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Hepatitis C Alternative Medicine Treatment Options
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Living with CirrhosisWhat is Cirrhosis?According to wikipedia, "Cirrhosis is a consequence of chronic liver disease [such as Hepatitis C] characterized by replacement of liver tissue by fibrous scar tissue as well as regenerative nodules (lumps that occur as a result of a process in which damaged tissue is regenerated), leading to progressive loss of liver function. Cirrhosis is generally irreversible once it occurs, and treatment generally focuses on preventing progression and complications. In advanced stages of cirrhosis the only option is a liver transplant." However, there are those that would not say that cirrhosis, even from Hepatitis C, IS irreversible. The liver, after all, is the only human internal organ that actually can regenerate itself! Some say that certain natural options can help reverse this condition. See the interview with Johnny Delirious for more on this by clicking here
Living with Hepatitis C and CirrhosisThe diagnosis of cirrhosis in a patient with hepatitis C should NOT be regarded as an impending death sentence. However, efforts should be made to focus on stalling the evolution of hepatic decompensation through diet and supplements, and ensure that your doctor is providing effective surveillance of your liver condition. If you have cirrhosis and your feel death looming, it may comfort you to hear this quote from a paper published in the American Journal of Gasterology, "The authors conclude that HCV-associated cirrhosis often has an indolent course, shows a slowly progressive increase in morbidity, and portends a relatively long-life expectancy."((Am J Gastroenterol 1998;93:1386–1387. © 1998)
Preventing and Living with Cirrhosis from Hepatitis C The majority of those with chronic hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) will not progress to advanced liver disease. However, roughly one in five of those with HCV have cirrhosis. A full, productive life is possible even with this level of liver damage. Now we'll go into more detail, concluding with how to help ourselves live with cirrhosis or avoid it altogether. The best way to prevent cirrhosis is to eliminate or minimize excess inflammation. Living with HCV means there is already a potential source of inflammation. This is the result of the immune system's attempt to eradicate HCV. Over time, inflammation may lead to tissue damage, or fibrosis. If the damage becomes severe, the liver hardens into cirrhosis. Fibrosis is common with HCV but does not usually advance to cirrhosis. If it does, progression to cirrhosis usually takes twenty or more years. Treatment is a potential remedy for HCV-induced damage. The liver has remarkable recuperation power, so removing the source of damage allows the liver to recover. Even if HCV isn't permanently eradicated, there is often some benefit. For example, I underwent treatment in 2003. My liver biopsy showed dramatic improvement although I had not had a sustained response. Even cirrhotic patients have shown improvement from treatment. There are other potential causes of liver inflammation. Alcohol is a common one. The amount of alcohol that can cause tissue damage is surprisingly low. The maximum safe alcohol allowance for healthy adult women without liver disease is one drink daily. For healthy adult men without liver disease, that maximum is 2 drinks daily. These recommendations drop to zero for those with HCV, substance abuse, other medical conditions, pregnancy or those taking medications. Even those without risk factors must exercise caution when drinking alcohol. Safe alcohol use is measured as one 12-ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits. A glass of wine is likely to exceed 5 ounces when enjoying an evening with friends. It is easy to rationalize a second or third drink if you only drink on weekends. However, this excess puts extra load on the liver. Over time, this can amount to tissue damage. Sadly, risk for cirrhosis is increasing along with our waistlines. Excess fat in the liver may lead to a fatty liver. This may lead to inflammation. Left unheeded, the inflamed liver may become scarred and hardened. Those at risk for fatty liver disease tend to have other diet-related conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, or high triglycerides. However, someone without these problems may still develop a fatty liver. The movie Super Size Me is a good illustration. For thirty days, Morgan Spurlock ate only McDonald's food. Simultaneously, he reduced his exercise level to the national average. Before the month was over, Spurlock was sick. Lab tests confirmed this, including abnormal liver enzymes. In one month, Spurlock developed a fatty liver. So, if you are overweight, try to lose those extra pounds. Do this slowly and wisely. Don't try to lose more than a pound or two weekly. Discuss this with your medical provider, particularly if you have diabetes or high triglycerides. Include regular physical activity in your fitness goals. Drugs may cause liver damage. Not just illegal ones, but prescribed and over-the counter drugs. Best known for liver toxicity is excess acetaminophen or Tylenol®, although it is generally safe if taken as prescribed. This drug is often combined with other drugs, such as cold or pain medications. Drug-induced inflammation commonly occurs when a patient is unaware of the amount of acetaminophen he or she is taking. Discuss your medications with your medical provider. Always take medications as directed. Dietary supplements may also cause liver damage or may interact with foods, drugs, or other supplements. Excess iron and vitamin A are noteworthy examples. Discuss dietary supplements with your medical provider. Spend some time doing research and choose supplements carefully.
For more information about dietary supplements and the liver, check
out
Regular Checkups The silent nature of liver disease is one of the reasons that regular medical check-ups are important. Each physician will tailor their recommendations for each patient, likely ordering regular blood tests and physical exams. Here are some general guidelines: No cirrhosis – minimal fibrosis (Stage 0-early stage 2)
* Annual physical exam No cirrhosis – moderate to severe fibrosis (late stage 2-3)
* Yearly or twice yearly physical exam Cirrhosis (stage 4)
* Regular, more frequent physical exams, depending on severity What You Can Do There are measures you can take to help stave off cirrhosis or live with it if you are already there. Here are some recommendations:
* Abstain from alcohol
Drinking coffee may provide some benefit – specifically the
Cirrhosis is a scary subject but it does not mean that life is over.
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