Hepatitis is characterized by the destruction of a number of liver
cells and the presence of inflammatory cells in the liver tissue caused
by excessive alcohol drinking, disorders of the gall bladder or
pancreas, including medication side effects, and infections.In this
article, we will discuss causes, symptoms, types, prevention and
treatment of hepatitis.
I. Causes of hepatitis
A person can develop hepatitis if they
contract one of the viruses that can cause liver inflammation, or as a
result of exposure to substances that can cause hepatitis. There are two
ways that can lead to hepatitis: it can either occur as a result of
infections or from autoimmune processes.
Hepatitis can be divided into two subgroups:
1. Acute hepatitis
Acute hepatitis caused by the below in result of inflammation that
causes damaging to the liver's normal function and lasting less than six
months. People having a weakened immune system and weaken liver, making
them more susceptible to be infected by hepatitis.
a) Infectious viral hepatitis such as hepatitis A, B, C, D, E.
b) Inflammation of liver caused by Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus.
c) Inflammation of liver caused by other bacteria.
d) Medication overdose causing damage to liver tissues and cells
such as tranquilizers, chemotherapeutic agents, antibiotics and
anesthetics.
e) Excessive alcohol drinking.
2. Chronic hepatitis:
Chronic hepatitis means active, ongoing inflammation of the liver
persisting for more than six months. Chronic hepatitis, although much
less common than acute hepatitis, can persist for years, even decades.
In most people, it is quite mild and does not cause significant liver
damage. It may be caused by hepatitis B and C viruses, drugs and
excessive alcohol drinking. It can also result in cirrhosis, with an
enlarged spleen and fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity. In some
people, continued inflammation slowly damages the liver, eventually
resulting in severe scarring of the liver, liver failure and sometimes
liver cancer.
II. Symptoms
1. Jaundices
Jaundices caused by the excession of a chemical called bilirubin
accumulated in the body's tissues. When the liver is damaged by
hepatitis virus, it's unable to do its normal job and this chemical
accumulates in the blood and starts to leak out into body tissue
resulting in a yellow color in the skin, and especially around the
whites of the eyes.
2. Loss of appetite
Loss of appetite is also called anorexia, is often the first symptom
of acute hepatitis. Sometimes this symptom lasts for a very short time
before being replaced by nausea and vomiting.
3. Fatigue
Fatigue is a debilitating tiredness and is a big source of
frustration for people with liver disease. When the liver is damaged,
feelings of extreme weakness is common.
4. Pain in the muscles and joints
Pain in the muscles and joints can last from days to weeks and are very common in acute hepatitis infection.
5. Low blood sugar
Infection by Hepatitis A virus may cause low blood sugar. Therefore
regular monitoring of blood glucose level with constant glucose infusion
is essential, because dangerously low blood sugar is a constant threat.
6. Insomnia
Insomnia is caused by liver inflammation of hepatitis virus C
leading to trouble of sleeping, and waking up often during the night.
Some people also experience unusually vivid, intense and frightening
dreams.
7. Pruritus
People with hepatitis C sometimes have pruritus, itching to the palms of the hand and the soles of the feet.
8. Lymphadenopathy
Hepatitis may also cause inflammation of lymph nodes. They usually appear in the armpits, groin and neck.
9. Weakness
Hepatitis C also causes a sense of weakness. This symptom can vary from mild to severe and tends to come and go.
If you have any of the above symptoms, please consult with your doctor immediately.
III. Types of Hepatitis
1. Hepatitis A (HAV)
Hepatitis A causes swelling and inflammation in the liver and is
very common in underdeveloped countries, resulting in drinking water or
eating food that is infected by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It can also
be transmitted through sexual intercourse. This type of hepatitis
usually has slow onset and most people fully recover. Hepatitis A can be
discovered by blood testing.
2. Hepatitis B (HBV)
Hepatitis B virus is most often contracted via blood contact such as
blood, semen, body fluids, IV drug abusers sharing needles or someone
using tainted needles. It can also be transmitted through sexual contact
and from mother to baby during childbirth. Hepatitis B causes
inflammation of the liver leading to a serious infection that can cause
liver damage, which may result in cancer.
