Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis type C virus (HCV). Over 4 million are currently infected or have been infected with HCV and chronic HCV infection is thought to cause half of the cases of cirrhosis, liver cancer and end-stage liver disease leading to death. Though there are prescription therapies available, they are costly and often debilitating. Many people have had positive results with hepatitis C herbal cures.
About Hepatitis C
Acute hepatitis C infection is a viral infection that is most often transmitted through direct blood contact and often has no symptoms but in up to 75% of cases will continue as a chronic or long term infection. The patient may not notice any symptoms for several years when liver damage has already occurred causing fatigue, abdominal pain, digestive disorder and jaundice. Prescription medical treatment has severe side effects such as flu-like symptoms, nausea, fatigue, weight loss and hair loss and often takes years to achieve remission. Herbal treatment and nutritional supplementation for HCV can be very effective with few side effects.
Herbal Remedies
Milk thistle extract, also known as silymarin, is the most common herbal remedy for liver disease including HCV. It is thought to detoxify the liver and help repair damaged tissue by promoting growth of healthy liver cells. Licorice root (glycyrrhizin) apparently works by keeping the hepatitis virus in the cells and preventing it from spreading. It should be taken with foods that are high in potassium such as bananas and citrus fruits or juices. Shiitake and reishi mushroom are both thought to have antiviral activity important for fighting active HCV infection.
Milk thistle extract can be found in health food stores and most large grocery and drugstores. Licorice root and shiitake or reishi mushroom supplements will most likely need to be purchased from a health food store.
Nutritional Supplements
Herbal therapy should be combined with nutritional supplementation for maximum liver benefit. Glutathione is a cell protectant and powerful antioxidant normally produced by the liver. Replacement of glutathione is essential in the treatment of liver disease. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a glutathione precursor that also works to protect glutathione from breakdown allowing it to work more effectively. Methionine is an essential amino acid which detoxifies the liver and provides support for new cell growth. CoEnzyme Q counteracts viral immune suppression and promotes tissue oxygenation. Vitamin C is a known free radical scavenger which prevents oxidative damage contributing to cirrhosis.
CoEnzyme Q and Vitamin C are widely available from drugstores and grocery stores. Glutathione, NAC and Methionine may be purchased from a health food store or vitamin retailer.
Persons with HCV should include mostly raw and lightly cooked fruits and vegetables in the diet. Red meat, seafood and fatty foods should be severely limited, particularly in the early stages of treatment as they are difficult for the liver to metabolize. Adequate fluid intake is important to maintain healthy functioning of the digestive tract and detoxification process of the body.
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