Hepatitis C is an infection of the liver with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Chronic HCV is thought to be the cause of half of the cases of serious liver disorders such as cirrhosis and liver cancer, which may eventually result in death. Prescription treatments are available; however, they carry significant side effects and are not well tolerated by some patients. Alternative treatments for hepatitis C may offer hope for many.
Dietary Changes
As hepatitis C infection causes long-term damage to the liver, it may be difficult to digest certain foods. Red meat, fatty foods and seafood are hard for the liver to metabolize and should be limited, particularly during the early stages of treatment. Raw and lightly cooked vegetables along with fruits should be increased in the diet. Drinking plenty of fluid is also important to aid in detoxification of the liver.
Milk Thistle
Silymarin, the active component of milk thistle extract is the most commonly used herbal remedy for hepatitis C and other liver disorders. It may help detoxify the liver and repair liver tissue by promoting new growth of healthy cells. Milk thistle extract may be readily found in health food stores along with large grocery and drugstores.
Licorice Root
Glycyrryzin, an active component in the root of the licorice plant, may act as an antiviral. It is thought to trap the Hepatitis C virus inside of the cell and keep it from spreading to other cells. Eating foods that are high in potassium such as bananas or citrus may increase the effects of licorice root. Licorice root will most likely need to be obtained from a health food store.
Asian Mushrooms
The Shiitake and Reishi mushrooms are both thought to have antiviral activity and may be of some benefit in the treatment of hepatitis C. The mushrooms are available as supplements, and in many herbal teas.
Glutathione
Glutathione is an antioxidant that is normally produced by the liver and infection with HCV may compromise the ability of the liver to produce it. Replacement may provide additional protection and healing to liver cells.
N Acetyl Cysteine
NAC, or N acetyl cysteine, is a precursor to glutathione. It works by increasing production of glutathione along with preventing its breakdown, allowing glutathione to work more beneficially. NAC will likely need to be purchased from a health food store or vitamin specialty store.
Methionine
The essential amino acid, methionine may help to detoxify the liver and provide support for growth of new, healthy liver cells. Methionine may be found at health food stores and other retailers with large supplement sections.
Co Enzyme Q
Co Enzyme Q, also known as CoQ10 may increase the activity of the immune system which has been suppressed by viral infection. It also may work to promote oxygenation of liver tissue which will increase healing of the liver cells. Co Enzyme Q may be found at most retailers offering nutritional supplements such as vitamins.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid is known to be an anti-oxidant and free radical scavenger. Anti-oxidant activity may protect liver cells from oxidation which may contribute to cirrhosis and the development of liver cancer associated with Hepatitis C. Vitamin C is readily available at many retail stores.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Hepatitis C
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Hepatitis C
- Prescription for Herbal Healing, Phyllis A. Balch, CNC 2001
