The Implications of Alcohol Use among Patients with Hepatitis C

Despite the fact that long-term alcohol use is a known cause of liver diseases such as liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, a series of recent studies upon this matter have identified additional aspects regarding the impact of alcohol consumption among patients with hepatitis C. The main purpose of the recently conducted studies was to reveal the way alcohol use interferes in the treatment of hepatitis C. Another aim of the studies was to identify other effects of alcohol abuse on the health of patients diagnosed with liver disease.

The most conclusive study upon the implications of alcohol abuse on hepatitis C treatments and therapies has revealed various interesting facts. The study involved the participation of 4061 subjects diagnosed with hepatitis C and confronted with drinking problems. Among the total number of 4061 study participants, around 700 had just started to receive the treatment of hepatitis C at the date of the study. The participants were asked to respond to several questions structured in questionnaires. The questions covered many different aspects regarding the drinking habits of the respondents: the frequency of alcohol use and the quantities consumed, the existence of any drinking problems in the past or present, the period of time over which the subjects had been confronted with drinking problems, when the subjects had first started to use alcohol, recent / past unpleasant experiences with alcohol consumption, etc.

First of all, the study results have revealed the fact that alcohol use (in the past or over the period of the last 12 months) among patients with hepatitis C greatly reduced the chances of becoming eligible candidates for receiving hepatitis C medical treatments. Persons confronted with drinking problems (alcohol addicts) have always been considered inappropriate candidates for hepatitis C specific therapies and treatments due to the following reasons: frequent alcohol use is known to decrease the efficiency of hepatitis C treatments; persons who have suffered from alcohol dependency in the past may have developed a range of conditions that render them unable to tolerate hepatitis C treatments and therapies.

According to the study's findings, consumption of alcohol in the past didn't influence the efficacy of the hepatitis C treatments received by the subjects or their treatment interruption rate. However, recent alcohol use was correlated with considerably higher treatment interruption rates. The team of researchers has concluded that the eligibility for hepatitis C therapies and treatments was considerably reduced among both categories of past and recent drinkers. Furthermore, recent use of alcohol was correlated with higher treatment interruption rates. The most surprising finding of the recently performed study consists in the equal response to hepatitis C treatments of both categories of recent drinkers and nondrinkers. This interesting result suggests the fact that the efficacy of hepatitis C treatments is not strongly influenced by alcohol consumption.

Causes Of Enlarged Liver

Before listing and describing the causes of enlarged liver, will be useful to define what an enlarged liver is and explain why it is a dangerous liver condition.

Enlarged liver is not really a disease itself, but it's an indication or symptom of some other health threat. Any number of disorders can cause the liver to become irritated and inflamed, and this inflammation causes the liver to swell to an abnormal size. Doctors use the medical term hepatomegaly when this happens.

Here are some disorders of the liver itself that contribute to enlargement.

Cirrhosis - Often called cirrhosis of the liver, although adding the words "of the liver" is unnecessary. Cirrhosis generally results from drinking too much alcohol. Alcohol is a toxin that destroys liver cells and leads to scarring, which causes inflammation.

Hepatitis - There are a number of ways you can get hepatitis, and there are many different forms of the disease. In the majority of cases, it's caused by a virus which is designated by a letter of the alphabet. This means you can have hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, etc. But hepatitis can also be caused by overuse of medications, vitamins and supplements. There is furthermore a form of hepatitis known as alcohol-induced hepatitis.

Fatty liver disease - Fat builds up in the liver, interfering with liver function and causing inflammation. This is an extremely common liver condition which has recently overtaken cirrhosis as the number one liver disorder.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease - This disease has the same effect on the liver as hepatitis and cirrhosis, but occurs in those who drink little alcohol.

Wilson's disease - When you have Wilson's disease, there's too much copper building up in your liver, brain and other organs of the body. Your body needs copper, but too much copper can cause irreversible liver damage.

Polycystic liver disease - Multiple cysts grow in the liver, which causes hardening of the liver tissue. As more cysts grow, the liver gets bigger.

Obstruction of the gall bladder or bile ducts, and blockage of veins that drain the liver.

Certain common infections like mononucleosis and malaria may also contribute to causing an enlarged liver.

Noncancerous liver tumors - These usually these don't cause symptoms and are harmless. Treatment is rarely needed.

Liver cancer - Of course, this is an extremely serious and life-threatening disease that also causes liver enlargement

There are a lot of other diseases and conditions not related to the liver itself that are causes of liver enlargement. Metastatic cancer, which is cancer that spreads to the liver from another part of the body, contributes to liver enlargement, as do leukemia and lymphoma.

Heart and blood vessel issues are among the most frequent causes of enlarged liver. Problems that reduce circulation cause organ problems of all sorts, especially in the liver.

Certain common infections like mononucleosis and malaria may also contribute to causing an enlarged liver.

You can lower your risk of hepatomegaly by following some simple rules.

Avoid alcohol completely if you can. But if you choose to drink, do so moderately. Never take medications when you drink.

Make sure you only take the recommended dose of medications and drugs. Be especially careful when taking multiple medications simultaneously. Consult your doctor about any herbal supplements and vitamins you take. Some of these can damage the liver. Certain combination's can be dangerous, especially vitamins A, D, E and K

Handle aerosol cleaning products, insecticides and other toxic chemicals carefully. Make sure you use them only in a well-ventilated area. These may damage liver cells.

