Autoimmune Hepatitis Diet: What Do Doctors Recommend
While there is no recommended diet for autoimmune hepatitis, diet considerations related to weight management and alcohol consumption may make an impact on both symptoms and disease progression. Following a healthy diet and talking with your doctor about alcohol consumption can help you avoid complications related to obesity, reduce weight gain from common steroid treatments, and avoid alcohol-related liver issues.
Patient Demographics And Aih History
A total of 227 AIH patients successfully completed the study questionnaire, and 56.4% reported ever using CAM. The majority of participants were female and Caucasian . The mean age at survey completion was 50.1 years and the mean duration of AIH was 6.1 years. In the most recent liver biopsy, 23.5% of participants reported no fibrosis, 43.7% had early fibrosis , and 27.8% had advanced fibrosis . Only 5.0% of participants reported never having a liver biopsy. Most reported current treatment of AIH with a thiopurine , yet nearly half of participants also reported treatment with a corticosteroid . Many participants were employed and had a bachelors degree with private medical insurance .
Table 1 Demographics and selected characteristics of AIH participants and CAM use cohorts
Is It Contagious Or Hereditary
It is absolutely not contagious. It is generally not considered an inherited disease but a tendency to autoimmune diseases may run in some families. That is, children of patients with autoimmune hepatitis may be at slightly increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases of the thyroid or liver or arthritis. The risk, however, is only slightly greater than the normal population and thus genetic counselling is not necessary.
You May Like: How Can A Person Get Hepatitis C
Although Considered Less Common Autoimmune Hepatitis Should Not Be Ignored Prompt Diagnosis And Treatment Can Prevent Liver Failure
Written by Editorial Team | Updated : July 6, 2022 2:11 PM IST
We say that a strong immune system is very important to keep diseases at bay. But, what about situations where the immune system itself turns against us? Autoimmune diseases are an example of what happens when the immune system starts considering the body’s own cells as foreign and destroys them. The result repeated inflammation and tissue damage induced by our own body.
We do not clearly know what causes most autoimmune diseases, though genetic changes over time and environmental as well as lifestyle factors have been known to trigger these diseases. Today, I am going to tell you about autoimmune hepatitis , which although considered less common, should not be ignored as prompt diagnosis and treatment are the only ways to prevent liver failure and ultimately transplantation.
What Is The Outlook For Someone With Autoimmune Hepatitis
Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic disease, meaning you will have it for the rest of your life. With proper treatment, its possible to enjoy years of remission without symptoms and healthy liver function.
The Canadian Society of Intestinal Research suggests that people who respond well to treatment can expect to have a normal life expectancy.
Also, a 2020 study found that with proper immunosuppressant therapy, about 90 percent of the 86 people with autoimmune hepatitis in this study achieved complete remission.
Don’t Miss: How Do I Know If I Have Hepatitis C
What Are The Current Treatment Options
Very mild cases or inactive phases of the disease may not require treatment. However, for more serious cases, treatment to fight acute episodes is important.
For many individuals, lifelong medication use may be required to keep the bodys autoimmune response under control and preserve liver health.
The two main medications used to treat autoimmune hepatitis are:
- prednisone: a corticosteroid
- azathioprine: an immunomodulator or steroid-sparing agent
Other medications may be added in severe cases. If medications are no longer effective and liver failure is likely, a liver transplant may be necessary.
If possible, your treatment should be supervised by a hepatologist, which is a physician who specializes in liver health.
Do Medicines Used To Treat Autoimmune Hepatitis Have Side Effects
Medicines for autoimmune hepatitis can cause side effects. Your doctor will monitor any side effects and help you manage them while you take these medicines. Your doctor also may adjust the doses or change the medicines you take. You may need to stop taking corticosteroids or azathioprine if you have severe side effects.
Side effects of corticosteroids may include
- changes in how you look, which may include weight gain, a fuller face, acne, or more facial hair
- liver damage
- pancreatitis
Corticosteroids and azathioprine suppress, or decrease the activity of, your immune system, which increases your risk for infections. These medicines can also increase your risk of developing cancers, especially skin cancers.
