Natural remedies that prevent Hepatitis infection

To add on to the previous post, here are some other natural remedies that can help prevent Hepatitis in general. Basically, taking a natural approach to Hepatitis means focusing on supporting the liver and keeping the immune system healthy.

1)      Reishi Mushroom has shown favorable results in treating hepatitis, especially in cases without severe impairment of liver. In a study of 355 cases of Hepatitis B treated with Wulingdan Pill, which includes the fruiting body of Reishi, 92.4% of the patients had positive results.

Basically, the Reishi Mushroom:

-Balances the immune system and aids liver function and circulation.
-Is a broad acting remedy and can be taken on a long-term basis.
-Has been classed as the highest value healing herb in China for thousands of years.

2)      Milk Thistle is renowned as a liver tonic that protects the liver from Hepatitis, alcohol damage, cirrhosis, and pollutants. In 1960, German scientists identified a group of active ingredients collectively called silymarin from Milk Thistle, mainly from the seeds.

Silymarin protects the liver by:

-Strengthening the outer membranes of liver cells, which prevent toxins from entering the cells.
-Stimulating protein synthesis in liver cells, which helps to regenerate and repair the liver.

Silymarin compounds are also strong antioxidants, and have been shown to reduce damage to liver cells caused by repeated use of some prescription drugs.

3)      Black Seed Oil improves liver function and associated digestive problems. The warming and bitter qualities seem to penetrate into blockages in the body and rapidly instigate normalisation. Black Seed has a strengthening effect on the immune system, and works in a host of other ways to promote optimum health and well being. This remarkable herb has a legendary status and has had a recent resurgence in Western medicine.

4)      Liquorice is used in Japan to treat chronic Hepatitis B. Glycyrrhizin interferes with Hepatitis B surface antigen and is synergistic with interferon against Hepatitis A virus. It is also used at times to treat Hepatitis C.

Researchers have also demonstrated that liquorice helps protect the liver from damage due to chemotherapy. At low doses, the herb stimulates the liver to manufacture cholesterol and excrete it in bile. This can help lower serum cholesterol levels.

5)      Colloidal Silver and Olive Leaf Capsules may be useful in cases of Hepatitis.

 On-going research may eventually restore Colloidal Silver to its once accepted status as probably the most versatile and effective natural agent against bacteria. It has a hugely important bonus in that bacteria find it almost impossible to develop resistance to it.

 Olive Leaf works on fungal, bacterial and viral infections. It also has other benefits such as anti-oxidant effects and can be helpful for the circulation.

6)      Zell Oxygen will strengthen the immune system by re-establishing healthy cellular mitocondria and in turn health cellular respiration and metabolism. By using Zell Oxygen in combination with one or more of the natural antiseptics such, a more rapid, through and permanent elimination of pathological micro-organisms will result.

7)      The use of Sterols and Sterolins will further strengthen the immune system and specifically Help T cell production.

In conclusion, most of the showcased food items only prevent Hepatitis infection instead of curing it. However, we should not only start taking care of ourselves when we fall ill. Rather, we should start at a young age. After all, prevention is better then cure!

Signing off,

Illaisha.

Credits to: http://www.regenerativenutrition.com/content.asp?id=363

Possible cures or treatment?

Currently, about 180 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis C. However, about 20 to 50 percent of these people who has access to conventional treatment do not respond to therapy.

The current standard of care for treatment of hepatitis C is interferon injections combined with ribavirin pills. There can be many side effects including flu-like symptoms, nausea, depression, injection site reactions, anemia, fatigue, headache and skin rash. While it's true that drugs like ribavirin can wipe out the infection, they are only effective about half the time and they can produce very severe, debilitating side effects. So people who aren't cured by the drugs and who go on to develop cirrhosis or liver cancer may eventually face death from the infection or require a liver transplant.

However, there are a number of natural remedies that are helpful and their 'side effects' include things such as increased feelings of well being, better digestion and more energy.

A few examples of these natural remedies :

 Garlic : - improves the liver's ability to metabolize and neutralize carcinogens
               - the sulfur compounds (Allicin) in garlic promote the body's detoxifying activities
               - helpful both raw and cooked but more effective for viral control when raw
          
Turmeric : - promotes production and flow of bile
                   - protects against liver damage
                   - reduces cholesterol
                   - relieves arthritis
                   - recommended serving : 1 teaspoon
                   - can be mixed in curry or smoothies etc.


Castor oil : - increases circulation
                    - improves lymphatic flow
                    - increases lymphocyte production and activity
                    - A castor oil pack over the liver is effective for reducing inflammation, and relief of pain

credits : http://www.naturalnews.com/035468_hepatitis_C_natural_remedies_turmeric.html

How does hepatitis affect individuals suffering from it? 
Here's a video on how Hepatitis C has affected this patient and how she got through treatment: 

Summary of the 5 main types of Hepatitis!