Above all, eat a heart-healthy, low-fat diet and exercise regularly. Doing so will not only keep your heart in great shape, but will also help you avoid the causes of enlarged liver.

The Pros and Cons of Using Marijuana with Hepatitis C

Chronic Hepatitis C is a disease that deserves more attention than it's currently receiving from both the medical community and the public. Compared to well known diseases such as HIV/AIDS, this potentially fatal liver disease gets very little notice. Hepatitis C needs to be sent to the forefront in the medical world, especially since more than 170 million people worldwide have already been infected, and the rate of infection continues to increase. Medical marijuana, primarily used to help relieve the harsh side effects of Western medicine's standard treatments, has been somewhat of a hot topic in the medical community lately, with valid arguments from both sides of the field. In the case of Hepatitis C, it can help alleviate the unbearable side effects for those currently undergoing a round of Interferon therapy.

Genotype 1 is the most common type of HCV in the United States. However, it has the lowest success rate with Interferon therapy, meaning re-treatment may be necessary for some. One possible reason for a low success rate is that many people can't complete their treatment due to the side effects they experience, such as headaches, fatigue, and severe depression. Although it has no affect on the virus, medical marijuana may be able to reduce the severity of these symptoms, thus helping more people finish treatment.

Those who are against the use of medical marijuana point to its ability to damage their liver further, which may negate any positive results of treatment.

Regardless of which side of this issue you're on, there's no denying the results of numerous studies that show the positive, therapeutic benefits that medical marijuana can have on a patient with chronic liver disease. The opportunity to complete HCV treatment without being in severe pain and discomfort during treatment is something many patients would look forward to. This controversial treatment is already being used in some states for cancer patients and those infected with HIV.

To learn more about the pros and cons of using medical marijuana to enhance the benefit of Interferon treatment for Hepatitis C, read this entire article here.

Death from Liver Disease

The liver is a very important organ that performs a variety of functions in the human body. Being a large organ, the liver can cope with small damages. If the damage is left untreated, it can worsen the condition of the liver and prevent it from functioning. Severe damage to the liver can result in liver failure and death. Some of the conditions that can lead to death from liver disease are alcoholism, liver cancer, cirrhosis, and viral hepatitis.

Alcoholism

Prolonged use of alcohol can cause a variety of mental and physical conditions. Consumption of alcohol affects the liver and other organs. There are three stages of alcoholic liver disease. First, a fatty liver develops in heavy drinkers. Liver functions do not deteriorate at this stage and this condition can be reversed if alcohol is not consumed. The second stage is alcoholic hepatitis where the patient may develop jaundice. The effects can be reversed at this stage if further consumption of alcohol is stopped and treatment is taken. The final stage is cirrhosis of the liver, which is irreversible and severely damages the liver. As a result, functions of the liver are affected, and a person's life span is also reduced.

Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is usually a secondary development. Tumors of the lung, colon, pancreas, or stomach can spread to the liver. Tumors of the liver are either benign or malignant. Malignant, or cancerous, tumors of the liver are of two kinds - hepatoma and cholangiocarcinoma. A hepatoma is a tumor that grows in the liver and invades normal tissue. Cholangiocarcinoma is cancer of the bile duct cells. Advanced stages of liver cancer lead to death.

Cirrhosis

Scarring of normal tissue and inflammation of the liver leads to cirrhosis. It is one of the top ten diseases in the world that causes death.

Viral Hepatitis

Any of the following viruses can affect the liver and cause death: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, Hepatitis E, and Hepatitis X. Among these types A, B and C are the main types of viral hepatitis. Around 40-60% of liver disease deaths are due to Hepatitis.

A Traveller's Guide to Hepatitis A

There are several types of hepatitis (hep) viruses and this article is just about hepatitis A (or hep A). One of the main causes of infection is bad hygiene so it is vital to wash your hands after using the toilet as the hepatitis A virus is passed in the bowel motions of an infected person.

In many developing countries, because of its source, drinking water may be contaminated with the virus. Because of this it is important to not only be extra careful when drinking fluids, but to also think about other things that may have come into contact with water so food that has been cooked and is still hot is generally safer, and try to avoid fruit, vegetables and other uncooked foods as they may have been washed in water that contains the virus.

Hepatitis A symptoms

Usually between 15-50 days after becoming infected with the virus, (quite often when the holiday is over), infected people can show signs of the early symptoms:

Hep A symptoms can include:

• Body weakness


• Weight loss/loss of appetite


• Nausea


• Temperature over 38°C (100.4°F)

This may be followed by jaundice symptom of liver infection), where the skin whites of the eye appear yellow. Recovery can take a month in young people. Some people however are ill for much longer and upto 2% of those people over 50 who are infected will die.

If you think you have any of the signs or symptoms of hepatitis A then you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

If you have been advised to take the hepatitis A vaccine you should measure the risk and cost of the hepatitis A vaccine against the potential risk of catching the disease.

Hepatitis A vaccination can be given alone, or with hepatitis B or typhoid. A travel health expert will be able to let you know which vaccine is the most suitable for you and your trip and whether you need to return to get a booster.

Hepatitis A protection summary

• To get the best protection from the disease you should try and get vaccinated 2 months before you leave for your travels


• Ensure you have washed your hands after using the toilet, especially if you are about to eat


• Only drink water from a sealed bottle or water that has been through a good quality filter or where tablets or boiling procedures have taken place


• Avoid raw food and shellfish (uncooked)


• Freshly cooked and still hot food is safer

3 Liver Damage Symptoms And Tips To Help Promote Liver Health For Greater Vitality

So you want to know some liver damage symptoms? Well they are several simple health issues that indicate liver damage. You just have to know what to look out for.

