Liver Diseases – Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). In Canada, there are about 3,000 new cases each year. For some, the infection can become deadly when the condition becomes chronic leading to liver scarring (cirrhosis), liver failure or liver cancer.
Once our liver is compromised we lose a major component in our body’s detoxification process including other liver functions such as glycogen storage, plasma protein synthesis and bile production. All of which is essential to the healthy functioning of our body.
HBV transmission is via blood or body fluids with an infectious rate nearly 100 times greater than that of the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) virus. Infection is usually through unprotected sexual contact, IV drug users who share needles or other paraphernalia (tattoo, body piercing), and vertical transmission from mother to fetus during childbirth or breastfeeding.
The signs and symptoms of a hepatitis B infection include some or all of the following:
Dark urine
Light stools
Weakness, Fatigue and drowsiness
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Headache
Abdominal discomfort
Irritability
Itching
Diarrhea
Joint pain and Muscle Pain
Yellowing of skin and whites of eyes (Jaundice)
For some people they may be asymptomatic (showing no signs or symptoms of the infection) such that it is imperative to have a blood test done if you believe you have been exposed to the virus. Signs and symptoms usually appear 4-6 weeks after an infection ranging from mild to severe. Chronic hepatitis is considered if the body is unable to rid the virus in 6 months.
Conventional treatments include the use of interferon and anti-virals (lamivudine and adefovir dipivoxil) for HBV. Unfortunately, these medications do not come without side effects. These include such symptoms as cough, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, muscle pains, depression, and decreased production of red blood cells.
Naturopathic Treatments for Hepatitis:
The therapeutic goals in Naturopathic treatments are to support liver function and prevent further liver damage. Treatments may involve the use of herbs such as Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum), Artichoke (Cynara scolymus), Tumeric (Curcuma longa) and Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Dietary recommendations are made to eliminate foods that may be irritants to the liver such as deep fried fatty foods and foods low in fibre content.
At Journey to Cure Naturopathic clinic we have treated many cases of Hepatitis B with success. In our cases, liver function tests (ALT, AST) return to normal levels and the patient no longer experiences the above mentioned symptoms related to hepatitis. We use individualized herbal formulas and dietary recommendations and not the shot gun approach i.e. the same supplement to treat all Hepatitis B patients. These formulas are based on your presenting signs and symptoms. As your symptoms and signs change, our formulas change accordingly. This is one of the major reasons for our success in treating Hepatitis B. If you are unable to drink herbal decoctions (as for some these formulas may be bitter) and do not have the time to cook the herbal decoctions then this may not be a suitable treatment for you. Results may vary from person to person depending on the prognosis of the disease.
Contact us today for a consultation.
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