Dear Dr. Sears,
Q: I have recently been diagnosed with the rare liver disease sclerosing cholangitis, and I am wondering if you have any advice as to diet or nutritional supplements specific to this illness. I am presently taking 1800 milligrams of Ursodiol daily, which my doctor says may slow the progression of the disease, but I am hoping for other options, which may assist with my prognosis. My diagnosis came after high liver enzymes shown in blood tests, as well as an MRCP type of MRI. In addition, my gall bladder was recently removed following a hidascan that showed it functioning at only 5 percent efficiency.
A: This disease is a consequence of increased inflammation in the bile ducts. The best dietary approach is a strict anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Zone Diet coupled with high-dose fish oil (about 10 grams of EPA and DHA per day). The diet would work in synergy with your current drug regime.