Don’t Miss: Tenofovir Alafenamide Vs Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Hepatitis B
Chinese Thunder God :
In remote areas of southern China, the Tripterygium wilfordii vine grows wild it has been used for 2000 years in traditional Chinese medicine.Clinical trials have found that TW is effective in treating autoimmune diseases including RA ankylosing spondylitis,and other types of arthritis.TW contains glycosides, which have immune-suppressing, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. This herb has been found to have a wide array of immunosuppressive chemical constituents which accounts for the many mechanisms of action that are effective against arthritis and inflammation. These include inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines, and blocking TNF-alpha, COX-2, and NFkB activities.
While the results are promising, the use of TW also entail side effects. Adverse reactions include skin rashes, dry mouth, poor appetite, menstrual disturbances in women and hormonal disturbances in men. Researchers have also found that TW causes a temporary reduction of sperm count and have begun to develop a male contraceptive drug from the plants active ingredients. Importantly, fertility is restored upon cessation of use. The side effects of TW are reduced when administered in combination with other Chinese herbs, or when the outer bark of the roots are extracted without the inner wood of the roots. Because of the possibility of serious side effects, TW should be used only under the care of a licensed health-care professional.
Natural Remedies And Hepatitis B
When we get sick, we want to get well quickly. Some of us turn to our doctors first, while others may try home remedies or alternative medicine. Many of us do both.
Natural medicine means that no chemicals, drugs or surgeries are used to help you get well. Alternative medicine is simply an alternative to conventional medicine. For instance, in the U.S., ancient healing practices, such as faith healing, Chinese medicine or seeing a curandero are alternatives. So are naturopathy, homeopathy, and herbal medicine. Integrative medicine uses both. Its common for people to use more than one healing method.
In the U.S., we have access to many alternatives, and we tend to apply Western medical concepts to natural medicine. This is most evident in our use of supplements. When diagnosed with hepatitis B, we may want to take something that will help the liver, such as a supplement or herb. Its easier to take something than it is to exercise and eat right. However, everything passes through the liver, and just because herbs and supplements are natural, they arent necessarily safe.
Despite claims on the Internet, no natural remedy has been proven to cure hepatitis B. There may be remedies that improve symptoms associated with hep B, but none has permanently eradicated the virus. There isnt a large body of research on natural remedies and hepatitis B much of what we know is anecdotal, meaning that people tell others about their experiences.
Milk Thistle
Don’t Miss: Herbal Medicine For Hepatitis B In The Philippines
About Curing Courtney And Autoimmune Hepatitis Natural Treatment Alternatives
In terms of HEALING autoimmune hepatitis, natural treatments have been scarce and ignored, and most people diagnosed with ANY LIVER disease are often scared to go against conventional treatments prescribed by doctors for fear that they will get worse. But those who step outside of the box and dare to research how diet and vitamins can HELP THEIR BODY GET WELL, are most times more successful at REVERSING DISEASE than those who stay on medicine for life.
This is why the inspirational and true story, Curing Courtney was written. This book brings hope and raises awareness among people who believe that the only treatment for autoimmune hepatitis was to follow the standard MEDICAL DRUG AND TRANSPLANT therapy, which always comes with severe toxic side effects. The immunosuppressant drugs only provide a bandaid approach, they do not HEAL the body. But this ALTERNATIVE PROTOCOL actually helps the body get stronger and healthier.
The Power of a Mothers Will
Curing Courtney is a book that expresses the incredible willpower and resourcefulness that Denise Otten showed when faced with the doctors apparent inability to help her young daughter, Courtney.
Curing Autoimmune Hepatitis Natural Treatment Solutions
We hope that Denise Ottens amazing story of healing her daughter, will help people realize that, when dealing with autoimmune hepatitis or other autoimmune issues, diet, supplements and other alternative treatments can often REVERSE many ailments.
What Are The Types Of Autoimmune Hepatitis
There are two types of autoimmune hepatitis: Type 1 and Type 2.
