Hepatolenticular Degeneration Information You Need
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Hepatolenticular Degeneration, also called Wilson’s problem, is a genetic Malfunction of mind or body 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 problem, 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 Malfunction of mind or body. 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.
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| Symptoms |
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Symptoms usually appear between 6 and 20 years, but can begin as late as age 40 and include the following:
- Blood tests reveal an increase in liver enzymes and symptoms of acute liver health, fulminant liver health, chronic liver health or cirrhosis. (Approx. 40% of all patients with Wilson’s problem have symptoms of liver problem).
- Brown pigmentation in the cornea of the eye (Kayser-Fleischer ring) because of excessive copper accumulation.
- A low blood count related to damage of red blood cells (Hemolytic anemia).
- Difficulty with speech
- Trembling
- Writing problems
- Unsteady walk.
- Despair
- Jaundice
- Vomiting blood.
- Enlargement of the abdomen.
- Abnormal extremity posture (Dystonia).
- Slow movements.
- Weakness of the neck, face or arms.
- Dementia.
- Confusion or delirium.
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| Prevention |
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Genetic counseling may be recommended for persons with a family history of Wilson's problem |
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| Diagnosis |
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Diagnosis of this problem consists mostly of blood and urine tests |
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| Dietary Guidelines |
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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 problem. 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. |
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| Home Care Suggestions |
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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. |
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| Mind/Body Considerations |
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As with all problems it is best to stay tension free and let the Favorable Effectss take their course because a tension free mind and body can recover much more quickly. |
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| Additional Information |
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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 Enhances body in condition of liver damage because it Beneficial Effectss body from harms of free radical damage. 1,4,7 |
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| Disclaimer |
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease. |
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