3. Hepatitis C (HCV)
Hepatitis C, like hepatitis B is spread via blood and body-fluid
contact such as blood, semen, body fluid, IV drug abusers sharing
needles or someone using tainted needles. Hepatitis C used to be the
most common type of hepatitis acquired through blood transfusions until a
test for it became available in the 1980s. Hepatitis C causes
inflammation of the liver resulting in liver damage that can lead to
cancer. It also commonly leads to chronic liver inflammation and slowly
damagesthe liver over a long period of time before leading to cirrhosis
of the liver, that means scar tissue replacing normal, healthy tissue in
result of blocking the flow of blood through the liver and preventing
it from from working as it should.
4. Hepatitis D (HDV)
Hepatitis D is caused by the virus HDV. You can only get hepatitis D
if you are already infected with hepatitis B. Hepatitis D also causes
inflammation of liver and is transmitted through infected blood, needles
and sexual contact with with a person infected with HDV.
5. Hepatitis E (HEV)
Similar to hepatitis A, hepatitis E is also caused by drinking water
or eating food that os infected by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It can
also be transmitted through sexual intercourse causing temporary
swelling of the liver and no long term damage to it.
IV. Prevention and Treatment
A. With Foods
1. Fresh water algae
Fresh water algae contains high amounts of antioxidant-chlorophyll
that has the power in strengthening the immune system to fight any
bacteria and virus infection. It also helps in cleansing liver toxins as
well as fat build-up in liver.
2. Whole grain products
Whole grain product stimulates the liver to rid the body of toxins,
supports the heart and is rich in protein, B vitamins, and fiber. It
also helps lower blood cholesterol, reduce tumors, strengthens the
immune and treats hepatitis.
3. Green vegetable juices
The fresh raw vegetable juices are vitally important in the
nutritional treatment of hepatitis. Green Vegetable juice contains high
amounts of vitamin C, bioflavonoids, carotenoids, living plant enzymes
to aid digestion & vitamin K resulting in cleansing of liver toxins
as well as strengthening the immune system, helping to fight against
hepatitis infection.
4. Legumes
Legumes contain the nutrients and good sources of water-soluble
fibers that your body needs to produce and activate the dozens of
enzymes involved in the various phases of detoxification.
5. Cold water fish
Cold water fish contain high amounts of essential fatty acids that
helps to support the detoxification pathways in the liver, break down
toxic chemicals and toxins from the blood stream. A healthy liver filter
will keep your blood stream clean and free of dangerous toxins and
microorganisms. The regular use of a liver tonic such as essential fatty
acids support the repair of liver cells.
6. Limit daily intake of alcohol
Alcohol is a potent toxin to the liver. Excessive alcohol drinking
can lead to cirrhosis and its complications, including liver cancer.
7. Stop smoking
Cigarette fumes contain high amounts of cadmium, a toxic chemical
that causes not only blood clots but also weakens the immune system
functioning by fighting against harmful viruses and detoxifying the
liver.
B. With Chinese Herbs
Here are some Chinese herbs that have been used to prevent and treat hepatitis with proven results.
1. Natural schisandra
Schisandradra contains essential oils, acids and lignans that help
to regenerate liver tissue caused by excessive drinking of alcohol and
hepatitis virus.
2. Milk thistle
consists of three components silybin, silydianin, and silychristin
that help to reverse liver damage from alcohol, liver injure in result
of chronic hepatitis and sloe the advance of cirrhosis.
3. Dan shen Danshen
is frequently used for these problems in combination with other
herbs in treating liver diseases such as cirrhosis, fibrosis, and
chronic hepatitis B.
4. Lycii
Lycii contains high amount of beta-carotene that helps to nourish and tonify liver and kidney.
5. Chinese licorice
Licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin and has a long
history of medicinal use in both Eastern and Western systems of medicine
in treating infections caused by viruses, such as hepatitis.
6. Astragalus
Astragalus is used conbination with other Chinese herbs are thought
to possess properties in treating cancer, viral infection and immune
system disorder. Astragalus is an ingredient in
7. Baikal scullcap
Baikal scullcap contains a chemical of baikalin that helps liver to detoxification and fight against liver infection.
8. Gynostemma pentaphylla
This herb has been used over thousand years in Chinese history in
treating a variety of diseases such as high blood fat, heart disease,
strengthen immune system as well as hepatitis.