The liver is a very important body organ that carries out vital jobs to keep you in tip-top health. The liver is a metabolically active organ that performs the following jobs:

• Excretion of bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones and drugs
• Synthesis of plasma proteins such as albumin and other clotting factors
• Bile production and excretion
• Storage of glycogen, vitamins and minerals
• Blood detoxification and purification
• Enzyme activation
• Metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates

In fact the liver carriers out over 500 body functions in total. Therefore it is vitally important that the liver is in good shape. So let's look into liver damage symptoms.

Fatigue and Tiredness

The first liver damage symptom we are going to look at is the fact you feel tired all the time and have no get up and go. This happens because the liver processes proteins. If the liver is unable to do this properly due to poor liver health then it leads to tiredness because the protein turns into harmful toxins if left unprocessed.

Stomach Cramps and Indigestion

This is often also combined with the other liver damage symptoms of constipation, vomiting and intolerance of fatty foods (e.g. muffins, pies and chips). The problem is bile production. When your liver is in poor health bile production suffers which is essential for the digestion process.

When your liver is in poor health you will feel bloated and have a lack of appetite. Please note though that there may be other reasons for indigestion so don't assume it is a liver health problem.

Are The Eyes Yellow?

If your eyes are yellow then this maybe a symptom of liver damage. The medical term for this condition is jaundice and it is a sign of poor liver health. What happens is the liver also breaks down hemoglobin and when it does so it produces a yellow substance called bilirubin.

When the liver is damaged it builds up in this vital organ unable to move to other body parts. The result is a yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Tips To Help You Combat Liver Damage Symptoms

To help your liver the best place to start is to improve your eating habits. Increase your intake of vegetables and fruits that contain vitamin C and those high in antioxidants.

Foods you should avoid include those that are greasy and oily plus don't overdo the dairy products. Fried foods and animal skins should be eaten in moderation too. If you consume too much fat it will cause your liver to be overloaded and not work properly.

Drink Plenty of Water

You need to keep yourself hydrated which means drinking plenty of water every day. You need to avoid drinks that are full of additives, preservatives, sugar and chemicals. Plus this may seem pretty obvious but guys and gals don't overdo the alcohol either.

In Summary

Now to close there are some obvious liver damage symptoms that we have highlighted here and we have given you some pointers to help you combat liver damage symptoms. A lot of this is just common sense but if you need a helping hand then there are several all herbal liver cleanse products that can help.

Liver Cancer - Causes and Treatment

Liver cancer arises as a result of liver cells showing abnormal growth. Liver cells make up 80% of liver tissues. Thus the liver cancer occurs because of the sudden and improper growth in liver cells. Within our body liver is the largest organ. Liver is divided into right lobe and left lobe.

The causes of this cancer are found to be; HBV (Hepatitis B virus) infection, which is primary cause for this cancer. HCV (Hepatitis C virus) infection is also responsible for the this type of cancer, alcohol consumption, aflatoxin B1 (it is a chemical) present in some food that has been stored in hot and humid environment,

The common symptoms of this cancer are; unexpected weight loss, abdominal pain, jaundice.

Liver cancer can be diagnosed by blood test; a normal blood test won't provide that much of details. An abnormal blood test caused by the production of hormones by the cancer cells. If this test shows high red blood count, low sugar, and high blood calcium, then the patient has to be suffering from this cancer, a high quantity of cholesterol content can be a reason too.

The treatment depends on stage of the disease and age of the patient who undergoes treatment. To attain permanent cure, liver transplantation is only way. Now -a -days, many medical practitioners may argue that for a small tumor transplantation is not necessary, but the possibility of getting completely cured lies in liver transplantation. Even after the removal of the tumor, if we maintain the same liver, there is a possibility of liver cancer to occur again.

Some natural alternative treatment for liver cancer are; raw beet juice, bitter melon, cur cumin and bee pollen can be useful in preventing from this cancer.

Cholestatic Liver Disease

The term "cholestasis" literally means "standing still of bile." When the flow of bile in your body is disrupted, anicteric cholestasis levels in the body will rise. Middle-aged women over the age of 40 are the ones who usually suffer from the chronic type of cholestatic liver disease. This type of disease is called "primary biliary cirrhosis."

Diagnosis

About 90 percent of patients diagnosed with primary biliary cirrhosis are women over the age of 40. Women living in northern Europe tend to be more susceptible to this disease compared to women in other parts of the world. Women in Japan have the lowest rate of diagnosed cases of this disease.

The diagnosis of cholestatic liver disease is based on a combination of many findings and tests. Some of these factors include findings of cholestatic liver enzymes, a positive anti-mitochondrial antibody, and characteristic liver biopsy. The most common laboratory finding is the detection of elevated serum alkaline phosphates of liver origin. The presence of anti-mitochondrial antibody is the most characteristic laboratory finding in cholestatic liver disease. Over 95 percent of all who suffer from this disease will test positive for anti-mitochondrial antibody.

Signs and Symptoms

Fatigue is the most common symptom of this disorder. Seventy to eighty percent of all the patients suffering from this disease experience this symptom. However, fatigue is generally not an indication of the severity of this disorder. As the disorder progresses, other symptoms may arise, such as hypertension. As the disorder progresses even more, the ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins will continue to decrease. As the disorder progresses further, autoimmune disorders will begin to develop. For example, a patient with this disease may begin to develop an autoimmune thyroid disease, as well as an inflammatory bowel disease once this disorder is left to progress.