Here is a basic summary on Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E!

Hope this will be useful for everyone out there!

Signing off,
Illaisha!

Credits to all the previous websites we have previously used material from!

Hepatitis X? O.O

After going through the 5 main types of Hepatitis, are you surprised to find out that there is actually a sixth type of Hepatitis infection dubbed "Hepatitis X"? Let's find out more about this mysterious sounding disease!


Firstly, what is Hepatitis X?
Basically it refers to cases of viral hepatitis that cannot be linked to Hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E, so they are called non A...E Hepatitis, or Hepatitis X!


Some symptoms of this disease include flu-like symptoms, fatigue, jaundice, sharp pains in the right-upper quadrant of the abdomen, fever, depression and vomiting.

However, the distinction between complications of Hepatitis X and symptoms of Hepatitis X is often obscure.
While jaundice is a symptom of Hepatitis, it is also a complication. Further complications that may arise include kidney failure and liver disease.


However, Hepatitis X often goes undiagnosed by doctors due to the difficulty in detecting the virus, which can only be detected with a double-blood test. These tests are often painful and are not usually administered by doctors.
Usually by the time symptoms reveal themselves it is too late to stop the virus.


Currently, there is no treatment to target the Hepatitis X virus as little is known about it. Treatments can only help alleivate the symptoms. Thus, to prevent getting infected by Hepatitis X, or any other type of Hepatitis, exercise caution and follow the guidelines posted in the previous few posts!



Signing off,
Illaisha!

Credits to wikipedia! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatitis_X

Hepatitis E

Now for the fifth and final main type of Hepatitis, Hepatitis E!

Hepatitis E is a viral hepatitis caused by infection with a virus called Hepatitis E virus (HEV).

A little insight into the Hepatitis E virus:

• It is a a non-enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus.
• The Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) is part of the genus Hepevirus.
• Species of this genus infect humans, pigs, boars, deer, rats, rabbits and birds.

 

How is HEV transmitted?

HEV is transmitted mainly through the faecal-oral route due to faecal contamination of drinking water.
Other transmission routes include foodborne transmission from ingestion of products derived from infected animals, transmission from animals to humans, transfusion of infected blood products and  transmission from a pregnant woman to her fetus.



How is HEV diagnosed?

Diagnosis of Hepatitis E infection is usually based on the detection of specific antibodies to the virus in the blood.
Two additional diagnostic tests, namely reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immune electron microscopy, require specialized laboratory facilities and are used only in research studies.



How does it affect people living with this disease?

As Hepatitis E is usually self-limiting, hospitalization is generally not required. However, hospitalization is required for people with fulminant hepatitis (acute liver failure) and should also be considered for infected pregnant women.

The overall population mortality rates from Hepatitis E range from 0.5% to 4.0%.



How can we protect ourselves from Hepatitis E infection?

The risk of infection and transmission can be reduced by maintaining quality standards for public water supplies and establishing proper disposal systems to eliminate sanitary waste.

On an individual level, infection risk can be reduced by maintaining hygienic practices such as hand washing with safe water, particularly before handling food.

Also, avoiding drinking water and ice of unknown purity and avoiding eating uncooked shellfish, and uncooked fruits or vegetables that are not peeled or that are prepared by people living in or travelling in highly endemic countries.



How do you treat HEV infection?

There is no available treatment capable of altering the course of acute hepatitis. Prevention is the most effective approach against the disease!


Signing off,
Illaisha!

Credits to the following websites!

• Retrieved from: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs280/en/
• Retrieved from: hthttp://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/145869.php

Hepatitis D

Next up, Hepatitis D!
Hepatitis D virus (HDV), also known as Delta agent is a type of virus causes symptoms only in people who also have a Hepatitis B infection. HDV may result in the worsening of an acute or chronic hepatitis B liver disease. Hepatitis D infects about 15 million people worldwide. It occurs in 5% of people who carry hepatitis B.




The HDV virion is enveloped and spherical with a diameter of about 22 nm  Membrane proteins are originated from the HBV helper virus.

How does this Delta agent replicate? 

1. Virus attaches to host receptors though Major surface antigen.
2. Fusion of virus membrane with the cellular membrane; ribonucleocapsid is released in the cytoplasm and migrates to the nucleus.
3. S-HDAg is expressed, promoting viral transcription and replication by host DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II
4. later, genomic RNA is edited by host ADAR1, leading to L-HDAg expression which induce packaging of HDV genome at the RE.
5. Budding by helper HBV proteins.

 


Risk factors of Hepatitis D includes :

• Abusing intravenous (IV) or injection drugs
• Being infected while pregnant (the mother can pass the virus to the baby)
• Carrying the hepatitis B virus
• Men having sexual intercourse with other men
• Receiving many blood transfusions

The symptoms of Hepatitis D are similar to those of Hepatitis B, just that it makes the symptoms more severe. The symptoms are :

• Abdominal pain
• Dark-colored urine
• Fatigue
• Jaundice
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
  
  
  Treatment?
   Many of the medicines used to treat hepatitis B are not helpful for treating hepatitis D, however, people with long-term HDV infection may receive a medicine called alpha interferon for up to 12 months. A liver transplant for end-stage chronic hepatitis B may be more effective.
  
