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PART IV: TREATMENT (Alternative Medicine)

IV.0.0         Known Herb-Drug Interactions

IV.0.1         Acupuncture

IV.0.2         Chiropractic

IV.0.3         Energy Healing

IV.0.4         Reflexology

IV.0.5         Homeopathy

IV.0.6         Reticulose

IV.0.7         Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

IV.0.8         Ozone Therapy

IV.1.0         Herbal Treatments and Vitamins

IV.1.1         Kombucha Tea

IV.1.2         Reishi/Shitake Mushrooms

IV.1.3         Dandelion

IV.1.4         Milk Thistle

IV.1.5         Artichoke

IV.1.6         Licorice Root

IV.1.7         Spirulina

IV.1.8         Garlic

IV.1.9         Thymic Factors

IV.1.10       Vitamin C

IV.1.11       Vitamin B12

IV.1.12       Vitamin E

IV.1.13       Natural Interferon Boosters

IV.1.14       Other Herbs or Vitamins

IV.1.15       Water

IV.2.0         Exercise

IV.3.0         Stress Management

IV.4.0         Positive Attitude

IV.5.0         Tai Chi/Chi Kung/Yoga/Meditation

IV.6.0         Other Ways to Keep Yourself Healthy

There have been few research trials to check the effectiveness of natural therapies, but many people report positive benefits. If you decide to use natural therapies, it’s vital that you see a practitioner who is properly qualified, knowledgeable and well-experienced. It’s also advisable to continue seeing your regular doctor or specialist. If a natural therapist suggests that you stop seeing your medical specialist or doctor, or stop a course of pharmaceutical medicine, consider changing your natural therapist. Ask searching questions of whichever practitioner you go to:

·      is the treatment dangerous if you get the prescription wrong?

·      how have natural therapies helped people with hepatitis C?

·      what are the side effects?

·      is the practitioner a member of a recognized natural therapy organization?

·      how much experience have they had of working with people with hepatitis C?

·      how have they measured the health outcomes of their therapy?

·      how do they aim to help you?

Most typical health insurance will not cover alternative medical procedures, but that’s beginning to change. Many alternative procedures are now covered under medical insurance in the states of Washington and Oregon, and it looks like it’s a trend which is beginning to spread.

Alternative Health Insurance Services of Thousand Oaks, California covers both allopathic and complementary/alternative treatments.

Patients may choose any provider, M.D. or N.D., or D.O. or D.C.

Subscribers must meet a deductible of up to $1000, and the plan pays 80% of the first $5,000 eligible medical expenses in a year, then 100 percent thereafter, with a $2 million maximum. The plan includes prescription drug cards, with a $5 copayment, as well as “named partner” coverage for homosexual or non-married couples and their families. Alternative Health Insurance Services: 1-800-966-8467.) 

Another plan is offered by American Western Life Insurance Co. in Foster City California: Prevention Plus. It covers a full range of alternative therapies. Enrollees use a naturopath as their primary care physician, or the gatekeeper who refers to other alternative practitioners. There is a $5 copayment for prescriptions, including herbal medicines. The company also has a 24-hour 800 Wellness Line staffed by naturopathic physicians, saving on doctor visits where possible. (American Western Life: 1-800-925-5323)

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IV.0.0  KNOWN HERB-DRUG INTERACTIONS

Although the area of herb-drug interactions is under-researched, there are some interactions we do know about.

Source: When medicine and herbs don't mix by Tammy Chernin, R.Ph. http://www3.healthgate.com

Source: Hans Larsen is a health sciences researcher living in Victoria, British Columbia from Alive Magazine March 1999 with some changes by D. Morrow

IV.0.1  ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is a form of medical therapy that involves inserting thin, solid needles into selective sites on the surface of the body.  Recent studies have shown that HCV may be spread by acupuncture.  Please make certain that your acupuncturist follows proper sterilization procedures.

