Did you know...

... that the liver performs numerous functions for the body: converting nutrients derived from food into essential blood components, storing vitamins and minerals, regulating blood clotting, producing proteins and enzymes, maintaining hormone balances, and metabolizing and detoxifying substances that would otherwise be harmful to the body. The liver makes factors that help the human immune system fight infection, removes bacteria from the blood, and makes bile, which is essential for digestion.

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Decompensated Liver Disease

Below is a great article I had to share on Decompensated Liver Disease... Larry was a cirrhotic liver that was failing me, and actually the Pathologist that looked at him said, "It was the smallest liver I have ever seen."
It took 29 years of Hepatitis C, high iron levels, and a very rough pregnancy to send Larry into decompensation, but with Sally (my new healthy liver), proper diet, and a lot of prayer, I am pushing for another 50. YA!! Of course I also have faith that somewhere in the near future, we will find a cure for HCV!

HCV New Drugs And Liver Health: Decompensated Liver Disease: "Facts About Decompensated Liver Disease In order to understand what happens in decompensated liver disease, you need to understand some of ..."


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Anti-Aging Strategy May Help HCV Liver Transplant...

I always love to read articles on helping your liver with good eating habits... Though for some it may be challenging, there is no downfall to eating right and adding more antioxidants to your diet... and as you can see here, scientists (and hopefully soon, our doctors) are starting to "discover" this as well. Also, below are some items you should keep in mind the next time you go to the grocery store. Remember, if you are a transplant patient like me... NOOOOOOOOOOO Grapefruit! (Coumadin/Warfarin patients as well, if I remember my previous experience with it correctly)

Hepatitis C Research and News: Anti-Aging Strategy May Help HCV Liver Transplant ...: "July 20, 2010 Find out about a molecular biology discovery that has led to a new understanding about the general health decline that can fo..."

Lets keep our livers healthy guys.

List of 20 Best Foods High in Antioxidants

In the table below, the foods antioxidant power is given as per their serving sizes.

Rank	Type	Food item	Serving size	Total antioxidant capacity per serving size
1	Beans/Legumes	Red Beans (dried)	Half cup	13727
2	Fruit, Berry	Wild blueberry	1 cup	13427
3	Beans/Legumes	Red kidney beans (dried)	Half cup	13259
4	Beans/Legumes	Pinto beans	Half cup	11864
5	Fruit, Berry	Blueberry	1 cup	9019
6	Fruit, Berry	Cranberry	1 cup (whole)	8983
7	Vegetable	Artichoke (cooked)	1 cup (hearts)	7904
8	Fruit, Berry	Blackberry	1 cup	7701
9	Fruit	Prune	Half cup	7291
10	Fruit, Berry	Raspberry	1 cup	6058
11	Fruit, Bery	Strawberry	1 cup	5938
12	Fruit	Red Delicious apple	One	5900
13	Fruit	Granny Smith apple	One	5381
14	Nut	Pecan	1 ounce	5095
15	Fruit, Bery	Sweet cherry	1 cup	4873
16	Fruit	Black plum	One	4844
17	Vegetable	Russet potato (cooked)	One	4649
18	Beans/Legumes	Black beans (dried)	Half cup	4181
19	Fruit	Plum	One	4118
20	Fruit	Gala apple	One	3903

Scientists at the USDA have developed a rating scale that measures the antioxidant content of various natural plant foods. The scale is called ORAC, which stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity.

Fruits	Antioxidant Value ORAC units per 100 grams	Vegetables	Antioxidant Value ORAC units per 100 grams
Prunes	5570	Kale	1770
Raisins	2830	Spinach	1260
Blueberries	2400	Brussels sprouts	980
Blackberries	2036	Alfalfa sprouts	930
Strawberries	1540	Broccoli flowers	890
Raspberries	1220	Beets	840
Plums	949	Red bell pepper	710
Oranges	750	Onion	450
Red grapes	739	Corn	400
Cherries	670	Eggplant	390
Kiwi fruit	602
Grapefruit	483

USDA recommends to eat foods containing at least 3,000 ORAC units a day.
Moral: For natural antioxidants "Eat Fruits and Vegetables!"

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A new liver, a new LIFE!

I do apologize for the interruption... My lack of posting and investigating will return to normal soon. Actually, I am anticipating my work will get even better now, since I no longer have to take care of Ricki. That is right!! I am a retired liver. teheheeee.

I (Ricki, that is) received my new and improved liver on July 13th, 2010. Because of this, I have already noticed:

• Mental Clarity
• No more DAILY nausea or vomiting
• No more bloody noses (or anything else for that matter)
• Energy!! Whoooo hoooo!
• an appetite
• a brighter (and yellow-less) complexion

And that is just the beginning!
I have so much to share, but don't worry, I now have TIME to share it with you!!  I still have a lot of hard work ahead -- taking care of someone's liver is a HUGE responsibility, but I am ready... The best things are worth it!

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Did you know...

...that the only two medical conditions that rule out organ donation are CJD and HIV? 

So sign up now at www.donatelife.net 
Be someones hero!

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