citrus fruits.
2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of clean water to support liver function by flushing out toxins and waste products from the body. Drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
3. Limit exposure to toxins:  Minimize exposure to environmental toxins and chemicals that can harm the liver.  Choose natural cleaning products, cosmetics, and personal care items whenever possible, and be mindful of your surroundings to reduce exposure to pollutants.
4. Manage stress:  Chronic stress can harm liver health.  Try practices such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, tai chi, or spending time in nature.
5. Maintain a healthy weight:  Excess body weight can contribute to liver disease.  Do your best to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
6. Limit alcohol consumption:  Drinking alcohol can damage the liver and lead to liver disease.  If you choose to drink alcohol, consider abstaining to protect your liver health.
7. Support detoxification:  Support your body’s natural detoxification processes by incorporating liver-supportive herbs and supplements into your routine, such as milk thistle, dandelion root, turmeric, and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC).  Consult with a holistic healthcare practitioner before starting any new supplements.
8. Get regular exercise:  Regular physical activity is another excellent way to support overall health and liver function.  Consider cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility exercises to keep your body strong and resilient.
9. Prioritize sleep:  Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to support liver regeneration and repair.  A relaxing bedtime routine and avoiding screen exposure before bed can be helpful to promote restful sleep.

By incorporating these holistic strategies into your lifestyle, you can nourish your liver and reduce the risk of liver disease naturally.

Editor’s note: Discover the best ways to improve liver function from many of the finest holistic healthcare providers, own the Fatty Liver Docu-Class created by NaturalHealth365 Programs.

Sources for this article include:

Jamanetwork.com
Sciencealert.com