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IV.0.2  CHIROPRACTIC

Chiropractic is a healing profession in which the spine, joints, and muscle tissue are manipulated in order to restore the proper function of the nerves. The chiropractor does not use drugs and surgery in treating diseases.

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IV.0.3  ENERGY HEALING (Reiki, Hands of Light, Touch Therapy etc) 

The gentle energy of Reiki (ray-kee), is an ancient spiritual practice which enhances natural healing processes. Reiki is called by various names in different parts of the world: “prana” in India, “qi” or “chi” in China, “spirit” in Western traditions, etc, and simply translates as “life force”. Reiki is a means of adding more energy to our “life force” battery to help “jump start” the healing process. A Reiki treatment is essentially the “laying on of hands,” an ancient technique common to many spiritual traditions. In a typical Reiki treatment, the client lies down (fully clothed) on a padded treatment table. Energy is transferred to the client through the hands of the practitioner in a sequence of standardized positions where the hands are placed. In each position, the hands are simply rested on the client for 3-5 minutes.

A full treatment usually takes about an hour. A Reiki treatment is a spiritual practice because it works directly with energy, or “spirit.” There is no pressure applied and no manipulation of tissues (as in massage, for example).

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IV.0.4  REFLEXOLOGY   

Reflexology is a specialized type of massage treatment which works on the theory that reflex areas on the feet and hands are linked to other areas and organs of the body. It is felt that blocked energy, congestion, or tension in one part of the body (generally the foot or hand) mirrors congestion or tension in a corresponding part of the body. Thus, when you treat the big toes there is a related effect in the head, and treating the whole foot can have a relaxing and healing effect on the whole body.

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IV.0.5  HOMEOPATHY

Homeopathy offers several remedies for the treatment of hepatitis. They are Mercury and Natrum Sulfuricum. Natrum Sulfuricum has clinically been found a valuable remedy for spinal meningitis, and has also found to be quite useful as a liver remedy as well.

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IV.0.6  RETICULOSE

(Information provided by Commonwealth Pharmaceuticals, British West Indies, manufacturers of Reticulose) 

Patients with Hepatitis A and 18 patients with Hepatitis B were treated with Reticulose. 9 Patients with Hepatitis A and 17 patients with Hepatitis B were controls and treated with placebo. The treated patients received Reticulose for a 15 day period, while the control received saline. Based upon laboratory findings of several parameters: Prothrombin times, Serum bilirubin, white blood cell count, and clinical observations, Reticulose treated patients appeared to show significant improvement. The bilirubin levels of 83% of patients with Hepatitis B, treated with Reticulose for 15 days were in the normal range in 30 days. None of the control patients treated with placebo were within normal range in 30 days. Of Hepatitis A patients treated with Reticulose, 100% showed normal bilirubin after 30 days. Of control patients with Hepatitis A, only 22% were in normal range after 30 days. The findings in this preliminary trial lead to the conclusion that Reticulose appears to significantly reduce the recovery time and return to normal for patients with an acute episode of Hepatitis A or B. Further study is indicated.

Conclusions: In this preliminary Human Clinical Trial in 53 patients with Hepatitis A or Hepatitis B, one half of whom were treated with Reticulose, the results demonstrated positive clinical and laboratory effects. 18 patients with Hepatitis B and 9 with Hepatitis A were treated with Reticulose, compared to 17 control patients with Hepatitis B and 9 control patients with Hepatitis A treated with placebo. Patients were diagnosed for Hepatitis A or B by appropriate laboratory tests of blood, urine, x-ray and physical examination, with special attention to Anti-HAV IGM and Hepatitis B surface Antigen to carefully differentiate those with A from those with B. We realize, however, that liver biopsy is the positive method for hepatitis diagnosis, but physical limitations prevented our using this method in this study. Based upon laboratory findings, serum bilirubin levels of 83% patients with Hepatitis B, treated with Reticulose for 15 days were in normal range in 30 days, 50% in 15 days, and 22% in 10 days. None of the control patients were in normal range after 30 days with placebo treatment. In the Hepatitis A patients treated with Reticulose, 100% showed normal bilirubin levels after 30 days, 89% after 15 days, and 33% after 10 days.

