Holistic Approaches to Managing Hepatitis B and C Integrating Traditional and Alternative Therapies
Hepatitis B and C are infections that affect the liver and can cause serious health problems if not managed properly. While traditional treatments like medications and liver transplants are important, there are also alternative therapies that can help people with hepatitis B and C feel better and live healthier lives. These alternative therapies, known as holistic or natural treatments, focus on using natural methods to support the body’s ability to fight off infections and stay healthy.
Research from Yale Medicine found about 350 million people are infected with hepatitis B across the globe, and there are about 1.2 million cases in the United States. When it comes to Hepatitis C, about 2.4 million Americans are infected.
Understanding Hepatitis B and C:
Hepatitis B and C are viruses that attack the liver and can lead to liver damage and other health problems. Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) are serious illnesses that affect the liver. HBV can be either short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic), and sometimes acute HBV can turn into chronic HBV.
They are spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids, such as through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from mother to baby during childbirth. People with hepatitis B and C may not have any symptoms at first, but over time, the viruses can cause liver inflammation, scarring, and even liver cancer.
Acute HBV lasts for a short time, usually a few weeks to a few months, and can make you feel sick. Chronic HBV is a long-lasting sickness that can cause severe problems like liver cancer or liver failure.
You can get HBV from blood, semen, or other body fluids during sex or when sharing needles for drugs. Mothers with HBV can also pass it to their babies during birth.
Symptoms of HBV include headache, muscle aches, mild fever, feeling like you have the flu, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain, among others.
HCV is the most common blood infection in the US, with many people not knowing they have it. Like HBV, HCV can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). However, most cases of acute HCV turn into chronic HCV.
Acute HCV is a short illness, while chronic HCV is very serious and can lead to liver disease, liver cancer, or even death. HCV is often spread through needles used for drugs, but it can also be spread through sex.
Symptoms of HCV can include feeling tired, not wanting to eat, and muscle aches. Many people don’t have symptoms until the virus has caused serious liver damage, which can include things like blood clotting problems, joint pain, and yellowing of the eyes and skin.
What are the Symptoms of HBV?
- Headache
- Muscle Aches and Pains
- Mild Fever
- Flu Like Symptoms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Poor Appetite
- Stomach Pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Skin Rash
- Dark Urine
- Pale-Colored Skin
- Weight Loss
- Pale-Colored Stool
- Jaundice (Yellowing of Eyes or Skin)
Hepatitis C
HCV is the most common blood borne infection in the United States, with approximately 3.2 million Americans unknowingly infected.
When initially infected With HCV, the symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Decreased Appetite
- Muscle Aches & Pains
- Most symptoms of HCV aren’t apparent until the virus becomes chronic and cirrhosis, which is scarring of the liver, develops and the liver begins to fail.
- These symptoms include:
- Blood Clotting Problems
- Weight Loss
- Joint Pain
- Itchy Skin
- Feeling Weak
- Dark-Colored Urine
- Jaundice (Yellowing of Eyes & Skin)
Traditional Treatment Options for Hepatitis B and C:
Doctors use different treatments to manage hepatitis B and C, including antiviral medications and liver transplants. These treatments can help slow down the viruses and prevent them from causing more damage to the liver. However, they may also have side effects and may not work for everyone.
Holistic Approaches to Hepatitis B and C Management:
Holistic therapies focus on supporting the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Some people with hepatitis B and C find that holistic therapies help them feel better and improve their quality of life. These therapies may include things like herbal supplements, acupuncture, massage therapy, and dietary changes.
Can Hepatitis B Patients Take Herbal Medicine?:
Herbal medicine uses plants and plant extracts to help the body fight off infections and stay healthy. Some herbs, like milk thistle and licorice root, are believed to have antiviral properties that may help people with hepatitis B and C. However, it’s essential to talk to a doctor before taking any herbal supplements, as they can interact with medications and may not be safe for everyone.
What is the Best Treatment for Hepatitis B and C?:
The best treatment for hepatitis B and C depends on many factors, including how much damage the viruses have done to the liver and a person’s overall health. Some people may benefit from traditional treatments like medications, while others may find that holistic therapies help them feel better. It’s essential to work with a doctor to find the right treatment plan for each person’s individual needs.
The Back to Wellness Program is a comprehensive program that helps to treat complex and chronic diseases, and Hepatitis specialist, Dr. Anju Mathur uses this program to provide therapies to patients that are suffering from chronic forms of Hepatitis. As a specialist in Holistic and Integrative Medicine, she uses comprehensive and sophisticated therapies that can eliminate the root of a disorder and reduce viral toxins.
“Integrating holistic approaches into the management of hepatitis B and C empowers patients to take control of their health journey. By combining traditional medical treatments with complementary therapies, we can optimize liver health and enhance overall well-being.” – Dr. Anju Mathur
Listen to what Marty had to say about his treatment
“I had extreme fatigue and brain fog and I wasn’t able to think clearly and this has been going on for a decade. I just played basketball for the first time in 5 years and I feel great”
Precautions for Patients with Hepatitis B and C:
People with hepatitis B and C need to take special precautions to protect their liver health. This may include things like avoiding alcohol and certain medications, getting vaccinated against other types of hepatitis, and practicing safe sex to prevent spreading the virus to others.
What Foods Should You Avoid if You Have Hep C?:
People with hepatitis C may need to avoid certain foods that can be hard on the liver, like fatty and fried foods, sugary snacks and drinks, and processed foods with lots of additives. Instead, they should focus on eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Conclusion:
Living with hepatitis B and C can be challenging, but there are many ways to manage the viruses and stay healthy. By integrating traditional and alternative therapies into their treatment plans, people with hepatitis B and C can improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of liver damage and other complications. It’s essential to work with a doctor to find the right combination of treatments for each person’s individual needs.