  How does it affect people?

People with an acute HDV infection usually get better over 2 to 3 weeks and liver enzyme levels will return to normal within 16 weeks. However, about 10% of those who are infected with HDV may develop long-term (chronic) liver inflammation (hepatitis).

These people may also contract Chronic active hepatitis or Fulminant hepatitis.


How to prevent contracting HDV?
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B infection can help prevent hepatitis D.
- Avoid intravenous drug abuse. If you use IV drugs, avoid sharing needles.
- A vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis B, which in turn prevents hepatitis D.


Jayme

Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001264/
Perrillo R. Hepatitis B and D. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2010:chap 78.
Review Date: 11/23/2010.
Reviewed by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

http://viralzone.expasy.org/all_by_species/175.html

Hepatitis C

Hey everyone! We have previously discussed how Hepatitis A & B affect our body. Today, let's find out more about Hepatitis C!

Firstly, what is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a viral disease that leads to inflammation of the liver due to  infection with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV).

A little insight into the Hepatitis B virus:

• It is a small, enveloped, single-stranded, positive sense RNA virus.
• The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a member of the Flavivirida family.
• There are six major genotypes of the HCV.

How does liver damage occur in Hepatitis C infection?

1) The presence of HCV in the liver triggers the human immune system, which leads to inflammation.

2) Over time, prolonged inflammation may cause scarring. Extensive scarring in the liver is called cirrhosis.

3) When the liver becomes cirrhotic, it fails to perform its normal functions, and this leads to serious complications and even death. Cirrhotic livers also are more prone to become cancerous.

Here is a short summary on how the Hepatitis C Virus enters the target cells aka the liver!

How do people contract Hepatitis C?

Infection can be spread through:

• Blood transfusions before July 1992.
• Direct contact with blood in health care settings.
• Sexual contact with an infected person.
• Tattoo or acupuncture with unclean needles or instruments.
• Shared needles during drug use.
• Shared personal items (e.g toothbrushes and nail clippers) with an infected person.
• From mother to child during childbirth.
• Kidney dialysis.

How does it affect people living with this disease?

Most people who were recently infected with acute Hepatitis C do not have symptoms. If they do, symptoms include a decreased appetite, fatigue, nausea, muscle or joint pains, and weight loss
About 1 in 10 have jaundice that will eventually go away.

Of people who get infected with Hpatitis C, 85% will develop a chronic infection. Usually there are no symptoms. If the infection has been present for many years, the liver may be permanently scarred. This is called cirrhosis.
In many cases, there may be no symptoms of the disease until cirrhosis has developed.

Liver cirrhosis may lead to portal hypertension, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, easy bruising or bleeding, enlarged veins in the stomach and esophagus, jaundice, and  hepatic encephalopathy.

Hepatitis C is also a primary cause of liver cancer, and the need for liver transplants.

How can we protect ourselves from Hepatitis C infection? 

• Avoid contact with blood or blood products whenever possible.
• Health care workers should follow precautions when handling blood and bodily fluids. 
• Do not inject illicit drugs, and do not share needles with anyone.
• Be careful when getting tattoos and body piercings.
• People who have sex outside of a monogamous relationship should practice safer sex behaviors.

What are the current prevention methods or cures for Hepatitis C?

As of 2011^[update], no vaccine protects against contracting hepatitis C. However, a number are under development and some have shown encouraging results.

There are no current cures. However, there are treatments available that slow down the virus. Those who develop cirrhosis or liver failure may need a liver transplant.

In conclusion, Hepatitis C is a fairly serious disease as it may cause cirrhosis or even liver cancer. It is especially scary as there is no vaccine yet! Thus, exercise caution when in situations where you might contract the Hepatitis C Virus!

  

Signing off,

Illaisha!

Credits to the following websites!

• Retrieved from:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001329/

1. Ghany MG, Strader DB, Thomas DL, Seeff LB. American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Diagnosis, management, and treatment of hepatitis C: an update. Hepatology. 2009;49:1335-1374.
2. Jou JH, Muir AJ. In the clinic. Hepatitis C. Ann Intern Med. 2008;148:ITC6-1-ITC6-16.
3. O'Leary JG, Davis GL. Hepatitis C. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 79.
4. Rosen HR. Clinical practice. Chronic hepatitis C infection.N Engl J Med. 2011 Jun 23;364(25):2429-38.

Review Date: 10/16/2011.

Reviewed by: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California.

• Retrieved from: http://www.medicinenet.com/hepatitis_c/page3.htm