9. American ginseng
American ginseng contain the ginsenosides ingredient that is
effective in preventing GalN-induced liver cell damage and is a useful
agent for chemoprevention of cancer or inflammatory diseases such as
liver infection by hepatitis virus.
C. With Nutrition
1. Cranberry juice
Study shows that cranberry juice can be used as alternative antibody
in helping our immune system fight off the hepatitis virus before it
can do damage to the liver.
2. Lemon juice
Lemon juice contains high amounts of vitamin C that helps to fight
against free radical build up in our body as well as detoxifying liver
cells damaged by hepatitis viruses to regenerate, forming new liver
cells.
3. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid and acetic acid and it is
effective against most viral diseases including Hepatitis virus.
4. Olive leaf
Olive leaf helps to improve immune system and contains achemical
oleuropein which converts to elenolic acid in the body. The oleuropein
targets viruses and bad bacteria before they can cause any damage to the
body including liver, while relaxing blood vessels.
5. Peppermint
Peppermint is a stimulant that helps to relieve digestive
disturbances caused by chronic hepatitis by stimulating the release of
bile.
6. Honey
Honey provides the energy needed by the body for blood formation and
blood cleansing. It also increases the liver's glycogen through the
increase of blood glucose, helping the liver to function properly and
fight against hepatitis virus.
7. Royal jelly
Royal jelly contains protein, vitamins B, C, E, niacin and
pantothenic acid that helps to strengthen our immune system, protecting
our body against any viruses including the hepatitis virus as well as
cleansing toxic deposits in the body.
8. Green tea
Green tea contains the highest concentration of powerful
antioxidants called polyphenols that scavenge free radicals. It also
seems to protect the liver from the damaging effects of toxic substances
such as alcohol.
D. With Supplements
1. Vitamin C
It is found only in fruits and vegetables and is highest in fresh,
uncooked foods. Vitamin C is an antioxidant vitamin. It helps prevent
oxidation of water-soluble molecules that could otherwise create free
radicals. Vitamin C not only stimulates the immune system but also
improves the prevention and treatment of infections and other diseases.
2. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties and
is used for prevention or treatment of numerous health conditions such
as liver detoxification. Vitamin E levels have been shown to be low in
people with hepatitis as well as in those who later develop liver cancer
from long-standing hepatitis therefore increasing the amount of intake
of vitamin E may protect the liver from damage in people with hepatitis
C.
3. B vitamins
B vitamins support metabolic functions, including energy production,
nerve cell immune system functions and as well as antioxidant activity.
4. Selenium
Selenium is an essential trace mineral that helps in cleansing liver
toxins. Selenium is proven to have a protective role against hepatitis
B. The right dose of selenium will help to ware off liver cancer.
5. Flax seed
Flax seed is an excellent vegetarian source of essential fatty acids
that helps to reduce inflammation of liver and restore damaged liver
cell membranes. It will also support the filter inside the liver, which
removes microorganisms, dead cells and toxins from the blood stream.
6. L-Glutamine
L-Glutamine contains high amounts of amino acid and natural growth
hormones that help to combat the effect of alcohol addiction, benefiting
the liver and strengthening the immune system.
Click here for more information
7. S-adenosymethionine (SAMe)
Study shows that S-adenosymethionine (SAMe) has ananti-oxidant
effects in chronic liver disease and in the treatment of viral hepatitis
C. It also helps to restore abnormalities and cellular dysfunctions in
human liver disease. Oral SAMe is also helpful in treating patients with
chronic liver disease.
E. With Herbs
1. Red clover
Rich in micro-nutrients it possesses activity against several
bacteria. A good dietary supplement of vitamin A and Iron, it also
contains B- complex, vitamins C,F, and P, some selenium, cobalt, nickel,
manganese, sodium and is particularly rich in magnesium, calcium and
copper.
2. Oregon grape root
The herb stimulates the action on the liver and is one of the best
blood cleansers. Mild stimulant to the thyroid functions and aids in the
assimilation of nutrients.
3. Echinacea
Echinacea is an immuno stimulant. Enhancing the body's resistance
against both bacterial and viral infections it is probably the best
detoxifying agent in Western Herbalism. It cleanses the blood and lymph
systems, helps arrest pus formation and tissue putrefaction
4. Sarsaparilla
Sarsaparilla purifies the urino-genital tract, dispelling all
infection and inflammation. It's purifying action extends to the nervous
system and is therefore useful in many nervous disorders.
