My Pharmacy Revised – The Wellness Way to Natural Health

  *Definition and Overview - Jaundice is a clinical sign characterized by a yellowish discoloration of the skin, sclerae (whites of the eyes), and mucous membranes. It results from elevated levels of bilirubin—a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells—in the bloodstream and tissues. Bilirubin normally passes through the liver, where it is conjugated (made water-soluble) and excreted into bile. When any step in this process is disrupted, unconjugated or conjugated bilirubin accumulates, leading to visible yellowing. 1. Physiology and Pathophysiology Bilirubin Production Senescent red blood cells are broken down in the spleen and reticuloendothelial system. Hemoglobin is metabolized into unconjugated (indirect) bilirubin, which is lipid-soluble and travels bound to albumin in plasma. Hepatic Uptake and Conjugation In the liver, hepatocytes take up unconjugated bilirubin. Through the action of ...

Fatty liver disease, also known as hepatic steatosis, happens when excess fat builds up in your liver cells. It’s actually pretty common—about 1 in 3 adults in the United States have the non-alcoholic version of it, called NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). It’s often tied to something called metabolic syndrome, which includes conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance. If you’ve got any of those, you might be more at risk.   ### Types of Fatty Liver Disease -   There are two main types to know about:   - **Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD):** This one’s caused by drinking too much alcohol over time. - **Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD):** This type isn’t about alcohol—it’s linked to things like being overweight, having diabetes, or other metabolic issues.   ### Symptoms: The Silent Invader   Here’s the tricky part: early on, fatty liver disease can be super sneaky. You might n...