Symptoms Of A Swollen Liver

Swollen liver is a commonly used term for a liver that has grown to an abnormal size. It can also be called an enlarged liver. The medical term is hepatomegaly. A swollen liver is not considered to be a disease, but is rather a symptom of some underlying disorder like cirrhosis, hepatitis, fatty liver disease or cancer.

Typically, there are no swollen liver symptoms until the disease or condition that causes swelling reaches a serious stage. By then, significant liver damage has probably occurred. If symptoms are ignored or left untreated at this point, liver failure could eventually become a reality. Liver failure is fatal without a liver transplant.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described below, tell your doctor about them right away. He or she alone is qualified to make a diagnosis. The information presented here is intended solely to give you a basic and introductory knowledge of the symptoms of liver swelling so you can discuss them with your doctor.

Once again, if the liver is only slightly swollen, there are likely to be no symptoms whatsoever. But if the liver is grossly swollen, several symptoms may appear that point to liver trouble.

Jaundice is the most prominent of these. Jaundice occurs because of an abnormal build up of a bile pigment known as bilirubin in the blood. This accumulation of bilirubin causes the skin and the whites of the eyes to look yellow.

Senses of sight and smell may be heightened when you have a swollen liver. Smells that never bothered you before can suddenly become unpleasant - even offensive. Patients with liver problems often report especially strong reactions to certain chemical smells like household cleaners and insecticides.

Another swollen liver symptom that doesn't typically occur with other diseases is a distressing sensitivity to light. This is known as photophobia. It should be noted that unlike many other phobias, photophobia isn't a fear of light so much as it is a physical reaction to light that hurts the eyes. Photophobia can be a symptom of other problems, but when combined with other signs of liver swelling, it often helps confirm a diagnosis.

Someone with a swollen liver is also likely to experience occasional, even frequent feelings of fullness in the lower stomach and upper abdominal areas. This can happen even though the patient eats very little, and in fact, has an unusual lack of interest in food and eating. A reduced appetite is a common sign of liver swelling.

Painful muscles and joints are typical too. Someone who is getting older could easily mistake these symptoms for the onset of arthritis.

There are likely to be noticeable changes in bowel movements. When you have a swollen liver, you may experience bouts of either diarrhea or constipation. The color of your urine will also probably change, becoming dark or cloudy.

If you have a persistent cough even though you have no symptoms of a respiratory infection or allergies, it could be a symptom of a swollen liver. Keep in mind however, that if you're taking a blood pressure medication you may have a mild but persistent cough as a side effect. Fatigue and a feeling of constant weariness are symptoms of liver swelling too. These may sometimes be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and an occasional fever.

Certain liver disorders or conditions are considered to be signs of a swollen liver. They include:

• cholestasis, a condition that occurs when bile flowing from the liver is obstructed,


• portal hypertension, or high blood pressure in the portal vein, which transports blood between the intestines and the liver,


• ascites, which is an accumulation of fluids in the abdominal area, and


• liver encephalopathy, which causes reduced brain function due to an accumulation of toxic substances in the body that are normally removed by the liver.

If you have a swollen liver that's in the early stages, the only way to tell is through testing. Your doctor can suggest liver function tests that can liver swelling long before any physical symptoms appear. Such tests can be a valuable tool for ensuring that your liver is healthy - and a signal that you need to make some lifestyle changes or get treatment if it is not.

Treatment of Hepatitis A-B-C - Which is Done Naturally - Can Cure the Disease!

So, you are probably looking for a treatment of hepatitis. Don't worry - although hepatitis is a viral disease, we can cure it, by enabling your body to fight off the infection - read on to learn more.

What do I mean by saying it's a viral disease? Well, there are many scientific publications on whether or not viruses are a living organism. When they are outside of the body, and not active, they have a crystal form, and do not resemble anything living. But they do have a DNA, which they inject into the cells they attack, making the cell produce more viruses with the same DNA. Let's not bore you with the scientific reasons - in short, currently we have no way of directly treating viral diseases. Even the common cold. The disease just takes it's course, and the body treat's it itself.

And that's what Australian researchers have been working on - developing a treatment of hepatitis, based on that. The strange thing is, only 2-3% of people, who have come in contact with the hepatitis virus, develop the disease. That's what the treatment of hepatitis they discovered, is based on. Somehow the body of the people who didn't contract the disease, was able to fight the viruses off. So, if we can supply the body of a person who already has hepatitis, whether it's a, b or c, with the proper tools, it can fight off the disease, and get rid of the virus. That's an oversimplification, but generally speaking - The researchers have been able to discover a simple treatment, which is all natural, and anyone can apply it to get rid of the hepatitis disease.

The medical industry is yet to catch on, and start distributing it, but lets face it - why would they want to do that, when they can keep you on the symptom-relieving drugs which supposedly slow down the multiplication of the viruses. Not to mention the health hazard they resemble to other vital organs of the body.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

The hepatitis B virus, also known as HBV, is a very serious disease. This article is going to tell you a little bit about the disease and vaccine. If you know little about hepatitis, this article should give you some insight on the hepatitis B virus and the vaccine.

How is hepatitis B spread or how does a person get it? Hepatitis B is spread through contact with bodily fluids and the blood of an infected individual. You can hepatitis B through sexual contact and sharing needles when a person injects themselves with illegal drugs. If you work in the medical field, you can get hepatitis B if you are accidentally stuck with a needle on the job. Pregnant mothers can also pass the virus to their unborn child while in the womb.

