Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
PRIMARY FOOD, LIFESTYLE AND OUR HEALTH~HOME COOKING by: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT What if I told you that there is a secret to reducing calories, eating better and even reducing the risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes? Well, the secret is simple, …
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?
Our product highlight will be Colon Hx!
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Hepatitis Part 1 Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND When I first began to even just think about a series on our liver and kidney health, I knew it was important to to write about hepatitis. Viral hepatitis is a huge problem worldwide. In fact, according to …
Hepatox Hx Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Invite Health has quite a selection of nutrients that are good for both our liver and kidneys. One such item is called Hepatox. It has a funny name I know but this particular supplement is a combination of …
What exactly is Liver Cirrhosis? Part 2
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
This is part 2 of our discussion on cirrhosis. If you haven’t read the first part I suggest you do that first since it will contain important background information. In this blog I will be reviewing complications of cirrhosis as well as things that can help with our overall liver health. Let’s get into it, shall we?
Cirrhosis can have very serious complications. To start with cirrhosis is a huge risk factor for liver cancer. It can also lead to multi-organ failure, including bone disease and even memory changes. Cirrhosis can also increase blood pressure and this can lead to varices (enlarged veins). This in turn can lead to increased risk of bleeding. Cirrhosis can also reduce your body’s ability to fight infections. Malnutrition can also occur. Cirrhosis can also affect the spleen. Lastly as I’ve stated cirrhosis can increase swelling in the legs and abdomen and even lead to jaundice. (1)
Unfortunately there is no way to reduce the scarring of the liver. It is therefore critical to reduce the risk factors for scaring and to work on the overall health of our liver.
Our next topic will be Hepatox Hx
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