On March 15th, we published an article on a pilot study done in Egypt on the treatment of 60 cases of Hepatitis C with ozone therapy. There also were a few people who consulted me over the years, with the request for treating their hepatitis problems. I have mostly done so with a combination of diet change, nutritional supplementation, Colon hydrotherapy and ozone therapy. The results were quite encouraging and free of producing further side effects. Naturally, I wish to share my views. We will start with today’s posting which will focus on what nutritional supplements to take. We will also quote gastroenterologist Leonard Smith MD on what he sees as a possible course of action.
Hepatitis is becoming more of a common problem every year. Everyone knows that the condition is mostly cause by viruses. But there are other factors involved: environmental toxins, recreational drug consumption, excessive use of alcohol, over the counter medications, as well as prescription drugs. There are over 1000 drugs and chemicals that can be harmful to the liver, and the list keeps getting longer. Some of the major ones that may cause drug induced hepatitis are: Cimetidine (Tagamet), Cindamycin (Cleocin), Coumadin, Diazapam (Valium), Ibuprofen (Motrin), Metronidazole (Flagyl), Phenytoin (Dilantin0, Salicylates (Aspirin) and Tamoxifen. Furthermore, as the liver acts as one of the main detoxification centers of the body, pumping further toxins in the form of medicines into the liver may just not be the right kind of answer. According to allopathic medicine, there is no cure for hepatitis, although hepatitis B & C have several drugs licensed for their treatment by the AMA, most of which trigger a slew of unpleasant side effects.
“Lipid peroxidation products and superoxide dismutase activity… were higher in chronic hepatitis C patients than in healthy subjects, while glutathione S-transferase activity was reduced in patients as compared to controls (This is a selenium-dependent enzyme.) In addition, 35% of patients with chronic hepatitis C, showed lower levels of gluthatione and higher levels of oxidized glutathione than normal controls. Conclusion: Oxidative stress is observed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from chronic hepatitis C patients. This process might alter lymphocyte function and facilitate the chronicity of the infection.” [Journal of Hepatology, Vol 31 95) (1999) pp 808-814]
Therefore, Smith concludes, “The above examples support the need for nutritional support in patients with chronic hepatitis B & C. As one can see looking at the ast example, the oxidative stress and resulting glutathione depletion affects not only the liver but also the immune blood cells. I think a complete nutritional and supplemental program would certainly benefit the patient, while they are receiving anti-viral therapy…”
It would go beyond the scope of this post to describe in detail all the dietary and supplementary interventions called for in the treatment of all forms of hepatitis, not to mention that they would vary according to the patient’s specific condition and needs. Naturally fried foods, butter, margarine and hardened fats should be avoided and only cold pressed oils used. Juices freshly pressed from leafy green vegetables and beets, are helpful. Sugar and white flour are to be crossed off the list. Raw foods are preferable to cooked foods.
In terms of detoxification, there are several programs that could be implemented. Because of the direct links between the liver and the digestive tract, colon hydrotherapy is always helpful as it reduces the toxic load that the body usually carries.
Supplementation obviously would include essential fatty acids (as in Omega-3 & Omega-6). Fat digesting enzymes are recommended. Any plant enzyme blends should include protease, amylase and lipase, as well as papaya and bromlain. Digestive enzymes would contain glutamine and N-acetyl-glucosamine.
If they are an option, glutathione injections will help reduce the oxidative stress, especially together with the daily intake of alpha-lipoic acid, plus or as an alternative, all the other supplements that support the immune system, help with oxidative stress and restore liver function.