In the control patients with Hepatitis A only 22% were in normal range after 30 days, 11% after 15 days, and 11% after 10 days.

In all of the Reticulose treated patients, the white blood cell count showed significant increase, indicating stimulus to the immune system. In all of the Reticulose treated patients, the prothrombin times returned promptly to normal range while the controls did not. The results appear to demonstrate significant improvement in the patients treated with Reticulose, especially those with Hepatitis B. -  “The use of Reticulose in the Treatment of Hepatitis A, B & C,” Excerpted from: Journal of the Royal Society of Health Volume 112, No. 6, pages 266-270 December, 1992

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IV.0.7  TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM)

We feel it important to caution the reader about Chinese medicines.  We know many persons who have found TCM to be very helpful, but there have been many instances of unscrupulous preparation of Chinese medicinal compounds, where herbs and substances other than those indicated were used in the preparation.  In some cases this has led to death. Please seek out a reputable practitioner.

The following is from (“Complementary and alternative medicine in chronic liver disease,” Hepatology September 2001 Volume 34 Number 3)

TCM has been practiced for roughly 2 millennia, with comprehensive records of Chinese medical theories dating back to 221 BC. CTM comprises multiple forms of ritualistic healing practices. These include the relatively well-known practices of acupuncture and herbal therapy and the lesser-known moxibustion (dermal counterirritation therapy), massage, and exercise therapy (Qi Gong). Chinese herbal therapy comprises over 100,000 recorded treatments, roughly 80% being combination or herbal mixtures. Most herbal mixtures comprise 4 to 5 herbs with 1 to 2 major pharmacologically active compounds (King herb), the remaining herbs playing a “helper function,” such as reducing toxicity, promoting delivery to the target site, or working synergistically with the “King.”

Regarding chronic liver disease, a limited number of mixtures (approximately 76) have been identified by screening a Traditional Oriental Medicine Database (Tradi/Med DB). A hepatoprotective extract with the highest potency and the lowest toxicity is the Plantago asiatica seed, the active component being aucubin. Aucubin appears to inhibit hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in vitro and in animals (100 mg/kg daily for 1 month). Its use in a human trial, 10 mg/kg administered intravenously for 4 weeks, led to a 10% to 40% decrease in serum HBV-DNA levels that returned to pretreatment values after stopping therapy.

A second combination of 10 herbs, termed “Herbal Medicine 861 (HM861),” was tested for antifibrotic activity in 3 controlled clinical trials encompassing 107 patients with hepatitis B. ALT levels fell into the normal range in 73% of patients, while spleen size, portal pressure, and serum procollagen peptide and laminin levels decreased in 53%. Liver biopsies, 6 months posttreatment, showed reductions in fibrosis and inflammatory infiltrates and quantitative decreases in tissue hydroxyproline. All patients remained hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive. In vitro studies using human stellate cells and in vivo studies using animal models of fibrosis (CCl4 and albumin induced) showed that HM861 inhibited stellate cell activation by blocking cyclin/cyclin-dependent kinase activity in the cell cycle, and that fibrotic tissues were remodeled, with revascularization of liver sinusoids. Transforming growth factor  and collagen type I, III, and IV gene transcripts were reduced while matrix metalloproteinase I was increased, suggesting a reversal of early stages of cirrhosis through the correction of imbalance in the dynamics of synthesis and degradation of the extracellular matrix.

