Hepatolenticular Degeneration, also called Wilson’s disease, is a genetic disorder characterized by excessive amounts of copper in the liver, central nervous system, kidneys, eyes, and other organs. Thus making the individual susceptible to a variety of effects including liver disease, abnormalities in kidney functioning, damage to the central nervous system, and a characteristic rusty-brown ring in the cornea of each eye known as Kayser- Flelscher ring. This condition affects about 1 out of 1 million people and if both parents carry the gene for Wilson’s then about 25% of their children will develop the disorder. It is most frequent in people under 40 years of age and in children the symptoms begin to be expressed by around 4 years of age.

Symptoms usually appear between 6 and 20 years, but can begin as late as age 40 and include the following:

Genetic counseling may be recommended for persons with a family history of Wilson's disease

Diagnosis of this disease consists mostly of blood and urine tests

Most foods contain at least some copper, so it is not possible to avoid the metal completely. Foods high in copper, such as organ meats and oysters, should be eliminated from the diet. Some foods are relatively high in copper but are quite nutritious (e.g., nuts and legumes)—these foods should be eaten in moderation by people with Wilson’s disease. Grains contain significant amounts of copper but are important components of a healthful diet and dietary restriction may be neither wise nor necessary, particularly if zinc is supplemented.

Excess copper intake can also result from copper water pipes and cooking utensils, some of the new dental amalgams, pesticides and other chemicals, copper IUDs, birth control pills and other estrogen medications.

As with all diseases it is best to stay tension free and let the treatments take their course because a tension free mind and body can recover much more quickly.

Good nutrition is foundation of good health.¹ zinc is a micronutrient. ¹ Supplementation of zinc shows favorable effects during hepatolenticular degeneration as it maintains copper level of blood. ^1,2,3,4,5Nutritional supplements like milk thistle shows its beneficial effects on liver health. ^1,4,6,7 Similarly, Yellow dock root shows its favorable effects on liver health. ^1,8 In addition to these, N-Acetylcysteine also helps body in condition of liver damage because it prevents body from harms of free radical damage. ^1,4,7