Liver Health & Functional Medicine Methods

The liver is known for its natural detoxification ability to rid the body of chemicals, toxins, and substances. It breaks down fats and produces energy, and its primary function is to filter and clean the blood from the digestive tract, which is then allocated throughout the body. Bile is also secreted from the liver and redistributed to the intestines. Many issues can affect the liver from too much processed foods, chronic disease, excessive alcohol consumption, and toxic overload.

The WHO (The World Health Organization) estimates that worldwide 325 million people are infected with this hepatitis C, and 290 million of them are unaware that they have it. It is a life-threatening illness that unfortunately has little to no signs until the damage to the liver is extensive.

NAFLD
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is also on the rise. When we hear about someone with fatty liver disease, immediately we assume they are heavy drinkers, but nearly 3 million individuals worldwide have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Due to inflammation, cirrhosis can occur. Once this happens, the disease is fatal. NAFLD is rarely associated with any symptoms, and the few that there might be are often confused with other conditions. Some of the symptoms are fatigue, nausea, pain, or insignificant weight loss.

Why does NAFLD affect so many people? Those with the highest risk are usually individuals with conditions and disorders such as type II diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, prior gastric bypass surgery, and an unhealthy lifestyle. In both adults and children, cardiovascular risk increases with fatty liver disease and can lead to complications and untimely death.

Eating a healthy diet that is dominant in plant-based foods and lean protein is the optimal protocol for nearly all individuals, and if you are overweight, have diabetes, or are worried about fatty liver disease or other liver dysfunction, it’s not too late.

Numerous individuals are turning to functional medicine to maintain health and to find alternative therapies. Optimal liver health includes evaluating and tweaking an exercise program, as well as a meal planning with nutrient-dense foods to keep you satiated while helping you lose weight and keep it off. Medication is not the answer! Patients need a lifestyle plan. Holistic methods don’t just mask your symptoms; they treat the root cause of your disorder. Functional medicine is integrative medicine that focuses on a complete look at a person’s lifestyle, genetics, environmental, and social factors concerning their overall health’s condition.

Glutathione
IV glutathione is becoming an increasingly important part of the intravenous nutrient therapy toolkit. The scientific basis of intravenous glutathione therapy is well established, and clinical studies have demonstrated excellent results across a variety of conditions, including serious chronic diseases.

Glutathione is a protein called a tripeptide – a molecule composed of three amino acids. It is a potent antioxidant and quenches dangerous free radicals. It also binds to dangerous toxins through a process called “conjugation” so that they can be safely eliminated.

Why is intravenous glutathione better than oral glutathione?
Oral glutathione is not very stable; stomach acid and enzymes break it down (into its three component amino acid parts), rendering it useless. Therefore, we have to use IV glutathione to ensure effective delivery of the nutrient directly through the bloodstream into the cells.

Intravenous Glutathione
IV Glutathione Shows Promise in Treating Many conditions
Intravenous glutathione to be helpful in:
• Neurodegenerative diseases
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Stroke
• Depression
• Athletic performance enhancement
• Asthma
• Liver diseases (hepatitis, fatty liver, cirrhosis)

Along with glutathione, IV alpha lipoic acid is a remarkable way to rejuvenate the liver.

IV & Chelation Therapy
A key component of functional medicine is IV therapy. This type of treatment option, administers high dose vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other essential nutrients to fight disease, eliminate symptoms, and alleviate associated effects.

Additional IV Therapeutic Treatments
• Alpha Lipoic Acid
• Chelation
• Glutathione: High-Dose Vitamin C
• Meyer’s Cocktail
• Magnesium

Dr. DeStefano, of Root Causes Holistic Health & Medicine in Ft Myers, FL, incorporates IV & Chelation therapy with hyperbaric chamber sessions to combat multiple chronic conditions and disease states. The methods Dr. DeStefano uses to rectify gut inflammation, as well as the inflammatory response throughout the entire body is multifocal. She listens to her patients well and works out specific protocols for their unique issues.

Doreen DeStefano, NHD, BSN, RN
Dr. Doreen DeStefano holds a doctorate in natural health, an MPA in public business, MS (ABT) in criminal psychology, and a BS in exercise physiology and nursing. She previously held an EMT certification. Dr. DeStefano has been practicing in natural health for over ten years. Her area of interest is healthy aging and prevention and resolution of chronic symptoms associated with aging. She believes that growing old should not mean breaking down.

Call Root Causes Today!
239-425-2900

12734 Kenwood Lane. Ft Myers, FL 33907

239-425-2900 | www.rtcausesmd.com