Hi, I have what I have been told is NASH, non alcoholic Cirrhosis of the Liver. Do you think that Acai Berry will benefit or help? Thanks, Kari

The correct term for NASH is Non Alcoholic Steato Hepatitis.  This can lead to cirrhosis which is a serious condition involving damage and scarring of the liver that can eventually impair liver function significantly.

Most cases of NASH are related to a process that involves fat tissue invading the liver.  The same damage to liver tissue that is seen in alcoholics is seen when this process takes place even though a person may consume little or no alcohol at all.  Instances of NASH have increased significantly over the past 5-10 years.  This is thought to be related to significant increase in obesity seen in the American population.

If you are overweight, particularly if you carry your weight in the mid section, then the number one most important thing for you to do is lose the weight.  Implementing an aggressive dietary and lifestyle modification plan to help you shed excess pounds is the best way to stop this process from progressing.

With that said, Acai berry is a potent antioxidant which can be very helpful in maintaining optimal health.  Although I think a potent antioxidant would be good for your health, I do not think Acai alone can have a significant chance at improving your current diagnosis of NASH.

You may want to consider some other natural products that are more specific to liver health such as milk thistle, turmeric, phosphatidyl choline and artichoke extract.  These have shown some ability to reduce scarring and damage to the liver in certain situations.  However, keep in mind that if excess weight is your main issue, these natural supplements and herbs will not offer a magic bullet to fixing your situation.

In Health,

Dr. Passero

This entry was posted in . Bookmark the permalink.
Dr. Kevin Passero

Dr. Passero completed four years of post-graduate medical education in Portland, Oregon at one of only four accredited Naturopathic Medical Schools in the country. His Naturopathic training consisted of classroom study equivalent to conventional medical school and included extensive exposure to patients under the guidance of MD’s, Chiropractors, Naturopaths and Acupuncturists. While there, Dr. Passero trained and preceptored with some of the nations leading doctors in the field of natural medicine. (To learn more about an accredited Naturopathic Education, you may visit http://www.naturopathic.org/viewbulletin.php?id=19) Dr. Passero continues his post-graduate training through ongoing participation in continuing education and preceptor-ship with other experts in the field of natural medicine. In addition to private practice, Dr. Passero works with leading manufacturers of natural health products and as a Naturopathic Consultant for businesses interested in bringing natural health to the public in a responsible manner. This work keeps him abreast of the latest medical research regarding natural medicine. In his practice, Dr. Passero focuses on restoring harmony to both the body and mind with a specific emphasis on hormonal regulation and endocrinology. Through education and guidance patients are able to unlock the natural healing power contained within each one of us. He is currently the Vice President of the Maryland Association of Naturopathic Physicians and is an active member of the National Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

Home
Account
Checkout
Search