CH-100 is a formulation of 19 different herbs developed for treatment of liver disease. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving patients with hepatitis C, treatment with the product was associated with a significant reduction in ALT levels, although no treated person cleared the virus. NCCAM is currently supporting a study of a 10-herb combination, referred to as 3AR. The trial will assess safety and adverse events, as well as symptoms of fatigue, quality of life, liver function, and HCV-RNA levels in patients who do not qualify for standard therapy of hepatitis C. Thus, there is increasing interest in conducting rigorous testing of candidate CTM compounds (1) as alternatives to standard treatment, (2) to augment conventional treatments, or (3) to ameliorate the side effects of current therapies.

A very good overview of TCM and HCV can be found in Matt Dolan’s book, The Hepatitis C Handbook

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IV.0.8  OZONE THERAPY   

This is an experimental treatment, popular mostly in Europe, in which the blood is removed from the body, has ozone bubbled through it with the intention of killing the virus, and then the blood is returned to the body. I personally do not believe this is a safe practice, and would strongly recommend against it. Ozone bubbled through blood to kill viruses in vitro damages the living cells in it as well a removing the viruses. Ozone injected into your veins or aerated through your colon is a poison and has the very real potential of killing you rapidly. Ozone is very reactive and not stable in the lower atmosphere and does not remain ozone very long in any reactive media.

There have been reported cases of patients acquiring hepatitis C from improperly sterilized equipment used during ozone therapy.  “Transmission of Hepatitis C by Ozone Enrichment of Autologous Blood,” Lancet, 1996;347:541 

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IV.1.0  HERBAL TREATMENTS AND VITAMINS

IV.1.1  KOMBUCHA TEA   

There have been quite a few warnings posted about serious adverse effects from Kombucha Tea in Australia and the United States.

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IV.1.2  MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS (REISHI / MAITAKE, SHITAKE)

Medicinal mushrooms may stimulate many aspects of the immune system, including the production of interferon.

In the Orient, Reishi is considered a Fu Zhen herb (immune modulation).

Presently, Reishi has various applications including lowering or raising blood pressure, stimulating liver actions, blood cleansing, and acting as an adaptogen in helping the body fight the effects of stress.

Chinese herbalists prize it for its abilities to regenerate the liver. In high doses, and to some degree normal doses, Ganoderma maybe classified as a liver detoxicant and protectant. 

Toxicity studies show no toxic effects on humans. In research, patients are given much higher doses, as high as 10 grams of extract per day, with no ill effects. 

The potency of Reishi mushrooms is usually based on its level of triterpenoids. One can determine the level of this by tasting it. The more bitter it is, the higher the level of triterpenoids.

Because Reishi is a polypore, (a group of hard, woody, bracket-like mushrooms) it is not eaten, but cut into pieces and made into a tea. In China, the average dose is 3 to 5 grams a day. Other popular forms of delivery are the water/alcohol extracts and powders. “Reishi: Ancient Medicine is Modern Hope”, Linda McGlasson, Health Foods Business Consumer Education Series, January 1992.

A study of Ganoderma undertaken at Cornell University found that there was a good argument for the use of this substance in conjunction with other medicines in the treatment of Cancer.  There was no mention in the literature of HCV. (Role of Ganoderma Supplementation in Cancer Management Meridian Medical Group at the Institute of East-West Medicine and Department of Medicine, Cornell Medical College Raymond Y. Chang, 1997).

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IV.1.3  DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale)

The name dandelion is sometimes loosely applied to other milky-sapped weeds with fluffy yellow flowers. But true dandelion is that ubiquitous weed growing prolifically in millions of lawns, backyards and pastures throughout America. This perennial herb has deeply cut leaves forming a basal rosette in the spring and flower heads born on long stalks. All leaves and the hollow flower stems grow directly from the rootstock. The creator of the comic strip “Marvin” once had his adorable diapered hero surveying a clump of dandelions and then thinking to himself, “Dandelions are Nature’s way of giving dignity to weeds!” 

The late naturopathic physician, John Lust, stated in his Herb Book that dandelion root is good for all kinds of liver problems, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice and toxicity in general, as well as getting rid of gallstones. Bring 1 quart of water to a boil, reduce heat to low and add about 20 tbsp. of fresh dandelion leaves, stems and clean, chopped root. Simmer as long as it takes for the liquid to be reduced to just a pint, then strain. Take 3 tbsp. six times daily, Dr. Lust recommended.

