Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Bilberry for Eye Health and More!!! Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND In this blog we will be talking about Bilberry. Yes you read that correct, bilberry not blueberry. Now I bet your thinking but Dr. Claire what exactly is the difference between a bilberry and …
HERPES VS COLD SORES~ IS THERE A DIFFERENCE? By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT Herpes…the word always seems make people cringe and curl their face in disbelief. It is associated with sores along the nether regions of the body. Many people are plagued with …
HEPATITIS~ THE TYPES, THE SUPPORT AND CAN IT BE PREVENTED?
By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT
Hepatitis is a disease that we’ve all heard about and it also triggers fear for many when it’s discussed. It is often associated with hypodermic needle drug users, giving it a really bad reputation. However, more often it is in the news due to an outbreak at a restaurant, or talked about in the gossip pages when some of our iconic celebrities are mentioned. While this makes us aware of hepatitis, what do we really know about it? Let’s explore the more common types and how we can protect ourselves.
What exactly is hepatitis? While there are many types, the three most common are types A, B and C, and simply put, hepatitis is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis can be an acute (temporary or short term) or chronic (ongoing or long term) condition. Common symptoms can include fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain and even a fever, mimicking a stomach flu or food poisoning. In more severe cases, one may experience dark urine, itchy skin, jaundice (yellowed skin and/or eyes) or even become disoriented.
Hepatitis A is a virus that typically isn’t harmful but is highly contagious and can take anywhere from a couple weeks to multiple months to recover from. While it can be transmitted by direct contact with someone who’s infected (sexual contact, shared needles, etc.), it is commonly transmitted through contaminated food and/or drinks. This happens by being exposed to soil, water or poor hygiene as the contamination is usually through feces. This is normally acute and clears up without long-term effects on the liver.
Hepatitis B can be acute and/or asymptomatic for many years, causing it to unknowingly be spread to others. Healthy diet, hydration, and continued monitoring with your doctor can help manage acute Hep B. Chronic Hep B can be more serious and as the liver inflammation may also be accompanied with scarring, or cirrhosis, particularly if ones immune system is weakened. The CDC and Mayo Clinic recommend managing this with your doctor and wellness team can help you live a healthy life as the goal would be to avoid liver failure and possible transplant. Those at risk may have a compromised immune system (i.e.: HIV+), hypodermic needle users (when sharing) and sharing bodily fluids (sexual activity). It can also be transmitted during the birthing process. These are just some of the common risks for this liver disease.
Hepatitis C is the most serious of these three types of hepatitis. The same people that are at risk for Hep B are also at risk for contracting Hep C. It is usually contracted through blood. Complications can include cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure. It is imperative for those diagnosed with Hep C to follow doctor’s recommendations and lead a safe and healthy lifestyle.
Green Tea, the powerful go-to antioxidant for so many health related issues. Studies have shown that consuming green tea on a regular basis may help reduce the risk of liver disease, including hepatitis.
Milk Thistle is an herb that is associated with liver health. It is often recommended for those diagnosed with hepatitis as a way to manage inflammation in the liver.
NAC, or N-Acetyl-Cysteine, it commonly used to support healthy liver function. It has been shown in studies to help lower the mortality rate in those suffering from hepatitis induced from alcoholism, particularly when combined with traditional treatment.
Hepatox Hx can be a complimentary formula as it contains milk thistle, dandelion and phyllanthus amarus. In addition to the benefits of milk thistle, dandelion and phyllanthus amarus have been shown to lower the mortality rate for those with liver failure and also helping to suppress the effects of hepatitis.
