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» LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » liver cleans needed due to Rifampin

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Author Topic: liver cleans needed due to Rifampin
BJG
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My liver enzymes are elivated due to Rifampin. Could someone suggest a liver cleanser, I do NOTTTT want to go off the Rifampin for it may be reducing my burning symptoms.
Do herbal or supplimental liver cleansers really work.
What else can I do to reduce liver enzymes.
Thanks
BJG

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kaos
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I don't know the answer. Has your doctor commented on the elevated enzymes or seem worrisome about them. I'm a little scared now because I start Rifampin tomorrow. What's your dosage? I think mine will be 300mg twice per day.
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Chocolat
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Please be very watchful of this problem. Much experience with liver disorders.

Usually the MD will take you off of the med. depending on how high the enzymes are-for a while,anyway, till they settle down again.

Perhaps lower the dosage-we are all so different. If they continue to rise even after the above-switch the drug?(I do mean the doc lowering the doseage-not you-till you have checked it out with him.)

I am not a doc-no medical advice here-just caring about your safety and the long term effects on the liver.

It can usually always regenerate-but with tender-loving-care.

Are you doing anything to support your liver while on the Rifamin? How long on it? How old are you? Any problems before this ?

Would personaly not do a cleanse now-maybe later when things are upright again.

By the way-I am a bit scared, too. I am scheduled for this drug before long. But we know that ALL of these drugs tend to play havoc with our liver.

Your LLMD will know what to do.

Hope someone else joins in with more info. on the drug and their experiences-nothing alarming, please.

Got to keep our wits under control and just use good judgement.

Let us know what you do-or what you are advised to do.

Wish you well and glad you brought this up.

Chocolat

[This message has been edited by Chocolat (edited 10 May 2004).]


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BJG
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Hi, thanks for responding chocolat.

What liver cleansing would you suggest.

You are welcome to email me and or post here.
[email protected]

I am on detox teas, and milk 3 different milk thislte combos.
What else can I do for I really do not want to go off of the R.

I have had no other side affects, infact I do not even know I am on it. I KNOW it has reduced my burning and twitching. I may have had a very mild herx which lasted a day, but then it may just have been something that I did like eat a little sugar or whatever.

I was very frightened to take R, based on all the info. My LLMD has me on 150 mg x 2 daily. I was on 150mg daily for 4 weeks and have been on 300 daily, 4 weeks. So the dose is low. I am not taking any other antibiotic.

I am taking a ton of suppliments, blood thinners, hormones, questran, etc.
I have always been healthy and no previous probelms with the liver. I have had the LYme/burning about 3 yrs. Diagnosed last Aug, so on antibiotics since Aug.
Please give me suggestions on how to liver cleanse. I hve been reading about Epson salt and olive oil. Is that a good one
Sounds scarry for it sounds like it provokes passing of gallstones-YUK,
I am willing to do a cleanse.
What type of liver probelms hve you had.
The nurse said my enzymes are slightly elivated at this time. Something like 37 with the ramge 25-30 or something.
Thanks
BJG


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jpoppeck
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try taking Milk Thistle - this is very good for the liver...whether is cleans it or not I don't know....I've heard that flagyl (Sp) is suppose to help protect the liver


Joan


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frenchbraid
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Liver cleanses can be pretty harsh. We have found one that works very well and it is very easy to handle.

Put the following in a blender:

~ One cup of fresh squeezed Citrus: use orange, grapefruit, tangerine, lemon, and/or lime. Make the combination as sour as possible. You can dilute this mixture with purified water.

~ One to two cloves of garlic.

~ One small piece of fresh ginger.

~ One tablespoon of organic olive oil.

~ Blend the above ingredients and drink immediately.

Follow with two cups of a cleansing teas, such as Jason Winters or dandelion tea.

It is preferable to do the liver flush drink in the morning on an empty stomach, and then wait an hour before eating.

It is suggested to do the liver flush four times a year (as the seasons change) or whenever you feel you need a boost. Five days in a row each time is recommended.