For those desiring something more convenient in capsule form, there is the AKN Formula from Nature’s Way, which contains considerable dandelion root and other cleansing herbs. It can be obtained from any local health food store. - Heinerman Encyclopedia of Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs, John Heinerman, Parker Publishing Company

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IV.1.4  MILK THISTLE

Milk Thistle (Silymarin) is reported to be an anti-inflammatory and mast cell stabilizer that helps protect the liver against toxin, drugs, and the affects of alcohol (Better Nutrition for Today’s Living, March 1993 ). 

Use extract of milk thistle (Silybum marianum). “...European research shows that it stimulates regeneration of liver cells and protects them from toxic injury” Usually stocked in health food stores under the names milk thistle, silybum, or silymarin.

Take two capsules two or three times a day until liver function returns to normal.

Contains the active flavonoid Silymarin and is used for all liver disorders such as jaundice and hepatitis. Milk Thistle contains some of the most potent liver protecting substances known. Milk thistle prevents free radical damage by acting as an antioxidant, protecting the liver. Stimulates the production of new liver cells and prevents formation of damaging leukotienes.

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IV.1.5  ARTICHOKE (cynara scolymus)

The artichoke has a long folk history in treating many liver diseases. Recent evidence supports this longtime use. The active ingredient in artichoke is cynarin. this compound is found in highest concentrations in the leaves. 

Cynara extract has demonstrated liver-protecting and regenerating effects, and promotes the outflow of bile from the liver to the gall-bladder. This is very important because if the bile is not being transported adequately to the gallbladder, the liver has an increased risk of being damaged.

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IV.1.6  LICORICE ROOT (glycyrrhiza glabra)

Studies have shown a component of licorice to be effective in treating viral hepatitis, particularly chronic active hepatitis.  This is probably due to its well documented antiviral activity.

A glycyrrhizin-containing product is widely used intravenously in Japan for the treatment of hepatitis. 

If licorice is used over a long time it is necessary to increase the intake of potassium rich foods.

Caution should be exercised by anyone with high blood pressure or cirrhosis. (“Complementary and alternative medicine in chronic liver disease,” Hepatology September 2001 Volume 34 Number 3)

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IV.1.7  SPIRULINA (BLUE-GREEN ALGAE)

Researchers report that spirulina, an extract of blue-green algae, contains a substance that shows antiviral activity against HIV. Studies have not yet been conducted on its effectiveness against the hepatitis C virus.

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IV.1.8  GARLIC

Garlic is a natural antibiotic. It protects the body from infection, detoxifies the body, strengthens blood vessels, and lowers blood pressure. Garlic contains a natural antibiotic, antifungicide, and has many antiviral properties.

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IV.1.9  THYMIC FACTORS

Thymic Factors is a combination of drugs including thymus, Enzymatic Poly-Peptide Fractions, Crude Thymus Extract, Thymosin, Thymopoietin, Thymus Humoral Factor, other nutrients, herbs, vitamins, and enzymes, developed by Carson B. Burgstiner,M.D after he contracted hepatitis B. He claims to have 83 cases of Hepatitis B, 23 cases of hepatitis C, 28 cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis, and arrested 12 cases of Systemic Lupus (some of whom were taking 22 different drugs and are now asymptomatic), 10 cases of Multiple-Sclerosis, 12 cases of Psoriasis, 7 cases of people with Squamous Cell Cancer of the skin.

This formulation has not been through official clinical trials, and the claims have not been proven, but many listmembers on the HEPV-L mailing list report that they feel better and have more energy while taking Thymic Factors.

Dr. Burgstiner’s Recommendations for Preventative Maintenance: 2 Thymic Factors with 1 Thym-A-Vites vitamin twice daily in AM & PM to be taken with food or meals. 

