Men’s Health-A Focus on the Liver

Your liver is a wonderfully designed, resilient organ, capable of rebounding from toxic and infectious exposure. The liver typically extends to the lower rib cage on the right side but can extend to the pelvis if it is required to handle high volumes of processed foods, toxic materials, medications and alcohol. I evaluate a number of patient’s everyday that have a history of heavy medication usage, including statin drugs, which put a negative demand on liver function. Additionally, patients who indulge in large consumption of diet soda tend to add extra strain on liver function as it attempts process all the chemicals.

The challenge that many men face today is the larger “pot belly” or liver abdomen which is very common and potentially destructive. The fat that is located in and around organs and glands (visceral fat) creates estrogen. Estrogen counterbalances testosterone, and with the massive amount of estrogen in the environment today (canned food, conventional versus organic meat, herbicides on yard and fairways and soy) any male with a bigger tummy has an estrogen generating machine. A logical goal for any aged male desiring to achieve optimal testosterone and ultimately long-term hormonal health would be to reduce the pressure placed on the liver, which in turn will help process estrogen. Men, you do not want a waistline greater than forty inches; I would like to refer you to a previous “Know Your Numbers” Focus.

Individuals with a history of liver/gallbladder distress need to reduce the amount of artificial sweeteners and processed foods and focus on at least one-half of a red apple a day, one-third cup of beet fiber and one medium carrot. Dr. Bob’s ABC’s assist the liver in its natural restoration by supporting clearing and function naturally. The liver processes and neutralizes toxic substances with a variety of resources including sulfur and protein. Eggs, onions, garlic and broccoli are logical choices to support the detoxification process in the liver.

Optimal liver supplementation for long and short-term optimal function (virus and bacteria control) includes:

1. Milk Thistle, a natural liver herb – Two daily before meals
2. Peppermint Mint Leaf, liquid herb – Five drops in four ounces of pure water; promotes bile flow
3. Dandelion Root/Leaf, liquid herb – Five drops in four ounces of water; detoxifies
4. Citric Seed extract (I use Agrisept-L)- Ten drops in four ounces of water; controls unwanted and unnecessary bacteria and viruses
5. Calcium lactate or citrate – Four to six daily on an empty stomach; prevents virus penetration
6. Vitamin D – Four to six thousand IU’s daily; improves calcium absorption. It would be best to have a serum D3 test annually to monitor the dosage. Itchy skin is a body signal of low calcium or an abundance of vitamin D that is stored in the liver.

I also discuss the Castor Oil Pack in Dr. Bob’s Drugless Guide to Detoxification. This is an “old time”, low-tech, high touch protocol that supports the function of the liver. I would not suggest the castor oil pack in any acute phase. (Apply castor oil to wool flannel and place it on the lower right rib cage covered with a heating pad at medium heat for forty minutes). Liver enzyme assessment is an excellent tool to monitor liver function.  It is also wise to request a test for mononucleosis with a history of tiredness, sore throat, a low-grade fever and right abdominal pain. Hope these tips help you in your drugless journey. Dr. Bob