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Read Dr. Elena Krasnov's Weekly Column in the Health & Fitness section of the 24 Hours Magazine. Look for new articles every week!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Proper Liver Maintenance for Gilbert's Syndrome

Q: Dear Elena, I am a mother of three and I just got diagnosed with Gilbert's Syndrome. Like the adult version of Jaundice. My doctor told me there is no medical treatment for this. Is there anything that can be done naturally?

A: Gilbert's syndrome is a common, mild liver disorder in which the liver doesn't properly process a substance called bilirubin. Bilirubin is produced by the breakdown of red blood cells. Also known as constitutional hepatic dysfunction, unconjugated benign bilirubinemia and familial nonhemolytic jaundice, Gilbert syndrome typically doesn't require treatment or pose serious complications. Actually, Gilbert syndrome is usually not considered a disease because of its benign nature. You most often find out you have the disorder by accident, when you have a blood test that shows elevated bilirubin levels.

Naturopathic care can help you keep your high bilirubin at bay thus making sure your jaundice is not an issue. Patients with Gilbert's Syndrome are often more susceptible to toxicity due to reduced efficiency of liver detoxification. It is best to take liver cleansing herbs from time to time to promote healthy bilirubin metabolism. I have treated a number of patients with the syndrome by using formulas containing Milk Thistle, Artichoke and Dandelion. Most of the time it is a coincidental finding in my patients, because directly it doesn't cause symptoms. However, those patients who present with environmental sensitivities and generalized toxicity symptoms can be the ones who have Gilbert's Syndrome

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Dr. Elena Krasnov is a registered Naturopathic Doctor and Clinic Director of the Toronto Naturopathic Clinic. Submit your questions online at 24hrs.ca

Co-written by Miranda Tallon-Malisani Holistic Nutritionist