Home Remedies For Hepatitis C

Lifestyle And Home Remedies

If you receive a diagnosis of hepatitis C, your doctor will likely recommend certain lifestyle changes. These measures will help keep you healthy longer and protect the health of others as well:

• Stop drinking alcohol. Alcohol speeds the progression of liver disease.
• Avoid medications that may cause liver damage. Review your medications with your doctor, including over-the-counter medications you take as well as herbal preparations and dietary supplements. Your doctor may recommend avoiding certain medications.
• Help prevent others from coming in contact with your blood. Cover any wounds you have and don’t share razors or toothbrushes. Don’t donate blood, body organs or semen, and advise health care workers that you have the virus. Also tell your partner about your infection before you have sex, and always use condoms during intercourse.

Pregnancy And Hepatitis C

The new hepatitis C medicines have not been tested in pregnancy.

You should not become pregnant while taking treatment as it could be harmful to unborn babies.

If you’re pregnant, you must delay treatment until after your baby is born.

Speak to your doctor before starting hepatitis C treatment if you’re planning to become pregnant in the near future.

You’ll need to wait several weeks after treatment has ended before trying to get pregnant.

Women taking ribavirin should use contraception during treatment and for another 4 months after the end of treatment.

Men taking ribavirin should use a condom during treatment and for another 7 months after the end of treatment. This is because semen can contain ribavirin.

If you become pregnant during treatment, speak to your doctor as soon as possible to discuss your treatment options.

Phyllanthus Niruri + Cassia Sophera

• Take a few fresh leaves of Phyllanthus Niruri
• Take a few fresh leaves of Cassia sophera
• Wash the leaves and grind them into a fine paste
• Swallow a teaspoon of this paste
• Wash it down with a glass of warm water
• Continue this process twice daily for 10 to 12 days

Phyllanthus Niruri is a tropical herb that is abundantly found in coastal areas. Commonly known as gale of the wind this herb has amazing curative properties and has been used in treating acute Hepatitis C infections successfully. It is rich in alkaloids, lignans, amarin, gernanin, corilagin and rutin. It has been used extensively for treating disorders of the liver and kidney.

It is a strong diuretic, astringent, carminative and natural laxative. Cassia sophera is an analgesic, anthelmintic and anticonvulsant. Phyllanthus niruri and Cassia sophera together make one of the best home remedies for Hepatitis C.

While Phyllanthus Niruri does not cause any adverse side effects, it is not recommended for pregnant women and for lactating mothers. Cassia sophera also does not cause any major side effects as long as the dosage is maintained correctly.

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How Will My Provider Monitor Me During The Treatment

Your provider will meet with you during treatment to review how well you are tolerating treatment and review laboratory results. Laboratory tests help keep tabs on your health, track the viral load, and determine your response to treatment. You will be given specific dates to go get your blood tested at the lab during and after the treatment.

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Study Design And Setting

The study was conducted within the gastroenterology clinic of Mulago hospital, a tertiary teaching and National Referral Hospital, in Kampala which handles up to 100 adult patients weekly on average with either luminal gastrointestinal issues or liver/pancreatic conditions. The study specifically targeted patients who had a known diagnosis of liver inflammation due to different causes such as hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, drug-induced and alcohol-induced inflammation as shown on their medical records. Data was collected using standardized questionnaires followed by focus group discussions on a sample of patients. The questionnaires used were modified from the International Questionnaire to Measure Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine .

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To use the test, you’ll first clean your finger with the alcohol pad, then use the lancet to collect a few drops of blood and put them on the collection card. Seal the collection card in the biohazard bag, and then mail your sample to a CLIA-certified lab with the prepaid return label. The test is easy-to-use and results should be returned in a matter of days.

The data is delivered straight to your device where it is protected by bank-grade encryption. The test will inform you whether you have been infected with the hepatitis C virus. If your results appear abnormal, you can connect with an independent physician in the network at no additional cost to discuss your results.

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Transmission And Natural History Of Hcv Infection In Infants Children And Youth

A recent systematic review demonstrated a vertical transmission rate of 5.8% from HCV-infected mothers without HIV-1 co-infection and of 10.8% with sub-optimally controlled HIV-1 co-infection . Other factors that are correlated with higher VT risk include: higher maternal HCV viral titres, elevated alanine aminotransferase in the year before pregnancy, maternal IDU, fetal scalp monitoring, prolonged rupture of membranes, infant female sex, and being the second-born twin -. The HCV genotype does not appear to influence VT risk .