What are the long term affects of hepatitis B? Hepatitis B can cause chronic illnesses that usually turn into liver damage or cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer and/or death.

An estimated 1.25 million Americans in the United States get infected chronically with hepatitis B. The highest percentage of people who have hepatitis B are from the ages of 20 to 49 years of age. New infections of hepatitis B have declined since the 1980's due to the hepatitis B vaccine. New infections each year used to top 260,000 individuals, and has dropped to approximately 80,000 over the past 20 years. An estimated 4,000 to 5,000 people die from hepatitis each year.

Everyone under 18 years old should get the hepatitis vaccine, and those older than 18 years old should get the vaccine if they are at risk of getting the virus. If you have not had the hepatitis B vaccine, and you are at risk for getting hepatitis B, you should really consider getting the vaccine. You are at risk for getting hepatitis B if you have more than one sexual partner in a 6 month period. You are at risk for getting hepatitis B if you are a man that has sex with other men, or if you have sex with a man that had had sex with another man. You are at risk if you inject illegal drugs or have sexual encounters with infected people. You are also at risk if you work in a health care facility, if you work in public safety, or if are a hemodialysis patient.

The hepatitis B vaccine is usually given in 3 doses, however there are a few exceptions. Infants under six months of age should not be given the 3rd dose because it can reduce the long-term protection of the vaccine. Youth from the ages to 11 and 15 years of age may also only need two doses about 4-6 months apart.

There are some people who should not get the vaccine. You should not get the vaccine if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to baker's yeast, or if you have taken the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine and had a bad reaction to it. If you are even moderately ill, you should wait until you recover before you get the vaccine.

Are there any risks, and if so, what are they? Like any vaccine there is a risk of allergic reaction, but the risk of it causing serious harm or being fatal is almost unheard of. If you think about it, getting the hepatitis B vaccine is much safer than getting the hepatitis B virus. The majority of people who get the vaccine never have a problem with it. One out of eleven children and one out of 4 adults have soreness where the shot was actually given, which which only lasts a day or two. One out of fourteen children and one out of one hundred adults get a mild fever. Severe allergic reactions are extremely rare.

If you think you are having a reaction to the hepatitis vaccine, you should look for high fever and/or unusual behavior. If you were to have a serious reaction to the vaccine, it should happen within a few minutes to a few hours after getting the hepatitis B vaccine. Some other signs to look for are difficulty breathing, wheezing, hives, pale skin color, fast heart beat, dizziness and/or weakness. If you show any of these symptoms and think you are having a reaction to the vaccine, you should call your doctor and tell him that you have had the vaccine and think you are having a reaction to it.

Did you know there is a National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program? If you or your child are have a serious reaction to a vaccine, there is a federal program that will help you pay for medical care resulting from a vaccine. To contact the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, you can call 1-800-338-2382 or you can go to their website at http://www.hrsa.gov/osp/vicp .

Why Antioxidants Are Important For Hepatitis C Patients

For anyone living with Hepatitis C, supporting your liver in every way possible with the intent to slow the progression of the disease is vital. A healthy diet rich in antioxidants is one easy and effective way you can achieve this goal.

A biproduct of the cellular oxidation witnessed when a substance is broken down, free radicals are negatively charged electrons that are no longer attached to atoms. This creates a chemical instability capable of damaging the walls of cells as well the genetic materials contained within them. Antioxidants combat this process by reducing the damage caused by free radicals.

Studies have shown that oxidation plays a large role in the advancement of liver disease, alternately, various studies showed the far-ranging benefits of antioxidants, making them vitally important to halting the progression of liver disease. From reducing inflammation of the liver as well as the oxidative stress of Hepatitis C to slowing the progression of cirrhosis, antioxidants have proven to be a highly effective addition to the health regimen of anyone with a compromised liver. In fact, evidence suggests that antioxidants impair HCV replication, improve liver enzyme levels and help to protect against liver cell damage. All of these benefits help make the most common medical treatment, interferon anti-viral therapy more effective.

Antioxidants are also easily accessible, found in many brightly colored vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, kale and spinach as well as some of our favorite fruits like strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, melons, mangos and apricots. You'll also find them in the form of easy to take supplements, however they are most easily absorbed from food sources.

The research showing the tremendous benefit that can be garnered by simply incorporating antioxidants into your diet should not be ignored. The research showing the tremendous benefit that can be garnered by simply incorporating antioxidants into your diet should not be ignored. Learn more about how antioxidants can help those suffering with Hepatitis C by reading the full article here

Hepatitis C Treatment May Use Homeopathic Or Antiviral Drugs

All hepatitis conditions affect the liver: inflammatory cells are present in the tissue of the organ. Acute hepatitis lasts for less than six months. The disease is classed as chronic if it lasts for longer than that. Although some hepatitis conditions are caused by toxins (some medications and plants, but especially alcohol), most are caused by one of the hepatitis viruses. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) was first identified in 1987. It is now thought that almost 300 million people are infected world wide with hepatitis C. Hepatitis C treatment usually requires antiviral drugs such as Pegasys, PEG-Intron and ribavirin. Homeopathic treatments are also available, which can show reduction in the viral load, without side effects associated with the antiviral treatment.

Most cases of hepatitis are caused by viruses, which include hepatitis types A-E. The existence of hepatitis C (HCV) was first suspected in the 1970s, and the virus was definitively identified in 1987. It is now believed that 300 million people are infected around the world.

