Primary sclerosing cholangitis treatment
Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.
Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural Primary sclerosing cholangitis treatment
Recommended health tests for Primary sclerosing cholangitis
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
How it works
Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.
Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.
Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.
Learn about Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a progressive disease known for causing inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts in the liver. This condition disrupts the normal flow of bile, a liquid that helps to digest fats, leading to liver damage over time. While it is considered uncommon, its exact prevalence is hard to pinpoint, with estimates suggesting it affects between 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 20,000 people. Understanding PSC is crucial as it has no known cure and can significantly impact quality of life.
Causes
The exact cause of primary sclerosing cholangitis remains largely unknown. However, a combination of genetic predisposition, autoimmune responses, and possibly environmental triggers are thought to play roles in its development. In some cases, PSC is associated with other autoimmune conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, suggesting a complex interplay of factors.
Signs and symptoms
PSC can be silent for many individuals until it progresses to more advanced stages. When symptoms do arise, they may include: - Fatigue - Itchy skin - Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) - Upper right abdominal pain - Unexplained weight loss - Fever
Diagnosing Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Diagnosing PSC involves a combination of blood tests, imaging studies, and sometimes a liver biopsy. Blood tests may reveal elevated liver enzymes indicative of bile duct obstruction. Imaging studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), are crucial for visualizing the bile ducts and assessing the extent of inflammation and scarring.
Prevention and natural treatment
While there is no known prevention or cure for PSC, functional medicine offers approaches that may help manage symptoms and improve liver health. These include: - Diet modifications: Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can be beneficial. Avoiding processed foods, alcohol, and excess sugars is advised to reduce liver strain. - Supplements: Certain supplements, such as milk thistle, turmeric, and vitamin D, have been studied for their potential to support liver health. However, always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. - Mind-body practices: Techniques like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can help manage fatigue and stress that commonly accompany chronic conditions. - Regular monitoring: Working closely with healthcare providers for regular liver function tests and monitoring can help manage PSC progression and complications.
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