In acknowledgment of Hepatitis C Day May 1^st 2001 I want to share with you some naturopathic medicine approaches that may improve tremendously the symptoms of, this chronic disease.
Hepatitis C is a viral inflammation of the liver . The virus HCV is spread through blood transfusions and sharing of needles to inject drugs.
Many people who receive this virus develop chronic HCV infection of the liver which can lead to severe liver damage after many years.
The treatments of choice are based on the liver enzymes. If the levels remain fairly low there is no standard medical treatment or biopsy recommended. Once the liver enzymes climb too high and the symptoms worsen, then a biopsy is recommended.
This is to determine the level of fibrosis or cirrhosis that is occurring as a result of the HCV virus. If fibrosis is extensive then antiviral drugs such as Interferon, Ribavirin and Rebetron are recommended and eventually a liver transplant may be required.
Antivirals work no more than 30% of the time. Liver transplant surgery is uncertain and tentative in the long run as the residual HCV virus infects the new liver as well as being painful, disabling and costly.
Antivirals can cost $18,000 US per year, and liver transplant surgery is $300,000 US.
Based on the work of Dr. Berkson in his study found in Med Klin 1999, Oct 15;94 Suppl3:84-9 there are at least three antioxidants that may be very effective in not only lowering liver enzymes but improving symptoms dramatically.
These are lipoic acid, silymarin (milk thistle) and selenium. In this paper three patients in ICU (intensive care unit) recovered quickly on the triple antioxidant program, their laboratory values remarkably improved, liver transplant was avoided and the patients are back to work, carrying out normal activities and feeling healthy. The cost is about $1500.00 Canadian per year for these three antioxidants.
Selenium is a popular anti-oxidant protecting the immune system by preventing the formation of free radicals. Free radicals are oxygen species which causes cell damage and death.
It is often prescribed along with Vitamin E and both protect the heart and prevent cancer. It is also crucial for the formation of glutathione which is one of the most important key metabolites to assist the liver to detoxify.
It protects against radiation, chemotherapy, x-rays, alcohol poisoning, detoxifies heavy metals and drugs in the body.
Silymarin or milk thistle is an anti-oxidant and bioflavonoid that contains some of the most potent liver protecting substances known. It protects the liver, stimulates the production of new liver cells and prevents inflammation.
Lipoic acid is a strong anti-oxidant important for the regeneration of the mitochondria of the cell which is the power house or battery of the cell. It is also being used for the treatment of diabetes in lowering insulin resistance.
Other naturopathic treatments that are crucial to the treatment of Hepatitis C include an alcohol free lifestyle; clean diet low in additives, pesticides and herbacides, and high in essential fats such as omega 3 and 6; diet low in sugar and high in fiber, and low in food allergens such as wheat and dairy. Detoxification of heavy metals such as mercury, lead and cadmium from the body all greatly ease the stress on the already over worked liver!
Join the success of Hepatitis C patients who are following this program and doing very well!

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