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Hepatitis
Helpful Natural Supplements and Treatments
OVERVIEW
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by bacterial and viral infections, and by chronic exposure to alcohol, certain drugs, and toxic chemicals, such as paint thinners and aerosol sprays.
Symptoms can range from none to many, including fatigue and weakness, lack of appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Another symptom is jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes that is the result of the liver's failure to break down bile pigments.
The most common forms of hepatitis are caused by a variety of viruses, and they are classified alphabetically, hepatitis A virus to hepatitis E virus (HAV, HBV, HCV, HDV, HEV). The most common ways they are acquired are: HAV via the fecal to hand route (bathroom to kitchen), HBV mostly from sexual intercourse, and HCV from intravenous drug use. Other liver problems include cirrhosis and fatty liver.
SUPPLEMENTS FOR HEPATITIS
There are many natural supplements that can help with hepatitis. Consult with your healthcare provider to see which of the following supplements may be appropriate for you.
Vitamins & Minerals
Phosphatidylcholine – This is the phospholipid form of choline, a supplement often classified as a member of the B-vitamin family. Soy lecithin is a good source of phosphatidylcholine (PC). Phosphatidylcholine is important to the structure of cell membranes and plasma lipoproteins, cholesterol metabolism, and liver function.
Less Helpful: vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium.
Other Supplements
Taurine – Taurine is a non-essential, sulfur-containing amino acid. It is a derivative of cysteine, made in the liver, and concentrated in muscle and the central nervous system (CNS). Unlike most amino acids, taurine is not involved in protein synthesis. In the liver and intestines, taurine functions as a bile salt (taurocholate), and in the CNS as an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
Thymus Extract – This is an extract derived from the thymus glands of calves. The thymus is responsible for producing hormones (thymosin, thymic humoral factor, thymic factor, thymopoietin) that are important to the immune system, and supplementation of thymus extract can enhance the function of the immune system.
Less Helpful: lipoic acid, N-acetyl cysteine, SAMe.
Herbs
Cordyceps – This is an edible, parasitic fungus that grows on the larva of a caterpillar (Hepialus varains). Cordyceps is found on the high mountain regions of China and Tibet. When the caterpillar dies, a fungus grows on its body. The fungus is now cultivated, instead of being picked off the dead caterpillar. Surprisingly enough, research supports this product as being beneficial for hepatitis B, and many other health conditions (cancer, cardiac arrhythmia, coronary heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol).
Milk Thistle – Native to Europe, milk thistle contains three powerful liver-protective agents. They are silybin, silydianin, and silychristin, and are usually collectively referred to as silymarin.
Schisandra – Schisandra is a woody vine with red berries, native to eastern China, and it has a long history of use by people indigenous to this area. The berries are picked in the fall, steamed, and then dried. Schisandra was traditionally used as an energy food. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it is used for many ailments. Many of the lignans in schisandra can enhance the liver’s glutathione detoxification function, showing benefit in the treatment of hepatitis.
Less Helpful: astragalus; dandelion, green tea, licorice, picrorhiza, reishi mushroom, shiitake mushroom.
COMMENTS
Hepatitis can be prevented by cleanliness and proper food handling, safe sex, and not sharing IV needles. Vaccines are available for HAV and HBV. Avoid combining alcohol and acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol), a combination that can lower glutathione in the liver. Avoid saturated fat and fried foods.
References
Jellin, JM, editor. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2005.
Pillepich, JA. The Nutraceutical Reference Guide, 2005.
For HEPATITIS, consider these supplements:
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