Between 20% and 30% of neonates infected vertically clear the infection, usually by 2 to 3 years of age, with recurrence of viremia being rare -. Factors associated with spontaneous clearance include higher ALT during the first 2 years of life, infection with genotype 3, and presence of the interleukin 28B rs12979860 single-nucleotide polymorphism . Of children who do not spontaneously clear, about two-thirds exhibit asymptomatic infection with intermittent viremia, normal ALT levels, and no hepatomegaly . The remaining third have chronic active HCV infection with persistent viremia, elevated ALT, and hepatomegaly in some cases .

What Is Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that, if left untreated, can cause severe liver damage. When blood that has been contaminated with the virus enters the bloodstream of an uninfected person, the infection spreads. Common symptoms include bleeding or bruising easily, poor appetite, fatigue, dark-colored urine, weight loss, and itchy skin.

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Tofu Simmered With White Wood Ear:

This is a wonderful remedy originated from the Oriental Medicine and it is also one of the most efficient home remedies for hepatitis that people should not look down!

Ingredients:

• Seasoning powders and spices

Processing:

Wash the mushrooms. Soak the white wood ear in water. Slice the tofu into small slices. Put a pan on the stove, pour cooking oil, and fry the tofu until it becomes yellow. Add some water, add mushrooms, white wood ear, and stew over low heat, seasoning with salt, sugar, seasoning powder, soy sauce, sesame oil. When the mixture is boiling, add chestnut starch and enjoy.

Usage: depending on the used amount

Effects: useful for spleen, prevent constipation.

Indications: Used for people with chronic hepatitis which can lead to damaged spleen and negative thoughts, expressing in fatigue and strength loss, anorexia, constipation, dry and thirsty throat.

What Are The Names Of The Medications For Treating Hepatitis C

Since 2014, multiple different antiviral treatments for hepatitis C have been developed. With the many options now available, often there is more than one good choice for a patient. Some of the treatments are recommended as first-line options, some are second-line options, and others are used less commonly in light of all the available choices.

• Elbasvir/Grazoprevir

Second line hepatitis C medications:

• Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir/Voxelaprevir

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What Is Hepatitis C Infection How Many People Are Infected

Hepatitis C virus infection is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus . It is difficult for the human immune system to eliminate hepatitis C from the body, and infection with hepatitis C usually becomes chronic. Over decades, chronic infection with hepatitis C damages the liver and can cause liver failure. In the U.S., the CDC has estimated that approximately 41,200 new cases of hepatitis C occurred in 2016. When the virus first enters the body there usually are no symptoms, so this number is an estimate. About 75%-85% of newly infected people become chronically infected. In the U.S., more than 2 million people are estimated to be chronically infected with hepatitis C. Infection is most commonly detected among people who are 40 to 60 years of age, reflecting the high rates of infection in the 1970s and 1980s. There are 8,000 to 10,000 deaths each year in the U.S. related to hepatitis C infection. HCV infection is the leading cause of liver transplantation in the U.S. and is a risk factor for liver cancer. In 2016, 18,153 death certificates listed HCV as a contributing cause of death this is believed to be an underestimate.

Those who have cirrhosis from HCV also have a yearly risk of liver cancer of about 1%-5%.

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Is Liver Transplantation An Option For A Person With Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is the leading reason for 40% to 45% of liver transplants in the U.S. Hepatitis C usually recurs after transplantation and infects the new liver. Approximately 25% of these patients with recurrent hepatitis will develop cirrhosis within five years of transplantation. Despite this, the five-year survival rate for patients with hepatitis C is similar to that of patients who are transplanted for other types of liver disease.

Most transplant centers delay therapy until recurrent hepatitis C in the transplanted liver is confirmed. Oral, highly effective, direct-acting antivirals have shown encouraging results in patients who have undergone liver transplantation for hepatitis C infection and have recurrent hepatitis C. The choice of therapy needs to be individualized and is rapidly evolving.

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Get Curious About Your Relationship With Alcohol

This final tip is specifically for alcohol hepatitis. If you notice that you’ve been drinking more than usual, take a minute to consider signs your sasual drinking could be a problem.

If you decide you’d like to cut back on the booze, the U.K. National Health Service recommends opting for lower strength drinks when you do drink, setting a drinking budget or drink limits, and trying to take several drink-free days each week.

If you decide you’d like to quite altogether, you might attend an in-person or online Alcohol Anonymous meeting, or seek out help from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration hotline at 1-800-662-HELP .