HCV is transmitted by blood to blood contact. Blood transfusion, unsterilized needles and other medical equipment, blood contact (during sport) and sexual contact are all possible routes of infection. In developing countries medical procedures can be poor by Western standards, and many infections occur via unsterilized needle and blood products.

In the US, and other developed countries, good medical practice, and blood donor screening make transmission during medical procedures quite rare. However a great many people were infected before the virus was identified, and effectively screened for during blood donations.

In developed countries the common infection routes are via infected needles being shared by drug users, and non-sterilized equipment being used for tattoos and body piercings. Sexual contact is possible but fairly uncommon: normally it will only occur if there is also another STD present with open sores.

Acute hepatitis is the initial stage, lasting for six months. In more than half the cases there are no symptoms, and if there are symptoms they can be very general, flu-like and non-specific. Other symptoms which may occur include jaundice, abdominal pain, and itching. This means diagnosis rarely happens during the acute phase.

Hepatitis infections lasting over 6 months are called chronic hepatitis. Often there are no symptoms, and the disease is not uncovered until a routine medical check, such as might occur during pregnancy, or when applying to become a blood donor. Although symptomless, the disease is causing liver scarring, eventually leading to fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Due to the short time (about 20 years) in which hepatitis C has been studied, there are differing opinions about the long term prognosis for patients. Some estimates say that two thirds will develop cirrhosis within 30 years if the disease is left untreated, but other estimates are much lower than this.

In some cases the chronic infection will clear itself without any treatment, but in most cases hepatitis C treatment will be required. At the moment a combination of the antiviral drugs Pegasys, PEG-Intron and ribavirin are usually prescribed. Treatment lasts between 24 and 48 weeks depending on the specific HCV genotype. Treatment can be physically difficult, especially for those with a history of drug and alcohol abuse. In some cases patients can register as disabled during the treatment period. Homeopathic treatments are also available, which can show reduction in the viral load, without side effects associated with the antiviral treatment.

Infectious Hepatitis In Dogs

Infectious hepatitis in dogs is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted only to dogs. It is not the same hepatitis found in man. It primarily affects the liver, lining of the blood vessels and the kidneys. It can cause liver disease in dogs.

The symptoms of canine hepatitis range from those of mild or subclinical infection at one extreme to a rapidly fatal one at the other. It is difficult to distinguish the disease from distemper at times.

The virus multiples in the dog's tissues a few days after it is exposed and is shed in his tool, urine and saliva. During this stage, the disease is most contagious. It is spread to other dogs coming into contact with the sick dog or its urine, saliva and stool. Dogs that have recovered and convalescent dogs may shed the virus in the urine for months.

The most severe cases occur in young puppies during the first few months of life. Dogs of all ages are susceptible.

In the fatal fulminating form, the dog suddenly becomes ill, develops bloody diarrhea, collapses and dies. Puppies can die suddenly without obvious signs of the illness.

Hepatitis signs in the dog are a high fever, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting blood. He refuses to eat and movement is painful. He may exhibit a tucked up belly which is caused by painful swelling of the liver. Liver failure may occur. Light hurts his eyes and he may squint and tear a lot. Bleeding beneath the gums and under the skin, tonsillitis, and yellowing of the whites of the eyes may occur. This is the acute stage.

In mild cases, the dog simply appears lethargic or below his normal condition. You will notice a loss of appetite. A blood test is needed to help make a diagnosis.

About 25 percent of dogs develop a characteristic clouding of the cornea of one or both eyes after the acute symptoms have subsided. It clears spontaneously in a few days in most dogs. If the disease persists, it should be treated by a veterinarian. Rarely does the eye remain permanently clouded.

Blue eye can occur after a hepatitis vaccination. This only occurs in a small percentage of dogs.

The disease can be prevented by proper vaccinations. Vaccinations must be kept current in the dog.

All types of hepatitis are not caused by the canine adenovirus type one virus. This is known as idiopathic or periportal hepitatis. This type of hepatitis is of unknown origin and occurs in dogs that are at least five to six years of age, in most cases.

Puppies and dogs that are unvaccinated are at the highest risk of being infected by the virus that causes canine hepatitis.

Treatment of hepatitis includes using a broad spectrum antibiotic and administering intravenous fluids with a dextrose solution to rehydrate the dog.

It is important to know that after recovery your pet can still shed the herpes virus in his urine for up to nine months.

Liver Disease Stages

The liver is one of the largest organs in the human body and is essential to the proper functioning of the body. The liver synthesizes proteins, bile, acids, and cholesterol. It maintains a balance of many nutrients and chemicals like glucose, fat, cholesterol, vitamins, and hormones and aids in the excretion of many waste products such as bilirubin, cholesterol, poison, and drugs. Liver disease is thus a serious condition that can be cured if it is cared for in the early stages. There are four stages for any malfunction of liver: inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and cancer.

Inflammation

The liver can get inflamed due to certain conditions, use of alcohol and certain chemicals. The conditions that can cause liver inflammation are Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Autoimmune Hepatitis, and Wilson's disease. Extensive alcohol use also causes inflammation of the liver. Some drugs and industrial pollutants may affect the liver. Inflammation is characterized by redness, swelling, heat and possible pain in the liver.

Fibrosis

The second stage of liver disease is fibrosis or scar tissues. After the liver has been inflamed for a long period, connective tissues of the liver accumulate. At this stage the liver functions slowly degrade.

