Hepatitis Part III - How to Prevent Hepatitis With Foods

As we mentioned in previous articles, 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, medication side effects, and infections. Therefore strengthening your immune system and cleansing your body of toxins become the most important factor in avoiding being infected by hepatitis virus. Here are some foods containing antioxidant and liver cleansing powers:

hepatitis

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.

HEPATITIS

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.

I hope this information will help. If you need more information, please visit my home page at:

Hepatitis Part III - How to Prevent Hepatitis With Foods

HEPATITIS

Lab Testing to Detect Early Signs of Excessive Alcohol Consumption May Prevent Serious Consequences

Alcohol and Liver Damage: Is There a Reliable Screening Test?

Screening for liver damage due to alcohol, some medicines, or other toxins may be difficult. Though acute liver failure is obvious as in mushroom poisoning or Tylenol overdose, often presenting with severe jaundice and nausea. But chronic liver damage may be more insidious. Elevations in liver enzymes tested for in routine lab work may be due to a variety of reasons such as obesity, mild viral illness, or some medicines. But if you are worried that you drink too much alcohol and your liver enzymes are elevated, that's a reliable sign that you are indeed causing real harm to your liver. Liver enzymes rise when they spill from dead or dying liver cells (hepatocytes). If the liver enzymes known as ALT, AST, and GGT are twice normal, it would be advisable to stop drinking for a month and avoid Tylenol completely. Then check them again, if they normalize, it stands to reason you need to curtail your drinking habits or abstain completely. Isolated elevations of GGT are often associated with binge drinking.

ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS

A complete blood count (CBC) can reveal evidence of long-term excessive use of alcohol. Enlarged red blood cells are a symptom of vitamin B-12 and/or folate deficiency. Often the empty calories provided by alcohol combined with alcohol induced inflammation of the gut conspire to deplete nutrients. In fact some of the most disturbing manifestations of excessive alcohol consumption, so-called "wet brain" or Wernike Korsakoff syndrome are due to nutritional deficiency of B vitamins. In "wet brains" a specific part of the brain degenerates (mamillary bodies) and the sufferer is permanently impaired. These folks can speak but they may make no sense at all.

If you find yourself having symptoms of nausea or stomach pain, an Amylase and Lipase level will rule out pancreatitis. If those levels are elevated, it would be wise to stop drinking and see your physician. Pancreatitis can be fatal and chronic pancreatitis is difficult to live with. If those are normal, an H.pylori test may point towards a treatable stomach ulcer.

Screening for chronic cirrhosis (liver fibrosis) can be difficult. Liver damage due to long-term excessive alcohol consumption (alcoholic cirrhosis) can be a fatal condition. I've had patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis and let me say, it is something you want to avoid. But screening tests for cirrhosis may be misleading because if the liver is already damaged extensively, liver function tests may not be elevated. In this case easy bruising or prolonged coagulation tests (PT, PTT) may point towards liver damage. Ultrasound examination of the liver is now performed prior to liver biopsy, which is the gold standard for diagnosis of alcoholic liver disease.

Direct access laboratory testing can help an individual concerned about his or her long-term health avoid some of the most dire manifestations of alcohol abuse. Though many lab tests are not entirely specific for alcohol use, you yourself know what your habits are and with the help of a health professional, may be encouraged to make changes in your habits and lifestyle to prevent serious consequences and maintain excellent health.

To your health,

DrZforLife

Lab Testing to Detect Early Signs of Excessive Alcohol Consumption May Prevent Serious Consequences

ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS

Hepatitis Part III - How to Prevent Hepatitis With Foods

As we mentioned in previous articles, 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, medication side effects, and infections. Therefore strengthening your immune system and cleansing your body of toxins become the most important factor in avoiding being infected by hepatitis virus. Here are some foods containing antioxidant and liver cleansing powers:

hepatitis

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.

HEPATITIS

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.

I hope this information will help. If you need more information, please visit my home page at:

Hepatitis Part III - How to Prevent Hepatitis With Foods

HEPATITIS

Liver Damage - Natural Remedies To Prevent And Treat Cirrhosis

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, cirrhosis and chronic
liver disease is the 11th leading cause of death. As per their latest data
published in 2006 - there were over 26,500 deaths in the US alone for 2004.

The liver is a vital organ that filters pollutants from the blood, maintains
glucose levels, assists in blood clotting, stores vitamins, processes fats and
produces urea among hundreds of other functions. Cirrhosis occurs when the liver's
tissues get scarred due to alcohol abuse, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, drugs and
chemicals, blocked bile ducts, genetic disorders such as haemochromatosis, Alpha-1
antitrypsin deficiency, Wilson disease, galactosemia, and glycogen storage
diseases.

ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS

Steps to treat and prevent cirrhosis:

1. Abstain from alcohol - Alcohol abuse is the single most important reason for
liver damage. Up to 100 percent of heavy drinkers show evidence of fatty liver,
about 10 to 35 percent develop alcoholic hepatitis, and 10 to 20 percent develop
cirrhosis. (Ref: Grant, B.F.; Dufour, M.C.; & Harford, T.C. Epidemiology of
alcoholic liver disease. Seminars in Liver Disease 8(1):12-25, 1988.)

2. Change your diet - Reduce sodium in your diet drastically. Avoid canned and
packaged foods. Use salt sparingly while cooking and seasoning. Eat several small
meals a day. Take adequate protein. Reduce fat. Blood sugar levels may be too high
or too low. Eating carbohydrates in moderation at every meal will help to control
blood sugar levels. You must be well nourished as liver damage can cause you to
inadequately process nutrients and lose weight.

