2015-09-26

I was recently diagnosed with NASH, I was told by my gastroenterologist that there is no available treatment. What can I do?

Currently, there is no approved treatment for NASH. [1] As the underlying cause for the transition from simple fat buildup in the liver to NASH remain unknown, conventional medical therapies for NASH have not yet been proven to be effective.

The recommendations medical professionals often give to people with NASH are to follow a healthy diet and do exercise. [2] Those who are overweight or obese are advised to lose weight, but this can be difficult and not every individual finds these interventions effective.

There are things NASH patients can do other than losing weight. Apart from lifestyle changes, NASH patients should also focus on protecting their liver, reducing inflammation in the liver cells and preventing progression of the disease. In the long run, this can help to reduce the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.

A clinical study on PubMed suggests that YHK, an alternative therapy from Japan, has an inhibitory effect on the development of NASH; and its anti-inflammatory effect can effectively stop inflammation in the liver. [3] Other research papers also demonstrate that YHK has anti-fibrotic properties which prevent further damage to the liver such as fibrosis or cirrhosis. [4][5]

Stopping the progression of NASH is possible. But it will require putting in great effort to leading a healthy lifestyle and reducing fat and inflammation in the liver with the help of the above mentioned nutraceutical. Avoiding the use of alcohol and unnecessary medications can also decrease the risk of liver damage.

Reference:

Younossi, Z. M. (2008). Current Management of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis. Retrieved from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/578709_4
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. (2006). Retrieved from http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/liver-disease/nonalcoholic-steatohepatitis/Pages/facts.aspx
Chande N, Laidlaw M, Adams P, Marotta P. (2006) “Yo Jyo Hen Shi Ko (YHK) improves transaminases in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): a randomized pilot study” Digestive Diseases and Sciences Jul;51(7):1183-9. PMID: 16944007
Stefano JT, de Oliveira CP, Corrêa-Giannella ML, de Lima VM, de Sá SV, de Oliveira EP, de Mello ES, Giannella-Neto D, Alves VA, Carrilho FJ. (2007) “Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in ob/ob mice treated with yo jyo hen shi ko (YHK): effects on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP)” Digestive Diseases and Sciences Dec;52(12):3448-54. PMID: 17394061
de Lima VM, de Oliveira CP, Sawada LY, Barbeiro HV, de Mello ES, Soriano FG, Alves VA, Caldwell SH, Carrilho FJ. (2007) “Yo jyo hen shi ko, a novel Chinese herbal, prevents nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in ob/ob mice fed a high fat or methionine-choline-deficient diet” Liver International Mar;27(2):227-34. PMID: 17311618

Disclaimer:

* All research and clinical data should be used as reference purposes only, results may vary.

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