Cirrhosis

The third stage of liver disease is called cirrhosis. When liver has been damaged due to inflammation and fibrosis, it does not function properly. Accumulation of scar tissues blocks blood flow through the liver, preventing it from functioning normally. Some of the symptoms of end stage cirrhosis are edema, bruising and bleeding, jaundice, gallstones, and an increase of toxins in the blood, enlarged blood vessels, and diabetes.

Cancer

If liver disease is not treated in the earlier three stages, cancer may develop. Liver cancer, or hepatocellular carcinoma, affects approximately 4% of patients with cirrhosis. A liver transplant is one of the options for treating liver cancer.

Diabetes and Hepatitis B, Do You Need Vaccination?

Diabetes and hepatitis B are linked in my mind because of my father. He had type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and he had spent time in the hospital after a heart attack. But none of that killed him.

He contracted hepatitis B, and he never got over it. He was 55 when he died. So when I hear about a study that concludes type 2 diabetics are twice as likely to get hepatitis B it gets my attention.

The CDC Says Diabetics Need Vaccination for Hepatitis B

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control have come out with a new recommendation. They are asking doctors to get their type 2 diabetic patients under the age of 60 vaccinated against the hepatitis B virus (HBV). And they think glucose monitors may be the culprit in the passing of HBV.

Since hepatitis B is passed on in blood and fluids, there has to be some kind of contact with infected blood. If a blood glucose monitor or lancet device was shared among several diabetics, the virus would be carried from one person to another.

The amount of blood can be microscopic, and the virus stays alive up to seven days on surfaces. That's why sharing toothbrushes and having unprotected sex are two of the big no-nos among people at risk for hepatitis B.

High risk lifestyles like having multiple sexual partners and sharing drug needles are well known to cause the transfer of the virus, and people who travel to countries where they might come in contact with hepatitis often get the vaccinations before they leave.

But now type 2 diabetes and hepatitis B are linked because of the constant need to check blood sugars and get blood testing done. So who among us is most at risk?

What Hepatitis B Is All About

Understanding diabetes and hepatitis B is the first step. Because HBV is a virus, antibiotics will not do anything to help. There are many kinds of hepatitis, but hepatitis B is a concern because, unlike hepatitis A, it has both acute and chronic types. And it is the chronic type that causes liver damage.

Hepatitis, put simply, is inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. In acute hepatitis B you may have nausea, vomiting, fever and aches. It looks and acts like the flu. The problem is that you may have no symptoms at all.

During this acute stage all you can do is treat the symptoms if you have any. Many people simply get over it with no damage done. Their bodies fight it off like any other viral illness.

But if after six months the virus remains, you now have the chronic form. Some of the warning signs are easy bruising, dark-colored urine, and clay-colored stool. And you may develop jaundice. Your skin and the whites of your eyes will become tinged with yellow.

These are signs that bilirubin is building up in your body. The reason? Your liver is a blood filter, among its other jobs of fighting infection and helping with digestion and blood sugar control.

One of the waste products of the breakdown of red blood cells is bilirubin, and your liver is supposed to filter it out into your urine, giving it that yellow color. But if hepatitis B inflammation is present, bilirubin is not getting filtered out very well, and your body tries to get rid of it through your eyes and skin.

If chronic hepatitis B continues unstopped the virus will damage your liver. Cirrhosis, cancer and liver failure are possible outcomes, and some people have had to get a liver transplant because of it.

Diabetes and Hepatitis B Diagnosis and Treatment

Your doctor can use simple blood tests to screen you for hepatitis and find out which kind you have. He can also use ultrasound and x-rays to check your liver health. If HBV has become chronic he will send you to a gastroenterologist or other liver specialist.

That doctor will monitor you closely and if the need is great, he will do a liver biopsy to see what stage of liver disease you have. He has antiviral medications to offer. You will probably have to be on them for a year before the virus is cleared, and since the medications have serious side effects you will visit him often.

The longer you had HBV without getting diagnosed the more difficult it will be for you. So if you've been exposed or even suspect that you have, get tested. If the virus is caught early there's an immune globulin shot your doctor can give you along with your first HBV vaccine shot, and that may keep the virus from settling in to stay. There is a series of three shots you must get for the vaccination to be complete.

The earlier your doctor can catch hepatitis B the less liver damage it will do. And many health professionals would prefer to vaccinate those at high risk of getting it. So should you be vaccinated?

The people most at risk of having type 2 diabetes and hepatitis B are those who get assistance from someone else to do their blood sugar testing. That's because they are more likely to come in contact with another person's blood from a shared glucose monitor.

If you do your own blood testing and never share your meter or lancet device, you are not going to catch hepatitis B from your glucose monitor. But if you are in a high risk occupation, such as nursing, or you visit people in the hospital where the virus is more likely to hang around, you need to think about getting the vaccine.

Diabetes and Hepatitis Are Incurable But It's Not the End of the World

Because both diabetes and hepatitis B can be quiet in the beginning, regular testing for them is a great idea. Be assured that you won't get this virus just by being around other people. Shaking hands, hugging, sitting next to sick people does not transfer hepatitis B.

Drinking after someone else, sharing a toothbrush, any transfer of fluids or drops of blood, those are the things that put you at risk. It is why your nurse always wears gloves even if she is just pricking your finger to get a fingerstick blood test.

I have noticed that my nurse opens a packet with a single lancet and does not use a lancet device. After she uses a test strip she leaves the room with it, and I never even see a glucose monitor. I wondered why until I learned about hepatitis B. Now I'm grateful she is so careful.

