The liver plays a vital role in detoxification, metabolism, and overall health. When the liver becomes damaged, inflamed, or overburdened, it can lead to liver disease—a broad term that includes conditions such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
Because the liver is central to filtering toxins and supporting digestion, early diagnosis and treatment are essential. At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, liver disease care is guided by Dr. Kimberley Shine, a board-certified family medicine provider.
With expertise in integrative and functional medicine, Dr. Shine takes a comprehensive approach to diagnosing, treating, and managing liver conditions. She emphasizes toxin reduction, nutritional support, and lifestyle strategies to restore balance and protect long-term liver health.
Causes and Risk Factors
Liver disease can result from a variety of factors, many of which are linked to lifestyle or exposure to toxins. Common causes and risk factors include:
- Excessive Alcohol Use: Chronic drinking can damage liver tissue.
- Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Associated with obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
- Hepatitis Infections: Viral infections such as hepatitis B and C.
- Toxin Exposure: Environmental chemicals, pesticides, and medications that strain liver detoxification.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Immune system attacks on liver tissue.
- Genetic Conditions: Such as hemochromatosis or Wilson’s disease.
Understanding the root cause is essential to developing effective treatment strategies.
Symptoms of Liver Disease
Symptoms of liver disease can vary depending on the severity and type of condition. Common signs may include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Nausea or vomiting
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine or pale stools
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Swelling in the legs and ankles
Because many symptoms overlap with those of other health issues, a professional evaluation is important when these signs are present.
How Liver Disease Is Diagnosed
At Shine Health and Wellness, liver evaluation includes a combination of conventional and functional assessments to determine the extent and cause of liver disease. Diagnosis may involve:
- Medical History and Exam: Reviewing symptoms, lifestyle factors, and toxin exposures.
- Blood Tests: Liver function panels to assess enzyme levels and overall liver health.
- Imaging Studies: Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to detect inflammation, scarring, or tumors.
- Liver Biopsy: In certain cases, to confirm diagnosis and assess damage.
- Functional Medicine Testing: Exploring toxin burden, nutritional deficiencies, and systemic inflammation.
This thorough process ensures that treatment plans are accurate and comprehensive.
Treatment Options for Liver Disease
Treatment depends on the type and severity of liver disease. At Shine Health and Wellness, care may include:
- Medication Management: Coordinating with specialists to treat infections, reduce inflammation, or manage complications.
- Nutritional Counseling: Anti-inflammatory, liver-friendly diets rich in antioxidants and whole foods.
- Lifestyle Support: Weight management, stress reduction, and exercise recommendations.
- Detoxification Support: Reducing toxin burden with supplements and safe detox strategies.
- Supplement Guidance: Targeted vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, antioxidants, and milk thistle.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular check-ins and testing to track progress and prevent complications.
- Collaborative Care: Referrals to hepatologists or gastroenterologists when specialized treatment is required.
This integrative approach addresses both immediate concerns and long-term prevention.
The Role of Toxicity in Liver Disease
The liver is the body’s primary detoxification organ, making it especially vulnerable to toxins from food, water, air, and medications. Over time, exposure to heavy metals, chemicals, and other environmental toxins can overwhelm the liver, contributing to various diseases.
At Shine Health and Wellness, treatment often includes functional testing to assess toxin burden and strategies to reduce exposure. Supporting liver detoxification not only alleviates current strain but also protects long-term health.
Why Choose Shine Health and Wellness?
Kimberley Shine, MD, brings more than a decade of medical experience and a deep commitment to personalized care. She values strong doctor-patient relationships, ensuring that each patient feels heard, supported, and empowered in their health journey.
Patients also benefit from Shine Health and Wellness’s collaborative team, which includes experienced nurses, a lifestyle coach, and a licensed acupuncturist. Together, they provide comprehensive support for patients managing liver disease, helping them achieve better long-term outcomes.
Protect Your Liver Health
Liver disease can be serious, but with the right care, its progression can be slowed or managed effectively. At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Kimberley Shine and her team provide integrative, patient-centered care to protect and restore liver health. Call 626-317-0207 today to schedule a consultation.