Hepatitis

(see also Cirrhosis and Liver Problems)

Symptoms

Hepatitis is a liver inflammation. It often begins with flu-like symptoms, which cause intense fatigue and fever. The stomach is upset with loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Soreness just under the right rib cage hints at liver trouble. The yellowing of jaundice is not always present, but when it is, it often indicates a liver problem. Other signs are general symptoms of muscle pain, headaches or an outbreak of hives.

Most hepatitis cases resolve themselves within one to two months, depending on the age and health of the individual and severity of the illness. Convalescence takes some additional time. The most common types of hepatitis are the infectious viral diseases hepatitis A and B. Hepatitis A can be life-threatening, but hepatitis B has a tendency to become chronic, which leads to liver damage.

Hepatitis Causes

The virus causing hepatitis is highly contagious. Hepatitis A is usually spread through contaminated water and food, and from close contact with an infected person. It is more common in underdeveloped countries. Hepatitis B is contagious through direct contact with blood or blood products, as with contaminated needles and blood transfusions. This virus can also be passed on through sexual intercourse. The first symptoms appear many months after contamination with the virus. However, not all forms of hepatitis are viral in origin. Toxic substances can also cause the liver to inflame. Using any substances that burden the liver, such as alcohol or medications, will aggravate the condition.

Hepatitis Nutrition

Begin treatment of hepatitis with two weeks of eating exclusively raw foods to cleanse the liver. Include fresh salads, fruits, juices and water. Black radish juice, artichoke juice made from the flower heads and leaves, and watercress juice are excellent liver tonics. Carrot, spinach, grapefruit, sauerkraut and tomato juice also rejuvenate the liver, detoxify, and restore vitamins and minerals to the body.

Afterward, the diet should be rich in foods which provide water-soluble fiber such as rolled oats or apples. Water-soluble fiber helps eliminate bile acids and toxic bile substances from the intestine. Avoid foods which tax the liver, such as sugar, saturated fats from red meat, heat-damaged fats from fried foods, hydrogenated fats like margarine and shortening, and all processed foods, which invariably contain hydrogenated fats.

Hepatitis Nutritional Supplements

Very high dosages of vitamin C have been reported to act curatively in viral hepatitis. Studies have shown that this vitamin can dramatically improve symptoms of hepatitis within several days to one week. Vitamin C is also effective in helping prevent hepatitis B from spreading in hospitals. Dosages can be raised to bowel tolerance, or until diarrhea occurs.

Vitamin B12 has also improved poor appetite, weight loss and jaundice in viral hepatitis. Recovery time is also reduced. The sublingual tablets are recommended, as these are most easily absorbed by the mucous membranes under the tongue. Folic acid should also be supplemented. Other B vitamins should be added while the liver is functioning poorly.

Daily dosages:

Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg five to ten times daily or once daily as a preventive

Vitamin B12, sublingual tablets, 100 mcg

Folic acid, 400 mcg

Vitamin B complex, 50 mg two to three times daily

Hepatitis Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies provide effective support to the liver and speed healing of this illness.

Milk thistle, dandelion, caledonium, watermint, red clover and wormwood help to protect the liver and its functions. Combine as a tea and take 3 cups daily.

Pour 2 qt. of boiling water over 8 tbsp. of hayflowers. Steep for ten minutes and strain. Soak a linen cloth in this infusion, wring out and place on upper stomach. Cover with a dry wool cloth and repeat, when cold.

Drink 3 cups peppermint and camomile teas daily to alleviate gas and digestive problems.

To relieve diarrhea and increase digestive secretions, mix 4 parts tormentil, 1 part
dandelion, 1 part clubmoss and 1 part wormwood (1part=1 tbsp). Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of this mix, steep for ten minutes, strain and sip slowly. Continue for several weeks. Rest for two weeks and repeat if necessary.

Hepatitis Homeopathy

As there are no traditional medical cures for hepatitis, homeopathy offers a good alternative. A practitioner is more experienced to properly choose a remedy, but one of the following remedies is often helpful. Use the 6c strength, repeating three times daily for up to two weeks. One dose is 2 tablets, dissolved under the tongue.

Aconite is useful if the inflammation is sudden and in the beginning stages, with high fever accompanied by restlessness and anxiety from the rather intense pain.

If there is craving for lots of cold water, which is vomited as soon as it warms up in the stomach, Phosphorus should be used.

Bryonia is a popular remedy for hepatitis. It is particularly useful when each movement, however minimal, brings on a sharp pain, while rest and pressure relieve.

Chelidonium is indicated when the liver pains extend to the right shoulder blade, and when the pain is relieved by eating. Jaundice and bloating are also typical.

Mercurius solubilis is useful in a hepatitis that is worse lying on the right side, and associated with inflamed and swollen gums, increased salivation and bad breath. The person will find he or she is more sensitive to the least change in temperature.

Hepatitis Tissue Salts

Take 4 tablets three times daily under the tongue.

To combat the inflammation, if it is in the acute stage, use Ferr phos. There is typically a fever and vomiting of poorly digested food.

Nat sulph is the principle tissue salt for all liver problems, including hepatitis. Typically, anything tight around the waist cannot be tolerated. The diarrhea is greenish in color and the mouth tastes bitter.

Kali mur is sometimes used for liver troubles. Signs are light-colored stools and constipation. There is a bitter taste in the mouth. If there is vomiting, it is full of white mucus.

Hepatitis External/Physical Therapies

Place warm moist compresses of apple cider vinegar on upper stomach.

Bedrest over a few months is sometimes necessary for full recovery.

Reflexology

Work the reflexes to the liver, adrenals and gall-bladder on the right foot every day for a few minutes, as illustrated.

Hepatitis Available Brand Name Products

Nutritional Supplements

Ascorbate / Non-acidic Vitamin C (Ester-C)

Multi Element Buffered C

(Klaire Laboratories)

Coenzyme Q10 (Natural Factors)

E 400 IU Mixed Tocopherol 100% Natural (Natural Factors)

Hi Potency Multi (Natural Factors)

Super Multi Plus (Natural Factors)

Ultra Multi Plus (Natural Factors)

Herbal Remedies

Schoenenberger Artichoke Cellular Plant Juice (Flora)

Schoenenberger Black Radish Cellular Plant Juice (Flora)

Schoenenberger Liver Cleanse Kit (Flora)

Silymarin Complex (Inno-Vite)

Dandelion Root Extract

(Natural Factors)

LG Cleanse (Natural Factors)

Milk Thistle Phytosome

(Natural Factors)

Artichoke-Power

(Nature's Herbs)

Dandelion Root (Nature's Herbs)

Golden Seal Root

(Nature's Herbs)

Milk Thistle-Power

(Nature's Herbs)

Red Clover (Nature's Herbs)

Liv Select (Sisu)

Milk Thistle Phytosome Complex (Sisu)

Homeopathy

Aconite (Nelsons Homeopathy)

Bryonia (Nelsons Homeopathy)

Mercurius (Nelsons Homeopathy)

Phosphorus

(Nelsons Homeopathy)