3. Herbal Remedies - Milk Thistle is recommended as a herbal remedy for liver
damage. In addition the ayurvedic formulation Liv 52 is also well known for
detoxification and liver support in cirrhotic and pre-cirrhotic conditions. Its
ingredients include Capers (Capparis spinosa), Wild chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Negro coffee (Cassia occidentalis), Yarrow (Achillea
millefolium), Tamarisk (Tamarix gallica)

Liver Damage - Natural Remedies To Prevent And Treat Cirrhosis

ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS

Hepatitis Part VI - How to Prevent Hepatitis With Nutrition

As we mentioned in previous articles, 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, medication side effects, and infections. Beside foods, nutrition also plays an important role in preventing and treating hepatitis.

hepatitis

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.

HEPATITIS

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.

I hope this information will help. If you need more information, please visit my home page at:

Hepatitis Part VI - How to Prevent Hepatitis With Nutrition

HEPATITIS

Hepatitis A - How to Prevent It

Hepatitis A is a very highly contagious infection of a person's liver and it is caused by a virus. It isn't considered as dangerous as other viral types of Hepatitis, but it does cause severe pain and inflammation that affects the human liver's abilities to function properly.

hepatitis

The most likely way of contracting Hepatitis A is through food or water that has been in close contact with someone who has already been infected. People that are infected may appear to be normal while not knowing that they are already sick from the virus. It is said that some people don't even develop any signs or symptoms, while others may feel like they have a severe case of the 'flu.

HEPATITIS

Some symptoms of Hepatitis A are fatigue, nausea, dark urine, muscle pains and itching. Some people even experience their skin changing to a yellowish color, also know as "jaundice". It is said that you can have the virus for a month or more before you even start noticing any types of symptoms. But, when they do appear, they come suddenly, which makes people feel like they are coming down with a case of the 'flu.

Some of the likeliest ways of contracting Hepatitis A are traveling to or working in places that are at high risk, from involvement with sexually active gay men or using drugs, whether injected or non-injected . Blood transfusions can also present a risk and have been widely blamed for some cases. Some people have been known to contract the virus from working in a research type setting with the virus present.

Practicing good hygiene is one of the best ways to protect yourself, together with avoidance of high risk situations. However, the safest way to avoid contracting the virus is to get a vaccine shot, or immune globulin. Immune globulin is said to only protect you for a short time, while the actual vaccine can protect you for up to twenty years or more. Another type of vaccine known as Twinrix is specifically designed for people who are eighteen years or older. Twinrix is said to be just as effective as the regular vaccines HAV and HAB. But it is noted that some side effects are included with this shot. Soreness around the injection area, headaches and fatigue often follow after the shot although such side effects are usually gone with a 48 hour time frame. Following all safety precautions when traveling to a foreign region is also a must, remembering to always peel and wash any fruit or vegetables before eating and avoiding uncooked food.

There is really no specific treatment for Hepatitis A. People are advised to receive adequate nutrition, so they can avoid any type of permanent liver damage. When nausea is a problem, they are advised to eat small snacks throughout the period instead of large meals which could make them sick. Easily digested foods are the safest bet. It is said that people who are infected usually tolerate food better in the morning than later in the day. Doctors generally advise their patients to avoid drinking alcohol at all costs during the main phases of the virus. Even after full recovery, they are told not to mix alcohol with any type of medication, mainly Tylenol, because this can cause major damage to the liver.

Experts say that sufferers should regain their energy after the signs and symptoms disappear. The liver should also heal within one or two months. It is noted that some people experience relapses over six to nine month periods.

Hepatitis A - How to Prevent It

HEPATITIS

How To Prevent Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a very common disease that can cause a lot of damage to your liver. In cases of viral hepatitis, there are some ways of prevention, but this generally speaking.

hepatitis

The most important thing to if you do not want to get infected with hepatitis is to keep a very good hygiene of your body and try to avoid living in crowded homes and most of all in unhealthy conditions. Because the viral hepatitis is mostly spread in the water, be very careful when travelling to places of the world where the quality of the water is uncertain. To avoid getting yourself infected with hepatitis, take care what you drink, where you bathe. If you are a seafood fan, be careful not to eat shellfish from waters that might be contaminated from the swage system. You can risk getting infected with hepatitis virus. Wash your hand every time after using the toilet and be careful not to eat with your hand dirty if you do not want to develop hepatitis. If, unfortunately somebody that you live with has developed hepatitis, clean all things that person with hepatitis has used.

HEPATITIS

Another common way to get infected with hepatitis is through needles that have been infected with hepatitis. This is mostly common in people who use drugs and in some medical procedure in less developed countries. Therefor, it is very good to let people know what risks they expose themselves, including hepatitis, when using intravenous drugs. Sexual contact can also be a cause for hepatitis infection, so teens should be educated accordingly.

In cases of hepatitis A, there are vaccines available. This vaccine is mostly recommended to people who travel a lot or have other liver problems, besides hepatitis. Furthermore, if those people have jobs that include contact with children or with many people, like in hospitals, the hepatitis vaccine is very indicated. There is available a vaccine for hepatitis B as well, which is a very good news in what hepatitis risk is concerned. Unfortunately, such a vaccine does not exist when hepatitis C is concerned. Studies on animals have shown that hepatitis C does not provoke the response that is needed for the vaccine to have any effect. If you contact the hepatitis virus, depending on what type of hepatitis you have, there are incubation periods. In hepatitis A, it lasts about one month, in hepatitis B from 4 to about 20 weeks and the longest is in hepatitis C, between two and twenty six weeks.

How To Prevent Hepatitis

HEPATITIS