Also, a good quality Milk Thistle will help to keep your liver and gall bladder healthy.

frenchbraid

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Stay positive. Smile. People care.


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Chocolat
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BJG-

I am Happy ! Your liver enzymes are just mildly elevated so I think you and your Doc can monitor that well -he will do what is necessary if they rise.Only an opinion-ain't no doc!

Personally wouldn't get in a twit at this point. You sound fine.

Now-about a cleanse. Frankly, I am cautious-maybe too much so- to do much cleansing unless I am healthy-mmmmmmmmm-wonder when that was last?????

But I do take Milk Thistle on a daily basis. It is mild but effective. Do no harm !

In the past did olive oil and lemon-all kinds of things but had to be careful because my liver has been acting up since 1983 when dx'd with Lupus.

Think you are in good hand with the Milk T.

I really wouldn't want to reccommend any thing more than that 'cause I don't know your condition-how severe it is, etc. Safe-not sorry, eh ?

That post about Flagel being good for liver -please, let's hear more on that.

Also I did a search on Rifampin-so know the subject has been well discussed in the past-

However, being a drug hater ( sorry-but I just like the ol' natural stuff )I would like to re-open a discussion on folks that have taken Rifampin. Drug or no drug-if it helps us, I'll do WHATEVER.

You know, newbies that are on it or starting it, what they are experiencing, etc. so that the ol' timers (and I don't mean age) won't get miffed with us and say "look on the search".

From what I read on the search and have researched I am a bit shakey about taking it.

But then I used to be shakey about taking an asprin. Have been given so many drugs in the past-including STEROIDS- that I went alternative after a while -refused to take steroids-unless hospitalized and held prisoner !

Turned myself around with a Macrobiotic diet, believe it or not, then Ann Wigmore ( pretty much vegetarian - wheat grass juice- etc ) and did great.

Wouldn't touch Macro. with a ten foot pole now because of all the grains, etc. that it calls for. Still eat seaweed(mostly Nori ) just because it agrees with me and I love it.

You are the only one I have come across on here since I have been posting that is on the "R" drug. My e-mail is not in my bio-and if I try and put it in, I'll probably gum up the works.

Will get yours and when my brain is sort of in gear-will get in touch.

In the meantime, I wish I could be of more help about the various cleanses, but I just hesitate to because our bods are so unique and wouldn't want to gum up YOur works.

Rifamin, anyone? OK. so I take it back-alarm me if you have to-just want to know.
My body is one of those that will throw you a curve anytime. Or docs a curve, should say.

Hope we can get some good info, BJG.

But to reiterate-sounds like you are sitting kinda pretty right now with the enzymes. Doc took me off Rocephin when they swooped up into the 100's.

He'll know-you'll know! Trust me.

Stay as good as you can get.

Chocolat

[This message has been edited by Chocolat (edited 10 May 2004).]


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frenchbraid
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I just wanted to add that you will never get better if your liver is backed up with toxins. When the liver is overflowing with toxins, the toxins have nowhere to go, but back into your system.

If you get the liver flushed out, the toxins can be properly elimated and removed from the body.

As usual, this is just my humble opinion.

frenchbraid

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Stay positive. Smile. People care.


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Mo
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Hi!

My son has been on 300mgs 2x per day for eight months..I am on that dose for three months..and my two year old started 150 2x per day about three weeks ago.

We are all responding to the treatment. I also have us all on PHARMAX (as opposed to PHARMANEX) blend called:

LIVER SUPPORT AND DETOXIFICATION plus, phase two of liver detox..their
GLUTATHIONE PRECURSERS.

Excellent, pure product that has served us well thus far.

I also like the liver cleanse above, but mostly do the daily supps for us.

A big glass of fresh lemon water first thing in the AM also helps allot.

I have a concern that you said it is the only abx you are on, in relation to resistance developing.

From what I've been told, and in the Tuberculosis literature..Rifampin must be used with another abx (like a macrolide or tetracycline for us with TBD's) in order to prevent resistance, which can happen very quickly when used alone.