The most common form of autoimmune hepatitis in North America is Type 1. Although it can occur at any age, this type affects adolescents and young adults. About 50% of those with Type 1 also have other autoimmune disorders, such as:
- Thyroiditis
- Ulcerative colitis
- Sjögrens syndrome, which causes dry eyes and mouth autoimmune anemia
- Inflammation of blood vessels in the kidneys
- Inflammation of the thyroid gland
The second type of autoimmune hepatitis is Type 2. This is less common and typically affects girls aged 2 to 14, although adults can have it too.
Read Also: Can You Get Hepatitis A From Sex
What Causes Autoimmune Hepatitis
Your immune system normally attacks bacteria, viruses and other invading organisms. It is not supposed to attack your own cells if it does, the response is called autoimmunity. In autoimmune hepatitis, your immune system attacks your liver cells, causing long-term inflammation and liver damage. Scientists dont know why the body attacks itself in this way, although heredity and prior infections may play a role.
How Do Doctors Treat The Complications Of Autoimmune Hepatitis
If autoimmune hepatitis leads to cirrhosis, doctors can treat health problems and complications related to cirrhosis with medicines, surgery, and other medical procedures. If you have cirrhosis, you have a greater chance of developing liver cancer. Your doctor may order an ultrasound or other types of imaging tests to check for liver cancer.
If autoimmune hepatitis causes acute liver failure or cirrhosis with liver cancer or liver failure, you may need a liver transplant.
Don’t Miss: Where Does Hepatitis A Come From
Ayurvedic Remedies For Autoimmune Hepatitis
Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease of the liver that attacks a person when their immune system turns against their liver cells. This condition leads to a dysfunctional liver, which may cause disorders related to the organ. It is not known as to what causes this disease but specific genes are believed to be the reason behind autoimmune hepatitis. Autoimmune hepatitis manifests in the form of necrosis , hepatocellular inflammation, and later on also culminates in cirrhosis .
A number of women than men are affected by autoimmune hepatitis. The signs and symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis include weakness, weight loss, fever, belly pain, diarrhea, skin rashes, edema, and yellowing of skin or eyes. There is no permanent cure for autoimmune hepatitis and it can be only managed with medicines. There are allopathic medicines to keep the disease under control but they have been found to have side effects. These side effects are not gentle on the body and if one wants to avoid them then Ayurvedic remedies come forward as the ideal option.
Treatment For Chronic Hepatitis B
If blood tests show that you still have hepatitis B after 6 months, your doctor may recommend medication to reduce the risk of complications of hepatitis B and regular tests to assess the health of your liver.
Treatment is usually offered if:
- your immune system is unable to control the hepatitis B by itself
- theres evidence of ongoing liver damage
Hepatitis B medications can help keep the virus under control and stop it damaging your liver, although they will not necessarily cure the infection and some people need lifelong treatment.
The main medicines for chronic hepatitis B include peginterferon alfa 2-a and antiviral medicines.
Read Also: Can A Child Get Hepatitis C
Is There Anything I Can Do To Help My Liver Heal Itself
No, not directly. However, you can help by giving your liver favourable working conditions, by eating a healthy well-balanced diet, not smoking, and drinking alcohol only in modest amounts or abstaining altogether. Obesity may result in fat deposits in the liver and increases the surgical risk with transplantation. Therefore, if you are overweight, strive for a gradual and sustained weight loss. Introduce exercise into your routine: you can enjoy walking, swimming, gardening, stretching. Please remember that a healthy diet and exercise are important components of any weight-loss regimen.
Antiviral Medication For Hepatitis B
Doctors may recommend antiviral medication for people with chronic hepatitis B, which occurs when the virus stays in your body for more than six months.
Antiviral medication prevents the virus from replicating, or creating copies of itself, and may prevent progressive liver damage. Currently available medications can treat hepatitis B with a low risk of serious side effects.
NYU Langone hepatologists and infectious disease specialists prescribe medication when they have determined that without treatment, the hepatitis B virus is very likely to damage the liver over time. People with chronic hepatitis B may need to take antiviral medication for the rest of their lives to prevent liver damage.
