Dr. Sandra Kubo - The Importance of Liver Health

Introduction

• Dr. Sandra Kubo, a medical doctor from Australia
• Over 30 years of medical practice
• Emphasis on the importance of liver health
• Background in medicine from Adelaide University, graduated in 1975
• Advocate for nutritional and holistic medicine

The Liver's Role

• Energy Production: The liver generates energy and heat for the body
• Fat Metabolism: Burns fat, crucial for weight management
• Blood Cleaning: Filters blood, removes microorganisms, toxins, and cancer cells
• Detoxification: Converts fat-soluble toxins to water-soluble substances for excretion

Common Liver Issues

• Epidemic of Liver Diseases (1990s): Fatty liver, hepatitis, toxic overload, autoimmune diseases
• Symptoms of Dysfunctional Liver:
  • Fat around the upper abdomen
  • Bloating, pain, indigestion, fatty lumps on skin (xanthelasma)
  • Fatigue, reflux, heartburn, overheating, skin aging, food sensitivities, headaches, and more

The Importance of Liver Health

• Chinese Perspective: Liver as the general of the body's army
• Immune System Support: Liver protects the immune system
• Inflammation Control: Chronic inflammation leads to liver diseases
• Repair Capability: Liver can regenerate and repair itself more efficiently than other organs

Testing and Monitoring

• Liver Function Test: Blood test and ultrasound/MRI scan
• Recommendations: Annual liver function tests for all, more frequent for high-risk individuals (drug users, people on long-term medications)
• Case Study: A patient with liver failure due to methotrexate

Nutritional Support and Lifestyle

• Nutritional Supplements: Milk thistle, antioxidants, B vitamins, selenium, sulfur amino acids like glutathione
• Diet: Focus on raw foods, green vegetables, onions, garlic, turmeric, ginger, artichokes
• Hydration: Essential to flush toxins out
• Juicing: Helps reduce inflammation
• Protein Intake: Important for those with fatty liver
• Healthy Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, flaxseed

Supplements and Herbal Support

• Liver Tone Plus: Contains milk thistle, vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants
• Other Key Supplements: Probiotics, MSM for sulfur, selenium, vitamin D, iodine for immune support
• Natural Remedies: Raw food diet, reduced sugar intake, apple cider vinegar

Hepatitis and Viral Infections

• Hepatitis B:
  • Transmitted through blood and sexual contact
  • Common globally, especially in Asia
  • Can't be cured but can be controlled with vaccination
• Hepatitis C:
  • Transmitted through contaminated blood
  • Fast-growing infectious disease
  • Managed with antiviral drugs but can benefit greatly from nutritional support
  • Selenium reduces viral load

Conclusion

• Liver Function Improvement: Leads to better weight control, reduced cholesterol, lower blood pressure, improved immune function, clearer skin, higher energy levels
• Holistic Approach: Incorporates diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes
• Regular Checkups: Vital for maintaining liver health
• Resources: liverdoctor.com for more information and support