Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
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 …
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 the World health organization viral hepatitis is the second leading infectious cause of death globally. (1) But just what is hepatitis? What causes it? What are the long-term complications? And just what if anything can we do to reduce our risk factors? As you can guess there is an awful lot to cover so to keep it from becoming overwhelming, I will be splitting this topic into two parts. So, let us get into it, shall we?
Let us start with the simple question of just what is hepatitis? Hepatitis is when there is inflammation in your liver. Just like with cirrhosis anything that can cause injury to your liver can trigger inflammation or hepatitis. Depending on what is triggering the hepatitis it can be short term (acute) or long term (chronic). (2) Please look at the attached picture so you can compare an inflamed liver to a healthy liver. (3)
While there is more than one type of hepatitis I will be focusing on viral hepatitis and alcohol induced hepatitis because these are the types that I get the most questions about. Just so your familiar with the other types I will list them here. These include toxic hepatitis, metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis and autoimmune hepatitis.
One of the differences between viral hepatitis and alcoholic induced hepatitis is that viral hepatitis is contagious, and alcohol induce hepatitis is not. Let us look at the types of viral hepatitis? Well, there is hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Other viral infections linked to viral help include Epstein Barr virus and cytomegalovirus. Regarding alcohol use and hepatitis everyone has a different tolerance, and this tolerance changes what levels will trigger inflammation and thus lead to alcohol induced hepatitis. (2) One of the concerns in those that have alcohol induced hepatitis or inflammation is that it can leave them at a higher risk of contracting viral hepatitis. So, to answer the question of can you get more than just one type of hepatitis a time the answer is that in a roundabout way yes you can. To put this in simple terms – Alcohol induced hepatitis or even just overall excessive alcohol intake can and does increase the risk of viral hepatitis. (4)
What are the signs and symptoms of hepatitis? In the initial stages of hepatitis, you may notice few if any symptoms. As the disease progresses you will start to see more severe symptoms. This is because the liver is less able to do all its jobs correctly. In general, you may notice nausea, loss of appetite and even fatigue. You may have upper abdominal pain and even a fever. Eventually you may notice jaundice and even changes to the color of your urine and stool. You may notice pruritus, or itchy skin. Over time you may develop something called hepatic encephalopathy, which presents as confusion, disorientation or even drowsiness. (2)
Our next blog on this topic will talk about how viral and alcohol induced hepatitis present. I will also be talking about important risk factors for hepatitis as well as any complications that can occur. Finally, I will be reviewing supplements that that can help to reduce risk factors for hepatitis as well as things to help our overall liver health. As a preview I will just say that this will include classics such as NAC, Milk Thistle and even Glutathione!
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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 …
Glutathione-The Antioxidant for Liver Health
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Glutathione drips or in other words IV glutathione is a well-known treatment in holistic medicine. However many people are afraid of needles. Invite Health’s Glutathione Lozenges are an easy to use form of glutathione. You may have heard of Gluta Hx, this is a powered form of glutathione support made by Invite! But what even is glutathione? What does it do? Well let’s get into it, shall we?
To start with what is glutathione? Well it is an antioxidant. In fact it is such a powerful antioxidant that it is often called the master antioxidant! Normally our bodies are able to make glutathione out of amino acids found in our diet. Foods that are high in Sulphur help to boost the body’s production of glutathione. The food can include broccoli, cauliflower and even things like garlic. Unexpectedly even eggs, nuts, beans, fish and chicken can all help produce glutathione. For more foods please see my sources for a link to foods that can increase glutathione. In addition to foods even some supplements such as Milk Thistle, Whey, Selenium and Vitamins C and E can help us produce glutathione. (1) And of course we mustn’t forget one of my favorite supplements, NAC! (2)
So now we know what it is but what does it do for us? Well one study found that glutathione may help us to treat the symptoms of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. (3) But I bet that comes as no surprise. What may come as a shocker is that glutathione is also good for helping blood sugar, especially in those who have complications such as retinopathy. In one study glutathione levels in those with insulin resistance were found to be low. (4) In fact studies have found that increasing levels of glutathione may help with type 2 diabetes. (5)
In addition to helping with blood sugar studies have also found that increasing the body’s levels of glutathione levels may help improve symptoms in those with Parkinson’s Disease. (6)
Glutathione is also important for our digestive system. In fact studies have found it can help to reduce inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease. This includes both Ulcerative Colitis and Chron’s Disease. (7)
Glutathione has also been found to help with our eye health. Glutathione has been found to help detox the fluid of the eye which means it may help to regulate fluid flow and thus help eye pressure in those with glaucoma. Glutathione has also been found to help reduce cataract formation. (8) Studies have also found that glutathione is able to protect against ROS and thus help with macular degeneration. (9)
Studies have even found that using glutathione may help reduce proinflammatory cytokines involved in COPD. (10)Other studies have found that using glutathione can help with overall lung function and health. (11)
I would also like to mention that while glutathione may have a strong smell that seems to attack the senses this is perfectly normal and even expected. This is true of both the lozenges and our powder Gluta Hx. Even though it may not be the best tasting nutrient glutathione is an amazing nutrient for many aspects of our overall health picture.
Our next topic will be NASH!
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