There are many different types of antiviral medications available, and your doctor recommends the right type for you based on your symptoms, your overall health, and the results of diagnostic tests. A doctor may take a wait-and-see approach with a person who has a healthy liver and whose blood tests indicate a low viral load, the number of copies of the hepatitis B virus in your bloodstream.
Someone with HIV infection or AIDS may have a weakened immune system and is therefore more likely to develop liver damage. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly recommends that people with HIV infection who are diagnosed with hepatitis B immediately begin treatment with antiviral medication.
Don’t Miss: Liver Cancer Caused By Hepatitis C
Can Kill The Hepatitis B Virus To The Extent Of 100% Prevent Cirrhosis And Cancer In Treatment With Herbal Medicament
2nd Global Summit on Herbals & Natural Remedies
Nguyen Thi Trieu, Tran Minh Duc
Independent Physician, Vietnam
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Med Aromat Plants
Abstract :
Biography :
Tran Minh Duc and Nguyen Thi Trieu is completed us Master in Vietnam. Self-learning, research and discovery. We have published any papers in reputed journals and has been serving as collaborators the science advisory board with scientists and researchers around the world. We have certified as clinical researchers in California.
What Causes A Rogue Immune Response
While the exact cause of autoimmune disease is unknown, we do know a few factors that seem to contribute to the issue. Genetics seems to be on important factor if a member of your family has an autoimmune disease, you are more susceptible. Additionally, many theories exist as to the triggers of autoimmune conditions including bacteria or virus, drugs, chemical irritants, and environmental irritants.
Recommended Reading: What Is Hepatitis C Mean
What Is The Treatment For Autoimmune Hepatitis
The main course of treatment for autoimmune hepatitis is medicine to suppress, or slow down, an overactive immune system. When diagnosed early and with proper treatment autoimmune hepatitis can frequently be controlled. Studies show that continuous response to treatment has proven to stop the disease from getting worse and to feasibly reverse some of the damage.
The most common treatment for autoimmune hepatitis is a daily dose of a corticosteroid called prednisone. Treatment may begin with a higher dose and be tapered as the disease is controlled. The objective is to find the lowest possible dose that will control the disease.
Your doctor may consider using another medicine called azathioprine , which also suppresses the immune system, but in a different way. Treatment may begin with both azathioprine and prednisone, or azathioprine may be added later, once the disease is under control. The use of azathioprine permits for a lower dose of prednisone, which in turn results in the reduction of prednisones side effects. Treatment with prednisone and azathioprine can last for years, even for the lifetime of the patient. Some patients find they can manage the symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis with lifestyle and dietary changed and may not need to take any medications. Each case is evaluated on individual basis in consultation with your doctor to decide the best course of treatment.
What Causes Chronic Inflammation Of The Liver
The exact cause of the condition has not yet been identified however, research suggests that the condition is linked to certain white blood cells in combination with foreign substances in the body misreading liver cells and attacking them. This attack causes the characteristic inflammation and liver deterioration.
Recommended Reading: How Can Hepatitis C Be Spread
Autoimmune Hepatitis And Alcohol
Autoimmune hepatitis is not caused by alcohol consumption. Researchers believe those with AIH may have a genetic disposition to the condition which is triggered by environmental factors. Those with other autoimmune diseases are also more likely to be diagnosed with AIH.
For those living with autoimmune hepatitis, it’s important to talk with your doctor about recommendations around alcohol consumption. High alcohol consumption can worsen liver damage in several liver diseases, such as hepatitis C and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Less research has been done on low or moderate alcohol consumption, or on the impact of high alcohol consumption on rare liver diseases, including autoimmune hepatitis .
Low-to-moderate alcohol consumption, considered in most countries to be a maximum of two drinks per day for women and three drinks per day for men, is not associated with an increased risk for liver disease. Those with existing liver diseases, however, should talk with their doctors about what a safe level of alcohol consumption may be for them, also taking into account how their current medications may interact with alcohol. The Liver Foundation recommends reducing alcohol consumption to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men for those living with liver disease.