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/