As you can see, hepatitis comes in many forms and numerous ways it can be contracted. Those that have been infected with one type can be at higher risk for other types. For instance, if someone has had acute Hep A, they are at higher risk for Hep B or Hep C if they are ever exposed. Practicing good hygiene, a healthy lifestyle and taking care of the liver can be a key factor in avoiding or managing hepatitis. Honest communication and appropriate protection with any new partners you choose to be with is also important to help stop the spread of hepatitis. There are also vaccines available for further protection….ask your doctor for more information and if this is right for you. There is so much research and studies being done, and I included informative articles here for more information (see below).
www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/abc/index.htm
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/hepatitis
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8072198/
www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-a/symptoms-causes/syc-20367007
www.webmd.com/hepatitis/digestive-diseases-hepatitis-a
www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-b/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20366821
www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-b/hcp/diagnosis-testing/index.html
www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-c/symptoms-causes/syc-20354278
www.webmd.com/hepatitis/digestive-diseases-hepatitis-c
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4538013/
www.hepb.org/blog/milk-thistle/
www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1101214
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8063808/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9395786/
Summary on Respiratory Health Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND I hope that this blog series on respiratory health has been both fun and informative! I have tried to review some of the most common respiratory concerns that come up here at Invite health. Additionally I …
Understanding Probiotics
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
If there’s one topic that is sure to confuse people it’s the topic of probiotics. Invite health has a powerful line up of probiotics. But how are they different? How do you know which one is right for you? For this blog I will be reviewing 3 of the most popular Invite Health probiotics. These are the Probiotic Hx, Probiotic Weight and Probiotic Women.
Probiotic Hx is a well-rounded every day probiotic. In my experience taking the Probiotic Hx is like taking a good multivitamin, it’s good for our overall health. But what does that really mean? Well to start probiotics can help restore the balance of good bacteria in our gut. (1) Sometimes due to situations such as illness, certain medications and even stress bad bacteria and even yeast can begin to grow in our digestive system. They can begin to outnumber the good guys and this can result in digestive concerns, allergies, and even contribute to obesity. (2) A good probiotic can also help with diarrhea. (3) One bacteria that is well known for causing diarrhea is C Diff and in studies probiotics have been found to reduce the risk of C Diff by 60%. (4) Studies have also found that probiotics can decrease the risk of travelers’ diarrhea. (5) In addition to helping with diarrhea a good probiotic has been found to help with Ulcerative colitis (6) and even IBS. (7) Probiotics do more than just help our gut. Studies have found that they can help with general health, depression, anxiety and even stress. (8) Probiotics have also been found in studies to help with inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein. (9) Certain probiotics can even breakdown bile helping with our cholesterol levels. (10) As you can see a good everyday probiotic is great for so many things. But what if you have a specific health concern? Well that is where the Probiotic Weight and Probiotic for Women come into play. They take all the benefits of a regular probiotic and have added nutrients for specific health concerns. They are easy to take in addition to our daily probiotic.
Probiotic Weight contains a particular strain of probiotic that was found to lower weight and BMI after just 12 weeks of use. Additionally both waist and hip circumference were reduced after the 12 weeks of use. (11) Bergamot has been found in studies to help with visceral adipose tissue. (12) It has also been found to reduce liver fat content in those with liver steatosis. (13) Artichoke has been found to help with dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and obesity. (14) I do want to point out that the Probiotic Weight is a powerful formula. To avoid stomach distress I recommend taking it with a full meal. While research shows these herbs can be helpful in general people can have different reactions to herbs so it is important to monitor how you feel when you start a new herbal supplement.
Probiotic Women is a combination of garlic, thyme and a probiotic blend. Garlic has been found to be antimicrobial. (15) Thyme has also been found to be antimicrobial. (16) Lastly probiotics have been found to help with a UTI. (17)
But how does one choose? And how does this entire blog relate to immune health? Well when it comes to immune health a good overall probiotic such as Probiotic Hx is always a win. In fact probiotics have been found to help with an upper respiratory infection! (18)That is why for those looking for general immune health and for overall a good daily probiotic I recommend the Probiotic Hx. For those looking for additional help with weight or women’s health they can take Probiotic Hx and then add on the specific probiotic that will help with the specific concern they are experiencing. For more information or help choosing what is right for you please reach out to an Invite nutritionist!
As we approach the end of this topic I hope it has been helpful and somewhat fun! Our next topic will be Pneumonia.
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