Sarsaparilla's diaphoretic and blood cleansing action is useful for
rheumatic inflammation.
5. Licorice root
Licorice root is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. It helps to
increase the secretion of digestive enzymes and bile and is widely
regarded as the supreme liver tonic.
6. Burdock
It clears congestion, reduces swelling and dispels toxins via the
skin, kidneys and bowel. It is a nutritive and rejuvenatory tonic .
Historically it has been used to support the action of the kidneys in
urinary tract infections.
7. Dandelion
Dandelion cleanses the liver, kidneys, lymph and bowel and is ideal
for toxic blood conditions. It increases the secretion of digestive
enzymes and bile and is widely regarded as the supreme liver tonic.
F. With Common Sense Approaches
1. Reduce intake of saturated and trans fats
Uncontrolled diet that is high in saturated and trans fats not only
cause cholesterol build up in your arteries but also increase high blood
pressure and also damaging the immune system. It also is the main
contributor to gallstone formation, fat liver that reduce the normal
function of liver and making it vulnerable for virus infections.
2. Avoid intake of processed foods
Processed food contain high amounts of salt and artificial food
additives that causes free radicals to build up in the body and high
blood pressure. They are also toxic to the liver causing the kidney and
liver to work harder in cleansing the extra toxins in the bloodstream.
If this lasts for a prolonged period, they may damage the kidney and
liver causing liver inflammation if infected by the hepatitis virus.
3. Limit alcohol drinking
Drinking a maximum of 250 ml for women and 500 ml for men will help
the circulation of blood, nourish the body's cells, and strengthen the
immune system and liver. Excessive drinking not only causes liver
inflammation, but will also lead to cirrhosis.
4. Drink a lot of green and yellow juices
Green and yellow juices contain high amounts of vitamins C, E and B
that help to detoxify the body's toxins and reduce burden of the liver.
Green and yellow juices also help to protect our body from free radical
build up, normalizing the liver function.
5. Quit smoking
Cigarettes contain toxic cadmium causing high blood pressure,
increases the risk of calcium clotting up the arterial wall and reduces
the amount of antioxidants in the body in result of weakening the immune
system and liver causing the liver to be easier to be infected by
hepatitis virus.
6. Limit intake of sugar
High amount of sugar promotes liver inflammation and free radical damage.
7. Do not overdose your medication
Overdosing medications is toxic to the body causing extra burden for liver function.
8.
Do not share things with others such as clippers, scissors,
toothbrushes or anything that may have come into contact with blood or
body fluids.
9. Casual sexual activity must be taken with extra care.
IV. Other Treatment
1. Liver Detoxification
Strengthens the immune system with vitamins, nutritional supplements
and herbs that we have been discussed lengthily in other articles.
2. Ozone therapy
Ozone oxidizes the cells of the body systemically. It stimulates
enzymes and phagocytes of the white blood cells which chew up the
viruses and the bacteria in the blood. It also activates alpha
interferon, gamma interferon, interleukin II and tumor necrosis factor.
It is effective in treating hepatitis B patients with high successful
rate.
3. Lamivudine therapy
Combining vaccine therapy with lamivudine has improved therapeutic
potential for chronic hepatitis B. It helps to strengthen the immune
system fighting against the hepatitis B virus specially with patients
with chronic HBV infection and active viral replication.
4. Interferon-alpha therapy
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious health
problem because of its worldwide distribution. There are over 350
million people in the world infected with chronic HBV, 75% of whom live
in the Asia-Pacific region. Interferon-alfa and direct antiviral agents
such as lamivudine and adefovir are effective in the therapy of chronic
HBV infection but only with some success, particularly in perinatally
infected patients, patients with lower ALT levels and those with
negative chronic hepatitis B.
5. Pegylated interferon
Pegylated interferon may be considered the best choice of treatment
for patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. This therapy has been
shown to be superior to both conventional interferon as well as
lamivudine in the treatment of both hepatitis B positive and negative
chronic hepatitis B with successful rates of 35-45%.-By
Kyle J Norton 