In 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the drug Vemlidy for the treatment of hepatitis B. At that point, it was only available for patients 12 and older. (1) This has now changed. On March 28, 2024, Gilead – the manufacturer of the drug – announced that the FDA has expanded its approval, now making this treatment available to kids as young as six with chronic hepatitis B infection. (2) This is important because this disease can have different consequences if developed earlier in life. Hepatitis B Impacts Kids Differently Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hep ..read more

On February 19, 2024, we told you about resmetirom, a first-of-its-kind drug being developed to help treat nonalcohol steatohepatitis or NASH, a form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) now known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis or MASH. If you have fatty liver disease and have been waiting for a medication-based treatment, that day is here. On March 14, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved resmetirom under the brand name Rezdiffra for adult patients with moderate to advanced scarring of the liver due to fatty liver disease. (1) The FDA granted ..read more

Dementia affects an estimated one in 10 Americans aged 65 or older. (1) This can leave these individuals struggling to remember even basic things (like their spouse’s name). It also sometimes makes it more difficult for them to problem-solve or communicate. Dementia treatment options are based on whatever it is that is causing the cognitive decline. (2) While one new study doesn’t prove cause and effect, it does suggest that undiagnosed liver disease may play a role in dementia development. New Study Involving Dementia and Liver Disease This study was published on January 31, 2024, in the jour ..read more

Up to today, this particular liver disease could not be treated by medication as none were available. Madrigal Pharmaceuticals hopes to change this with what may become the first medication approved for MASH* treatment: resmetirom. *MASH is short for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. Previously referred to as non-alcohol related steatohepatitis or NASH, this condition involves liver inflammation due to excessive fat cells. While MASH is the new term, we use NASH in this article when referring to research and other documentation to stay true to those forms. What Is Resmetirom an ..read more

Detoxifying your liver is like giving your body a refreshing spring clean. The liver is a vital organ that works to filter toxins and waste from the bloodstream. Here we explore how to support your liver’s health through natural liver detox methods, suitable for everyone. Understanding the Liver and its Functions The liver is a powerhouse organ, performing over 500 essential tasks. Key among these is filtering blood, breaking down toxins, and aiding in digestion. A healthy liver is crucial for overall well-being. Why Detoxify Your Liver? Over time, exposure to pollutants, unhealthy eating habi ..read more

Almost one in three Americans has liver disease in some form, though a large majority don’t even realize they have it. (1) Getting a proper diagnosis is key to also getting the necessary treatment to potentially keep this condition from progressing to liver cancer or liver failure. Like in many other areas of medicine, advances in liver health and liver disease treatments are happening all the time. Here’s what those advances look like in terms of available liver health drugs in 2023 and beyond. Pegozafermin, Potential Liver Health Drug for NASH-Related Fibrosis On June 26, 2023, the Universit ..read more

Most of us have experienced a skin rash at one time or another. (1) This is, in part, because skin irritation and rashes can be caused by numerous factors, ranging from allergic reactions to genetics to infection and more. Another potential cause of skin rash is fatty liver disease. What Is Fatty Liver Disease? Fatty liver disease is diagnosed when there is a buildup of fat in the liver, an organ that assists with food digestion and removing toxins from the body. There are two main types of fatty liver disease: Alcoholic fatty liver disease, also called alcoholic steatohepatitis, which is ass ..read more

If you get a cut or burn, the body builds scar tissue to help heal and repair the damaged area. In this way, scar tissue is good. But scar tissue is not so beneficial when it builds up in internal organs such as the liver, which is what occurs in many liver issues. What Happens If You Have Scar Tissue in the Liver When there is scar tissue buildup in the liver, it makes it harder for blood and oxygen to flow through. This makes it more difficult for the liver to perform vital functions such as processing your blood, metabolizing the nutrients you consume, and filtering out unhealthy toxins. (1 ..read more

Getting regular physical exercise can help you manage your weight, reduces your risk of disease, and enables you to develop stronger muscles and bones. According to research, there’s another benefit of getting your body moving: greater liver health. This article takes a look at exercise moves and yoga poses that are good for your liver. Studies have found that exercise may help protect against fatty liver on a cellular level, even aiding in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). (1) Physical exercise also appears to provide liver health benefits regardless of whether your ..read more

In 2021, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) reached a record high in the U.S. for both sexes and all demographic groups. (1) Not only can this category of conditions be uncomfortable to deal with, but they can lead to major health issues, some of which affect the liver. Here are a few liver issues that can be caused by STDs. 5 STDs That Can Cause Liver Issues 1. Chlamydia Chlamydia is an STD that can affect both males and females. It is spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. While it is typically symptomless, some people experience discharge from their vagina or p ..read more