Are you on anything with it?

Mo


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chainsaw joe
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BJG,you say your not taking anything but rifampin.Anybody correct me if Im wrong but I think you are supposed to be on an antibiotic with rifampin,I think a cycline family.Im not sure but someone will know.Joe
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Chocolat
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I agree with that-but still think you have to know exactly what shape your liver is in before you mess around with the myriad flushes that get tossed around-some are so harsh.

Maybe I am just overly paranoid because of another disease that nearly put me on the transplant list-note I said other disease ! !

Following your llmd's suggestions for a total detox that would include the liver sounds safe to me.

Or if you are dealing with a good naturopath that knows his stuff-including the touchiness of abx.-that would be safe.

But-remember I said I am overly cautious-take it with a grain of salt.

Right on about the liver not getting too toxic -- we all have to deal with doing what we know works best for us.

Still say it is nothing to fool around with or try this and try that.

Be safe.

Choc.


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frenchbraid
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Chocolat,

Remember that the cleanse that we use is made from "foods" and is not made from chemicals, etc. It is a VERY gentle cleanse that will flush the back-up out very gently and efficiently. It is the ONLY one that we swear by.

Many liver cleanses can be very, very harsh. But, we feel that a food is a food and if the right combination of "foods" will help to flush out toxins, well, it would be a bonus.

frenchbraid

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Stay positive. Smile. People care.


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Chocolat
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NOW ! That citrus deal with the ginger, etc. sounds safe.

I feel better.

Choc.


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BJG
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Hey
YOU ALL ARE GREAT, THANK YOU FOR RESPONDING!
I will do the citrus flush.

I will also call my LLMD and inquire about adding another antibiotic.

I did make contact with a few people that responded well to Rifampin, so there is hope.

I would encourage chocolat to be cautious, not fearful. Fear robs you of growth.

I am to have blood work in afew weeks, I will let ya all know how it goes.
Again,
Thanks everyone.
Peace
BJG


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liz28
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This stuff brought my enzyme levels down from around 220 to normal in two weeks. I got it from one of the LLMDs frequently listed on this site, and have been taking it for seven months.
http://www.dr-zhang.com/formulas/hepa2.htm

Milk thistle never had any effect, but I can't say enough good things about N-A-C (N-acetyl cysteine), another great liver flush and a precursor in the biosynthesis of glutathione. It's a terrific immune booster and anti-oxidant, and also chelates heavy metals.


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WildCondor
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go to curezone.com and look up the liver and gallbladder cleanse.

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Lyme Disease Help
http://www.wildcondor.com


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frenchbraid
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A tip that I forgot to mention is that it is helpful to put the citrus fruit in the fridge the night before. It is much easier to handle when it is a "cold" beverage, rather than room temperature.

frenchbraid

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Stay positive. Smile. People care.


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chainsaw joe
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BJG,I believe you are suppose to have almost weekly blood monitering on rifampin,at least thats what my doc does.Rifampin is tough on the liver and I believe you are suppose to be right on top of it,someone correct me if Im wrong.Joe
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jen13
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i have been mentally agonizing over whether to do the curezone/hulda clark style liver flush, every day that I 'think' about doing it, i end up not doing it...the thought of all that purgative epsom salts and tons of olive oil and no food after 2 p.m. etc etc...

i like the one frenchbraid listed--perhaps that could be done weekly? i never know what to make of the testimonials about the curezone type liver flush--some of what is gotten out is not stones, but congealed stuff from the epsom salts and oil...but some may be stones...if i have stones (who knows?) i'd like to get them out...but if i don't, i'd rather not suffer through the flush, which some people say made them sick for days...

i think i'll try frenchbraid's for the moment, that sounds almost tasty.


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frenchbraid
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Hi Jen,

We are actually in the middle of another liver cleanse, so I found this topic interesting and have been back several times to comment.

It is really so gentle and your mind will get cleared out in the process also. When those toxins have a way out, it's amazing how much better you feel all over.

