November 12, 2024

Hepatitis Part 2

Hepatitis Part 2

Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

In our last blog on this topic, we began with some background information such as just what is hepatitis? What causes hepatitis? And what are the symptoms you might experience with hepatitis? If you haven’t read the first part of this 2-part blog series on hepatitis I’d suggest reading that part first. So, moving on let’s get into important lab testing.

What lab tests can help to rule out or even diagnosis hepatitis? To start with your doctor will perform a physical exam. This may include pressing against your abdomen to determine if there is any swelling or pain in the liver. The doctor will also check for any signs of jaundice. In addition to a physical exam the doctor will ask important questions about our health, including your alcohol intake. Blood tests can help evaluate liver function and even determine if there is an infection. (1) Blood work can help differentiate between alcohol induced hepatitis and other types of hepatitis because in alcohol induced hepatitis there is usually an elevation of AST and ALT is normal. This is the opposite of other liver disorders. Another blood test for alcohol induced hepatitis is carbohydrate- deficient transferrin. The latest studies have found that CRP is a good marker of alcohol induced hepatitis. (2) An ultrasound can help confirm if the liver is showing signs of inflammation. There are some doctors who will suggest transient elastography which is an advanced imaging test. Other tests the doctor may recommend include an MRI, CT scan and liver biopsy. (1) As a PSA I want to emphasize how important it is to be honest about your alcohol intake. Being honest will help to narrow down what is going on and lead to the correct diagnosis and even treatment faster. At the end of the day your doctor wants to help you. Being honest helps give them the tools they need to do so.

Moving on, what are the risk factors for developing hepatitis? The risk factors for developing hepatitis include exposure to the virus. Alcohol induced hepatitis can be a result of long-term exposure to alcohol or heavy alcohol intake. For more information on how one can become infected with Hep A, B, C please see Allie Might’s blog “Hepatitis – The types, the support and can it be prevented?” General health risks that increase the risk of developing hepatitis include not being vaccinated, having a virus associated with hepatitis (for example EBV), having an autoimmune disorder, or being born to a mother who has contracted viral hepatitis. Remember only viral hepatitis is contagious since it’s actually the virus that then triggers the hepatitis that is spread and not the actual diagnosis of hepatitis or liver inflammation. In addition to viral and alcohol exposure other risk factors can include working around chemicals, drinking or eating unsafe food and even taking certain medications. (3) Risk factors for hepatitis can also include having hyperlipidemia, being overweight or obese and even having high blood sugar. Lastly, having high blood pressure is also a risk. (4)

There can be some dangerous complications, so I’ll review those right now. Hepatitis can lead to portal hypertension which can lead to enlarged veins. These enlarged veins (varices) can eventually rupture and can cause dangerous bleeding. Long term hepatitis can also lead to cirrhosis. Please see my 2-part blog series on this topic for more information! Chronic hepatitis can also lead to liver cancer and even liver failure. (4)

So what can you do to help reduce the risk of hepatitis?

Always make sure to wash your hands, especially after you use the restroom! Also make sure to wash any fruits or vegetables before you eat them.
Always practice safe sex and do not share needles or other personal items such as toothbrushes.
Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.
Make sure to always manage metabolic factors such as cholesterol and blood sugar. Please see my blogs on these topics for help on how to manage these concerns.
Only drink alcohol in moderation. (4)
One of the most well studied supplements is NAC. Studies have found that NAC can help to limit Hep B viral replication. (5) Studies have also found that NAC is the only proven therapy for ischemia hepatitis. (6) Lastly NAC has also been found to help alcohol induced hepatitis. (7) Please see Invite’s NAC. Detox Hx, and Daily Detox powder!
Milk Thistle has been shown in studies to help lower liver enzymes in those with hepatitis. (8) Milk Thistle has also been shown to help those with Hep C who did not respond to conventional medication. (9) Please see Invite’s Milk Thistle, Hepatox, and Daily Detox powder.
Glutathione has been found to improve liver function in those with hepatitis. (10) Please see Invite’s Glutathione lozenges and Gluta Hx.
For more information on Hepatox and Daily Detox please check out my blogs on these important nutrients!
Olive Leaf has been found to have antiviral benefits against the hep virus. (11) Please see Invite’s Olive Leaf extract.