Dr. Burgstiner’s Recommendations for Chronic Conditions: 4 Thymic Factors with 2 Thym-A-Vites vitamins twice daily in AM & PM to be taken with food or meals. Continue at this level until you are satisfied with the results or bloodwork is normal. Then go to the maintenance dose of 2 Thymic Factors with I Thym-A-Vites vitamin twice daily in AM &  PM to be taken with food or meals.

Dr. Burgstiner’s office may be contacted at the number below. They will send you an information packet in a few days. The formula is called Thymic Factors, and the vitamins are made by Sundown (super multiple, minus iron).  Carson B. Burgstiner,M.D., 5354 Reynolds St. # 304, Candler Professional Bldg., Savannah, GA 31405 Phone (912)355-5755 fax (912)355-5759 

In 1996 a company Preventive Therapeutics, Inc. started manufacturing the original formula of Dr. Carson B. Burgstiner, which is being sold and distributed by them as well as by many health food stores. The containers consists of 180 tablets, 30 day supply. There is a picture of a bird and flowers on the label.

When Preventative Therapeutics was contacted, they gave the following advice: When first taking the Thymic Formula until stabilized 2-3 months, take 6 tablets twice daily (total 12 tablets) 12 hours apart. When stabilized take 3 tablets, twice daily. 

Preventive Therapeutics, Inc. is located in Duluth Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta GA. 1150K Court Drive, Duluth GA 30136. Telephone: Toll free:1-888-372-8259;770-417-2835, fax: 770-409-0110 Contacts: Ed. Callaway, RPH, Jim Williamson or Pat Stephens 

Recently (2000) warnings have been issued against the use and consumption of raw animal parts (glands, testicles, brains) in herbal and alternative treatments, since there is fear that they may spread “mad cow disease.”

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IV.1.10 VITAMIN C

Linus Pauling the two time Nobel Prize winner said that vitamin C is very beneficial to hepatitis patients. He recommends a bare minimum of 10,000 milligrams = 10 grams a day. 20,000 - 50,000 milligrams a day is much better = 20 to 50 grams. Take pure vitamin C. Take the pills three to four times a day instead of once a day. Vitamin C is an antiviral agent. The only side effect known is diarrhea which should slow down and stop as you get used to the vitamin C. You can get Linus Pauling’s books at your local library.

It was recently reported on HEPV-L that taking over 2000 mg of vitamin C per day will block iron uptake from the blood effectively elevating our iron levels. This is detrimental to HCV-Positive individuals, and can block or slow down the effectiveness of interferon.

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IV.1.11 VITAMIN B12

Some hepatitis patients report having more energy when they take extra vitamin B12.  It is important to note that Vitamin B12 is not effective when taken in tablet form.  It must be injected.

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IV.1.12 VITAMIN E

Vitamin E is reported to assist the liver in detoxifying the blood.  Vitamin E works best when taken with Selenium, an antioxidant mineral.  Too much Vitamin E thins the blood, so those with bleeding disorders should exercise caution.

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IV.1.13 NATURAL INTERFERON BOOSTERS

Studies indicate that many natural substances can activate the body’s own production of interferon. Some better known natural interferon boosters are:

Astragalus : a Chinese herb that enhances the antibody reaction to foreign invaders of all types, including cancer.

Boneset : a native American Indian herb with antiseptic, anti-viral properties used for the treatment of colds and flus, coughs, fevers, indigestion and pain.

Chlorophyll : a plant pigment which can be found in a long list of green leafy vegetables and algae like spirulina, chlorella and barley green.

Coenzyme Q10 : an antioxidant involved in the electron transport chain needed for all energy dependent processes in the body. CoQ10 increases helper T-cells and reduces infection risk.

Echinacea : the most popular herb in North America used as a treatment for toothaches, bites or stings and all types of infections.

