My Liver problem
Living with Biliary Hamartomas: What I’ve Learned and What’s Next
A while back, I was diagnosed with biliary hamartomas, a benign liver condition that most people don’t even realize they have. These small cyst-like formations in the liver's bile ducts usually don’t cause any issues and are often discovered incidentally during imaging for something else. In my case, I didn’t have any symptoms—it just showed up on a scan.
Now, when you hear the word hamartoma, it’s easy to get concerned. But the good news is that biliary hamartomas are harmless for most people. They don’t progress into cancer, they don’t typically cause pain, and they don’t require aggressive treatment. However, since they are related to bile ducts, they can sometimes be associated with polycystic liver disease or other rare conditions.
What Should I Do About It?
Since this is a benign condition, the main approach is monitoring and lifestyle support. Here’s my plan going forward:
- Regular Check-Ups
Even though these lesions are harmless, it’s a good idea to monitor them periodically. If I start having symptoms like unexplained pain, jaundice, or liver dysfunction, I’ll get it checked out. Otherwise, routine imaging (like an ultrasound or MRI) every couple of years should be enough.
- Supporting Liver Health
I already follow a clean, whole-food-based diet, but since my liver is something I want to protect long-term, I’ll focus even more on:
Avoiding processed foods and seed oils (which can inflame the liver)
Prioritizing grass-fed meats, eggs, and organ meats (rich in fat-soluble vitamins)
Drinking plenty of water and limiting alcohol intake (I rarely drink, so this is easy)
Incorporating liver-supportive nutrients, like:
Milk thistle – Protects liver cells
TUDCA – Aids bile flow and detoxification
NAC (N-acetylcysteine) – Supports glutathione production
Methylated B vitamins – Since I have a COMT and MTHFR mutation, these are already part of my regimen
- Keeping Bile Flow Healthy
Since biliary hamartomas are associated with the bile ducts, I want to keep bile moving efficiently. Some ways to do this include:
Digestive bitters before meals
Ox bile or taurine supplementation (if needed)
Eating enough healthy fats to stimulate bile production
The Bigger Picture
This diagnosis doesn’t change much for me—it just confirms that I need to stay proactive about my health. If anything, it reinforces what I already knew: diet, movement, and stress management are key. There’s no magic pill for preventing future issues, but controlling what I can gives me peace of mind.
I’ll keep an eye on it, but I’m not worried. If you’ve ever been diagnosed with something like this, my advice is simple: don’t panic, stay informed, and take care of your body. The liver is a resilient organ, and with the right approach, it can handle just about anything you throw at it.