I personally have never tried any other cleanses because of what I have heard about them........the agony.

The one that we do is tried and true and can be used as often as you feel you need a boost. Seasonally is recommended as a rule and any more than that would be up to the descretion of the person. We choose to do it every other month.

We continue to take Milk Thistls and also a liver/gallbladder tincture that we get from our ND.

All I can say is that it works and there are absolutely no "ill" side effects. We take garlic everyday, so even the garlic in it doesn't bother us.

I wouldn't decribe it as a "delicious" drink, but I can get it down, so that's a plus. LOL

frenchbraid

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Stay positive. Smile. People care.


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Chocolat
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frenchbraid-

Yes! The kinds of detoxes I was referring to have been the more harsh ones-Heavy duty herbals and the one jen mentioned-the Epsom salts one that a German nutritionist had me try-I threw up-felt awful-and GOT OFF.

nOW FOOD FLUSHES-THATS SUPER. That makes more sense.

Will put that stuff in the fridge tonight
and have a go at it in the am.

Also will look up the links to the other ones just mentioned here as soon as I have time today.

Thanks for the great learning experience.

Maybe the folks I delt (sp?) with were of the notion that the worse off your liver is-the more harsh the flush should be.

Now doesn't that sound plausible---the "hit her hard" mentality ! Jeeeeese.

Thanks

Chocolat


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Lenny777
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What side effects can I expect with the Citrus liver flush listed by frenchbraid? Does it hurt, burn or increase urination? Or if it's working correctly will I not know it?
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frenchbraid
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I can't stress this enough. There are no "side effects". It's just food. This combination of food being consumed at the same time will cause the liver to "expell". That is all.

Your body will remove the toxins the next time you use the restroom.

My kids do it as well as my husband and myself and never, ever has there been one spec of a problem.

I too was concerned before doing any cleanses, but I can attest to this one as being so gentle that you aren't even aware that you are doing anything. The only thing that you will notice is that your head is clearer and that you feel better.

frenchbraid

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Stay positive. Smile. People care.


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bpeck
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This is an interesting discussion.

Would you guys mind listing the numbers on your Liver panel tests?

I know quite a few abx can elevate liver enzymes (and total bilirubin). My total
bilirubin was elevated after Mino and Zith.
Rifampin can elevate total bilirubin also.

Apples/pears and radishes are excellent foods to eat if you suspect it's a bile problem.. I agree with frenchbraid - I try to do a flush with food...

Thanks.
Barb


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liz28
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Omnicef sent my numbers to about 220. They dropped to about 50, give or take a few.
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Chocolat
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Since abx.anywhere from high 30's and 40's---100+'s-

Back in 1983 when got the Lupus dx. and had "auto-immune hepatitis" they were high 700's and 800's-resulted in partial liver necrosis. Transplant material-but they came down only to flip flop back and forth over the years.

Have no clue at present. No testing in 3 wks. or so.

Chocolat


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lla2
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both my kids are on rifampin from dr. jones adn he tests their bloodwork monthly. neither have had any problems with it adn they take 500mg twice a day...along with zithro and minocycline.....

they're about ready to end their abx in July! yeah!! LUckily they've never had any changes in their liver enzymes from any of the abx they've been on...

Lisa


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beachcomber
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BJG:

I want to reiterate what Joe said. It is important to have your liver enzymes checked throughout the course of your meds. I am on Rocephin, which is tough on the gall bladder and liver. My nurse draws blood for CBC and liver panels EVERY 14 days. My MD has me taking milk thistle. So far, so good. Also, I take a spoonfull of olive oil and lemon with my Mepron - like a mini flush + the fat needed for the Mepron.

Bc


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Sarah'smom
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Liz 28-
Could you please give me a source for the N-E-C? I've read your posts on it and am very interested. Would it be safe for a teenager as part of detoxification which I think she really needs after 5 years on all manner of
strong meds for JRA, NMH, etc.?
Thanks! Susie

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