Bands of internal scarring disrupt the normal liver structure. Commonly, symptoms include jaundice and edema. Excessive alcohol consumption is the most common cause of cirrhosis in the United States and Europe. Gallbladder disease Inflammation of the gallbladder usually results from a low-grade chronic infection. Imbalances between phospholipids, cholesterol and bile acids allow cholesterol to precipitate and form gallstones that block the cystic duct, causing pain.
Fatty foods are typically the cause for gallstones.
Treatment involves either surgical removal of the gallbladder, shock wave therapy or medications. A low-fat diet is recommended. The last article in this series will discuss the role of nutrition in severely ill patients. Summary Diseases of malnutrition are caused by a lack of proper nutrients in the diet and commonly result in weight loss, weakness and exhaustion. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa involve individuals negatively reacting to the appearance of even normal amounts of body fat.