If you have type 2 diabetes and hepatitis B worries you, you will be able to get vaccinated now that it is a recognized problem with official recommendations. Remember, you'll have to get all three shots to complete the course or the vaccination will not take.

And practice good hygiene with your glucose monitor, lancets and needles. Washing your hands and keeping your testing area clean is basic, but it's easy to forget that when you have to do it every day, and several times a day for many of us.

I do hope diabetes and hepatitis B are never a problem for you, but if that should happen, and this information helps you, then I've done what I set out to do. Take care.

Cure For Hepatitis A - Is There a Natural Cure?

Hepatitis A is perhaps the most easily spread Hepatitis virus among the family of fatal Hepatitis viruses. Unlike Hepatitis B and C, which are considered more deadly than the rest of the types of the disease, HAV is spread through infected food and drinking water. Fortunately, there is a natural and herbal cure for hepatitis A.

It is a startling fact that 90 percent of deaths in children less than five years old are caused by diarrhea, a disease that arises due to lack of clean drinking water. As the problem of clean drinking water is massive on the global scale, the threat of spread of Hepatitis A virus, and a cure for hepatitis a is quite obvious. With such high risk of spread of Hepatitis A virus, especially in some parts of the world, it is in your best interest to find out if you are at high risk of getting infected with HAV.

Preventing hepatitis A

Whether you have to frequently catch the plane for international flights for the purpose of business or if you are an enthusiastic tourist who loves to visit world tourist attractions, you have to watch out for those regions where the risk of HAV infection is considered high. Research suggests that if you are a frequent visitor to Mexico, Greenland, Indonesia and neighboring nations and the African continent, you are at high risk to getting infected with Hepatitis A virus. Asia and Eastern European nations have a moderate level risk of HAV spread, while South American continent is another danger zone as far as HAV is concerned.

Again, the reason why the above mentioned regions put you at high risk of getting infected with HAV is that there is poor provision of clean drinking water in those areas. Despite the fact that contaminated water infects millions globally with HAV, as a traveler hitting the road, you should also avoid eating seafood, fruits, vegetables and any other sort of unhygienic food.

A new cure for hepatitis a?

A new cure for this type of hepatitis was recently discovered, and has already been used to treat countless patients, suffering from the hepatitis A infection. It has proven to be extremely effective, although herbal.

Liver Failure - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Liver failure occurs when a major part of the liver has been damaged and it is no longer able to function. This condition may be either acute or chronic. Acute liver failure is usually caused by Hepatitis A, B and C, drug toxicity and food poisoning. Chronic liver failure is caused by Hepatitis B and C, alcoholism, cirrhosis, malnutrition and metabolic disorders. Early symptoms include nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and diarrhea. Late symptoms include jaundice, easy bleeding, abdominal swelling, mental disorientation, sleepiness and coma. Treatment is usually supportive. Prevention and removal of the known cause are very important.

The Ayurvedic treatment of liver failure consists of treating the known cause of the disease and correcting liver damage. Hepatitis can be treated using medicines like Arogya-Vardhini, Sutshekhar-Ras, Suvarna-Sutshekhar-Ras, Bhunimbadi-Qadha, Punarnavadi-Qadha, Guduchyadi-Qadha, Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Sharpunkha (Tephrosea purpura), Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Deodar (Cedrus deodara), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Daru-Haridra (Berberis aristata), Chirayta (Swertia chirata), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) and Patol (Tricosanthe dioica). Hepatitis viruses A, B and C can be deactivated using medicines like Bhumiamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Yashtimadhuk (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Haridra, Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Kutki and Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica).

Alcoholism can be treated using medicines like Arogya-Vardhini, Punarnavadi-Qadha, Saraswatarishta, Nardiya-Laxmi-Vilas-Ras, Shrung-Bhasma, Kutki, Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Mandukparni (Centella asiatica), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) and Vacha (Acorus calamus). Drug toxicity and food poisoning can be treated using medicines like Punarnavadi-Guggulu, Gokshuradi-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Qadha, Saarivasav, Arogya-Vardhini, Shankh-Vati, Chitrakadi-Vati, Lashunadi-Vati, Laghu-Sutshekhar-Ras, Kutaj-Ghan-Vati, Praval-Panchamrut-Ras, Kutaj-Parpati and Panchamrut-Parpati. Metabolic disorders which are responsible for liver failure can be treated using medicines like Amalaki, Yashtimadhuk, Haridra and Daru-Haridra.

In addition, medicines are also given to reduce or undo the damage to the liver cells so that the liver can function properly. Medicines used for this purpose include Suvarna-Sutshekhar-Ras, Suvarna-Parpati, Punarnava-Mandur, Rasayan-Churna, Suvarna-Bhasma, Abhrak-Bhasma, Tamra-Bhasma, Amalaki, Kutki and Guduchi. Abdominal swelling can be treated using medicines like Punarnava-Mandur, Punarnavadi-Qadha, Jaypal-Ras, high doses of Arogya-Vardhini, and Ichha-Bhedi-Ras. In this condition, a predominantly milk diet is advised while water intake is restricted or prohibited.

Thus, both acute and chronic liver failure can be successfully treated by using a judicious combination of Ayurvedic medicines. Timely use of these medicines can help to prevent irreversible liver damage and complete liver failure. These medicines can therefore control liver failure and improve the chances for survival and recovery in patients affected with this condition.