Gilbert’s syndrome is a relatively harmless condition that can often cause a significant amount of anxiety before the condition has been diagnosed. Gilbert’s syndrome is considered to be one of the most common medical syndromes to be identified and is characterized by the presence of a slightly raised level of bilirubin within the blood – but the normal functioning of the lower organ with no signs of liver disease. Bilirubin is a chemical that is produced during the breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells. In most cases, the condition is detected by accident during a routine physical checkup or a checkup that is focused on identifying some other medical condition. The bilirubin levels are usually also significantly increased during instances of dehydration or starvation. Most affected individuals will be diagnosed with the condition in the second of third decades of their lifespan and men seem to be more affected than women.
Some of the more noticeable symptoms of the presence are very similar to mild jaundice such as a yellow discoloration of the eyes, skin, palms and the soles of the feet. You will also notice an itchiness or irritation on the surface of the skin while malaise or a general feeling of weakness is also likely to set in. The individual will also experience a loss of appetite as well a certain amount of general body pain. The most common causes of the condition include stress such as trauma and over exertion, illness, or a medical phenomenon of the mutation in the UDP – glucuronosyltransferase gene.
Since the condition is not really very serious, there aren’t many home remedies designed to completely eradicate its presence. However, there are a number of small lifestyle changes that will help keep it in check. Avoiding alcohol is very important, as people suffering from the condition are very sensitive to alcohol of varying degrees. Moreover, alcohol can play havoc with an already malfunctioning liver. Avoid consumption of any fatty foods as this will put a lot of stress on your digestive system. Foods laden with sugar or artificial sweeteners should also be avoided as they mess with the body’s energy levels. Your diet will also play a very important role in controlling the prominence of the condition. Increasing the intake of protein in the daily diet is known to help boost the energy levels of some sufferers of Gilbert’s syndrome. Fish is particularly beneficial and can help enhance the removal of the fat soluble bilirubin from within the body.