Is Screening For Hepatitis C Recommended During Pregnancy

There is a 4%-7% risk of transmitting HCV from mother to infant with each pregnancy. Currently, there is no CDC recommendation for routine hepatitis C screening during pregnancy, and there is no currently recommended medicine to prevent transmission from mother to infant . However, CDC is monitoring research findings and may make recommendations in the future as evidence arises.

While data is still limited, a recent study of over 1,000 cases in the United Kingdom found that 11% of infants had been infected at birth, and that these infants were likely to develop cirrhosis in their early 30s. The case for screening for HCV during pregnancy includes the potential to safely treat mothers during pregnancy with direct-acting antiviral agents to treat the mother before cirrhosis develops, prevent infant transmission, and prevent transmission to others. Children born to HCV-infected mothers may also be offered treatment at an early age to prevent cirrhosis, as well as transmission to others. Coordination of care between multiple specialists will be important to accomplish these goals.

Children of HCV-infected mothers may be screened for hepatitis C as early as 1-2 months of age using hepatitis C viral load or PCR testing . Antibodies to hepatitis C passed from the mother to child will be present for up to 18 months, so children should be tested for HCV antibody no earlier than this.

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LetsGetChecked offers a 30% discount with a three-month subscription, making this test a steal. The finger prick test not only tests for hepatitis C, but hepatitis B as well, also a blood-borne virus that also targets the liver.

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Why Should People Take Antiviral Medications For Hepatitis C

The purpose of taking antiviral medications for hepatitis C is to:

• remove all the hepatitis C virus from your body permanently
• stop or slow down the damage to your liver
• reduce the risk of developing cirrhosis
• reduce the risk of developing liver cancer
• reduce the risk of liver failure and the need for a liver transplant

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Preventing Hcv Infection In Children And Youth

The Blueprint to inform hepatitis C elimination efforts in Canada, published by the Canadian Network on Hepatitis C in 2019, provides a comprehensive framework for HCV elimination in Canada . Emphasis is placed on the need for specific efforts targeting populations experiencing vulnerability and marginalization . The document also acknowledges the importance of evaluating the cost-effectiveness and acceptability of routine prenatal HCV testing in Canada. Evidence from the United States and France has suggested that routine screening in pregnancy is cost-effective , and the availability of highly effective treatments in Canada further strengthens the argument for routine screening in pregnancy to enhance both maternal and child health .

Street-involved youth, particularly those who inject drugs, account for most horizontally acquired HCV infections in Canada, and are a priority population for prevention and harm reduction initiatives , including needle and syringe exchange programs and other supervised safer drug services, opioid agonist therapy, and treatment as prevention . Addressing homelessness and other social determinants of health, health education, and providing services that are stigma-free, culturally appropriate, and community-based are essential care components .

Herbal Remedies To Avoid

Some herbal supplements are dangerous for people with hepatitis C because they cause liver damage. These include:

• Artemesia

Show Sources

Advances in Nutrition: “Effect of citrus flavonoids, naringin and naringenin, on metabolic syndrome and their mechanisms of action.”

American Liver Foundation: “Treating Hepatitis C.”

Annals of Gastroenterology: “25-Vitamin D levels in chronic hepatitis C infection: Association with cirrhosis and sustained virologic response.”

Antiviral Therapy: “Complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C: A review.”

BioMed Research International: “Effects and tolerance of silymarin in chronic hepatitis C virus infection patients: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.”

CATIE: “Hepatitis C: An In-Depth Guide.”

: “Curcumin inhibits hepatitis C virus replication via suppressing the Akt-SREBP-1 pathway.”

Harvard: “Grapefruit compound may help combat hepatitis C infection.”

Hepatology: “Hepatoprotective and antiviral functions of silymarin components in HCV infection.”

Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition: “Zinc supplementation improves the outcome of chronic hepatitis C and liver cirrhosis.”

Mayo Clinic: “Zinc.”

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What Type Of Doctor Treats Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is treated by either a gastroenterologist, a hepatologist , or an infectious disease specialist. The treatment team may include more than one specialist, depending on the extent of liver damage.Surgeons who specialize in surgery of the liver, including liver transplantation, are part of the medical team and should see patients with advanced disease early, before the patient needs a liver transplant. They may be able to identify issues that need to be addressed before surgery can be considered. Other persons who can be helpful in managing patients include dietitians to consult on nutritional issues and pharmacists to assist with management of drugs.