There are many ways to avoid stressing the liver further:
Get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. (Co-infection with
Hepatitis C and active Hepatitis A or B can be extremely dangerous.)
Alcohol use increases the risk of cirrhosis enormously.
Large amounts of acetaminophen (Tylenol and many other non-aspirin pain relievers) are toxic to the liver. Usually, dosages as prescribed and
labeled can be effective and safe.
Acetaminophen and alcohol together can cause severe liver damage.
Avoid exposure to pollutants and chemicals (skin contact & breathing):
fumes from paint, paint thinners, chemical solvents, spray adhesives,
insect sprays and other aerosol sources.
Be careful with cleaning products, follow manufacturers precautions.
Stick to a nutritional, balanced diet: fresh vegetables, fruits, beans,
whole grains, lean meats.
Avoid foods with high salt, sugar or fat content: cheese, pickles, fast
food and processed foods (cookies, cakes, frozen dinners, packaged foods with long shelf lives, instant foods).
Avoid shellfish, raw fish, and high-doses of Vitamins A, D, E or K.
Avoid fried foods (within reason!).
Avoid herbs that are toxic to the liver: peppermint, mistletoe, yerba
tea, sassafras, germander, chaparral, skull cap, nutmeg, valerian, Jin Bu Juan, comfrey (bush tea), pennyroyal and tansy ragwortsenna.
Don't take iron supplements unless advised by your doctor.
Get a healthy balance of protein in your diet too much protein can
stress your liver and digestive system.
Get regular exercise and develop a stress reduction plan
Find a doctor who understands Hepatitis C - a gastroenterologist
(stomach and bowel specialist) or hepatologist (liver specialist) and some infectious disease doctors. A team approach, including a psychiatrist, is best especially if
youre considering interferon treatment.
ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
Many people use herbal products. There is very little information on how effective they are. All substances, including herbs, can have dangerous side effects - especially
at high doses. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using alternative therapies or other medications - including over-the counter ones.
Herbs and herbal products with the most data, as well as most widely used, include:
-milk thistle (silymarin) acts as an antioxidant, stimulating the regeneration of liver cells.
-astragalus enhances immune function by increasing the activity of various white blood cells and boosting the production of antibodies and natural interferon.
-dandelion, boiled or in capsule form, is used for all kinds of liver problems.
-bupleurum reduces liver inflammation and protects the liver from toxic
damage;
-garlic detoxifies and protects the body from infection, and strengthens
blood vessels. The high sulfur content of raw garlic can cause dermatitis
and colitis. Garlic can also inhibit blood clotting and interfere with
thyroid function.
-licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, which has antiviral activity and
may be effective in treating viral hepatitis. Potassium can be depleted with long-time use of licorice. In very high doses, glycyrrhizin can cause high blood pressure,
water retention, and possibly heart complications.
-vitamin E is often used in Hepatitis C because its supposed to assist
the liver in detoxifying the blood and slow down the development of fibrosis.
BUT!
High-dose vitamin E (more than 800mg a day) can be toxic to the liver.
-artichoke promotes the outflow of bile from the liver to the gall
bladder.
-thioctic (alpha-lipoic) acid is a natural antioxidant that is often used
because of its ability to help maintain and restore liver health.
TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF & OTHERS
Don't share:
- drug paraphernalia (needles, syringes and snorting straws);
- toothbrushes, razors, manicure implements;
- other items that can retain blood.
(If you've been sharing needles, consider telling your running mates so they have the option to check their Hepatitis C status)
-although sexual transmission of Hepatitis C appears to be relatively
minimal, practice safer sex. Practice does indeed make perfect!
Do not avoid normal social contact. Hug, kiss, and cook to your hearts
content!
-keep track of all test results - liver enzyme levels, viral load, and genotype.
If theres no indication of liver problems, see your doctor or health care
provider every six months for regular blood work.