Autoimmune hepatitis is a condition in which your immune system recognizes your own liver cells as a foreign invader and attacks them. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that autoimmune hepatitis may occur in combination with other autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, thyroiditis and Type 1 diabetes. Proper nutrition -- including dietary changes and nutritional supplements -- may help treat your autoimmune hepatitis, although it is always wise to clear these health approaches with your physician beforehand.
Autoimmune Hepatitis
Autoimmune hepatitis is a serious and progressive condition, notes the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, or NDDIK, and over time, it may lead to liver scarring -- a condition known as cirrhosis. The NDDIK reports that approximately 70 percent of people with this condition are female. Some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with autoimmune hepatitis include malaise, nausea and vomiting, low appetite, dark urine, abdominal swelling, fatigue and pale stools.
Dietary Suggestions
Dietary strategies are an important health measure in the treatment of your hepatitis, or liver inflammation. In his book "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," naturopathic physician Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr. states that a diet low in saturated fat, fried oils, animal products and simple carbohydrates -- fruit juice, honey, sugar, white flour -- may be helpful in treating this health problem. A high-fiber diet, or a diet rich in plant foods, may improve your liver health and function.
Proper Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements are an important inclusion in a well-rounded nutritional approach to treating your hepatitis. According to expert herbalist Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," proper nutritional supplements in treating this condition may include milk thistle, reishi, schisandra, coptis, licorice and blue flag. Other proper nutritional supplements for liver inflammation include SAMe, vitamin E, lecithin and desiccated liver. Not all nutritional supplements used for this health purpose may be backed by rigorous clinical research trials.
Disclaimer
Autoimmune hepatitis may lead to several serious health complications, including liver failure and liver cancer. To help avoid these serious health problems, discuss the most effective treatment strategies for this condition with your primary care provider. A licensed health care practitioner can counsel you on the foods, beverages and supplements to use or avoid in treating your autoimmune hepatitis. Some nutritional supplements may contain powerful active ingredients that cause unwanted health effects in your body and should be avoided or discontinued immediately.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Autoimmune Hepatitis
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Autoimmune Hepatitis
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph Pizzorno; 2002
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
