elevated bilirubin?

Question

How high can the bilirubin be before liver stops working?

Answer 1

It depends on what's causing the bilirubin to be so high. If it's from a virus such as hepatitis c, then that means the damage to the liver is pretty advanced and a proper diet may ease symptoms, but won't fix the reason the liver is functioning improperly. There is no formula to find out how long before the liver stops working; there are too many variables to tell you that. Make sure you are seeing a gastroenterologist or hepatologist, eat healthy, dont drink alcohol, and follow your doctors directions. Best wishes to you.

Answer 2

I'm afraid that I don't know the answer to this question, however, I can give you some advice that might help the problem.

Liver function is restored by eating a simple diet of whole grains, (brown rice, millet, oat groats, quinoa, etc.), and fresh vegetables, especially greens. Stay away from refined products of any kind, white flour, white sugar, etc. You get the idea. You shouldn't have any bread for a while, because your liver is very toxic if you have elevated bilirubin levels. It could take up to six months for the liver to begin to heal.

Sunshine is one of the miracle healers with this. My son, when he was born, was very jaundiced. I laid him near the window sill with just his diaper on, every day for 30 minutes, twice a day. In three days, his bilirubin count was normal. I am assuming that there is some type of liver disease here, but if you follow the regimen that Michio Kushi discusses in his book and get some sunshine a couple of times each day, it should help dramatically.

In the meantime, take a look at "Macrobiotic Path to Total Health," by Michio Kushi. And best of luck on your adventure!

Answer 3

not sure on the acutal numbers, but i would assume that it would vary between patients as well as the actual liver disease (s) that is causing the bilirubin to elevate.

you will know when too much is too much. your body will swell from kidney failure as well as liver failure. other organs try to make up for what other organs can no longer due causing that organ to overload.

Answer 4

pay attn to cindy1323. she knows what she's talking about...
if your liver stops working, you die.

i have a severe liver disease, and along with RX diauretics, of course, no alcohol ~ my prime doc and gastro recommend (to reduce abdominal swelling and to make it easier on the liver to process toxins):

DAILY walks...i'm up to 2 miles weekdays and 3 on saturday...sunday is a rest day.

A well-balanced protein diet, low or no sodium, lean proteins and eliminating many "over-processed foods. A high intake of potassium, i.e. banana, asparagus, avocado, oj, pomegrante (the newer POM teas are good:), etc.

processed sugars are the worst...read the labels...did you know that sodas are extremely high in sodium?

i've even found no sodium peanut butter in the local chain grocery to eat w/ celery when i get that chip/dip urge...

i'm naturally on the slim side, but a diet book that has helped me, and my family too, is You on a Diet...it starts with taking stock of whats in your fridge and pantry (count on tossing stuff out)

i pretend those home-made oatmeal cookies are for the boys :)

good luck!