Natural Remedies for Hepatitis C
Nutritional Strategies that Support Liver Function
Today, Hepatitis C (also known as Hep C) infections are four times as prevalent as HIV. Hepatitis C is spread more easily through blood and body fluids. According to Aids.org, approximately 80% of intravenous drug users have the virus. A few people clear it out of their systems with no ill effects, but for another 78%, many of whom do not realize they are infected, serious liver damage develops slowly. Having Hep C greatly increases the risk of liver cancer.
Medical Treatments for Hep C have Serious Side Effects
Chemotherapy with Interferon and Rebavirin, administered to those in the early stages of the disease, cause flu-like symptoms, depression, irritability and anemia. The course of treatment is divided into two spans of six months each. Loss of work and normal activities is a hardship, and the treatment does not work for everyone.
Good Nutrition Supports the Liver
Located on the right side of the abdomen behind and below the rib cage, the liver is a lobed organ with many tasks to do. It filters toxins from the blood, balances vital hormones, processes proteins, stores glucose, minerals, and vitamins for later use, produces blood clotting factors and maintains blood pressure.
A whole foods diet (brown rice, quinoa and teff, tofu, squash, yams, lentils, brocolli, avocado, tomatoes and kale are good choices) that is low in animal proteins and high in fresh raw fruits and vegetables allows the liver to rest. Avoidance of highly processed and junk foods, fried foods and liver toxins (such as alcohol and acetaminophen), creates less stress for the liver. When the liver is not functioning properly, ammonia builds up in the bloodstream causing confusion and altered mental states. Omega 3 essential fatty acids are good fats, found in walnuts, fish oils, flax, chia seeds, and blue green algae, that have a protective effect on the liver and the brain.
Herbs and Their Benefits
Studies support the effectiveness of herbal medicines for the liver. Side effects are generally mild and may include upset stomach and loose stools.
Licorice has anti-viral properties that fight hepatitis. Alfalfa contains minerals which are needed for liver function. Red Clover and Burdock root relieve the liver of overwork by cleansing the bloodstream. Tumeric is a potent anti-inflammatory. Antioxidant herbs for hepatitis include black radish, green tea, and yellow dock (Auerbach: Wilderness Medicine.5th ed. New York, NY: Mosby; 2007).
All parts of the Dandelion plant are beneficial. The flower contains a powerful antioxidant that fights cancer and protects cells from damage (Kim HM, Shin HY, Lim KH, el al., Immunopharmacological Immunotoxicology, 2000). The leaves are diuretic to relieve swelling and they also are rich in potassium, a mineral many medications deplete. Dandelion roots are rich in probiotics that aid the immune and digestive systems as well as anti-viral substances that help the body defend the liver against Hep C (Hu C, Kitts, Journal of Agricultural Food Chemicals. 2003).
Do not take Dandelion with the prescription drug Lithium, and avoid the use of stomach acid reducers (Pepcid, Tagamet) while taking Dandelion.
Milk Thistle is a popular herbal remedy for Hepatitis C. Some studies show improvement and lower mortality rates when Milk Thistle is used to treat Hepatitis C. Silymarin, a group of flavonoids, form the active ingredients in Milk Thistle, helping liver cells repair and reducing inflammation. Silymarin actually protects the liver from toxins such as alcohol and acetaminophen, and it is given in cases of mushroom poisoning (Gazak R, Walterova D, Kren V., Current Medical Chemistry, 2007). Silymarin and other substances in Milk Thistle have also been found to reduce the growth of cancer cells (Agarwal R, Agarwal C, Ichikawa H, Singh RP, Anticancer Res. 2006). It should not be taken by those with a history of breast, uterine, or prostate cancer.
One of Milk Thistle's effects is to lower liver enzymes, so your doctor should know you are taking it when getting labwork.
Blue Green Algae Boosts Immune Response
Known as superfoods, Spirulina and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) are simple organisms that grow naturally in freshwater lakes. Spirulina is cultivated in laboratories to avoid pollutants in the warm slightly alkaline waters of California and Mexico. AFA grows wild in cold water. Both are nutrient-rich, packed with vitamin and minerals, omega 3 fatty-acids, and easy to assimilate protein. Studies show they have anti-viral and rejuvenating effects on the liver (Gorban EM, Orynchak MA, Virstiuk NG, Kuprash LP, Panteleimonov TM, Sharabura LB. [Clinical and experimental study of spirulina efficacy in chronic diffuse liver diseases.] 2000(6):89-93).
Limiting exposure to blood and blood products is the only way to prevent Hepatitis C infection. Living a healthy lifestyle and incorporating therapeutic herbs and green superfoods are a first-line defense for those battling the virus.
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Blue Green Algae
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