Ginkgo : a potent central nervous system antioxidant for the treatment of circulation disorders, memory problems, high blood pressure, depression, tinnitus and immune system disorders.

Melatonin : a hormone produced by the pineal gland with strong antioxidant and immune system boosting properties.

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IV.1.14 OTHER HERBS OR VITAMINS

Essiac Tea is an Ojibway tea thought to cleanse the body of toxins and boost immunity, which some people have found to be helpful. (Personally, it seemed to make me sicker - Patti).

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IV.1.15 WATER

Thanks to Alan Franciscus for this important reminder

We’ve all been told that it is essential for proper health maintenance to drink at least 8 glasses of water (8 oz. each glass) every day. This is especially true for those of us with hepatitis C and, if you are on treatment with interferon and ribavirin, it is even more important to drink plenty of water. In fact, you should try to drink as much water as possible even if you are not thirsty. This will help with the many potentially nasty side effects that may be experienced while on treatment.

The exception to this rule is the person who has ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity) in which case a medical professional will instruct you on the correct diet and fluid intake.

Drinking at least 8 glasses of water can be a problem, but it is not as hard as it appears. Many people fill containers with filtered water so they can track the exact amount of water they drink daily.  Frequently, I buy bottled water to take with me when I am on the go. I refill these bottles with filtered water every morning to keep track of the amount I consume daily.  

Remember, you are going to have to urinate much more frequently and want to make sure you are near a restroom.  If you know that you will not have easy access to a bathroom, you may want to stop drinking an hour or so before an outing. 

Even with these obstacles, you will find that the health benefits of drinking large amounts of water greatly outweigh the inconvenience and the frequent runs to the restroom.  

Some of the health benefits of drinking adequate amounts of water include:

   Weight loss – suppresses appetite and metabolizes stored fat.

   Digestion – improves the digestive process and can relieve or prevent constipation

   Dry Skin – moisturizes the skin

   Body wastes and toxins – rids the body of wastes and toxins

   Body temperature – regulates body temperature to keep you cool in hot temperatures

   Nutrients – contains many essential nutrients

   Joints – lubricates and cushions joints

   Cancer – helps with preventing some cancers, such as colon and liver cancer

Remember to consume water instead of coffee or colas that contains caffeine.  Beverages that contain caffeine deplete body fluids. In order to replace these lost fluids, you must drink two glasses (16 oz) of water for every glass (8 oz) of a beverage that contains caffeine.   Additionally, make sure you check the content of the water – you should stay away from any water that contains sodium. 

So take that plunge – drink WATER!

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IV.2.0  EXERCISE

Symptomatic hepatitis patients may need to avoid stressful activities, and each person’s tolerance for stress will be different, and can change. It is nonetheless important for people who can exercise to do so, up to their level of tolerance. This should be done with care, since crossing the “invisible line” of exercise intolerance may prompt a flare-up.

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IV.3.0  STRESS MANAGEMENT

Typically, one of the most beneficial things a person with hepatitis can do is to avoid stress and get lots of rest.

Stress does not merely mean only unpleasant experiences, but rather any biological stressors, physical or emotional, which prompt a protective reaction in the body. Failure to avoid stress often leads to short-term and long-term set-backs which may be serious.

High-stress events sometimes seem to “trigger” the flare-ups of the virus and they will usually worsen the symptoms if the virus is already active. Medical studies show that stress plays an important role in several immune-mediated illnesses.

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IV.4.0  POSITIVE ATTITUDE

Laughter and a positive spirit are good for the body.

They provide interferon, the body’s natural infection fighter, and produce endorphins to combat depression and anxiety.

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IV.5.0  TAI CHI / CHI KUNG / YOGA / MEDITATION   

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IV.6.0  OTHER WAYS TO HELP KEEP YOURSELF HEALTHY   

Avoid exposure to chemical fumes, gasoline fumes, etc.

Use the least toxic products (cleaning products, health and beauty aids, etc) available in your home and on your body 

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Reviewed March 2004