Fast Facts about Hepatitis
- Nearly 250 million people all around the globe are affected by hepatitis C and a much larger population carries hepatitis B virus with them.
- As per the statistics presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4.4 million American citizens are living with chronic hepatitis and that is only the amount that visited hospital for diagnoses.
- Hepatitis is hard to diagnose as the initial symptoms are the same as that of flu.
- During an epidemic year, the count of new cases in America can reach 350,000.
- 1/3rd of America’s population has Hepatitis A, 1.25 million have Hepatitis B and an estimate of 3.9 million Americans have hepatitis C
- Hepatitis B is most prevalent in people aged 20-49.
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver. The most common cause of hepatitis is a viral infection; however, there are many other possible causes. Hepatitis is divided into 5 sub-categories based on their severity and cause. These include:
Hepatitis A and E: These are short-term (acute) viral infections transmitted into the body through water or food that has been contaminated by feces. The most common sources include food prepared by individuals who haven’t washed their hands, uncooked food, and water that has animal or human waste contaminating it. Upon consumption, the virus enters the body and causes hepatitis.
Hepatitis B: This type of virus is transmitted through infected blood or sexual interaction with an infected individual. It can even be transmitted from a mother to the child during childbirth.
Hepatitis C: The main source of this virus is contact with an infected person. It is the most common type of hepatitis in street men and women who share needles amongst themselves to inject drugs.
Hepatitis D: This too can be transmitted via sharing of needles but will only be possible if one of them is already infected with hepatitis B.
People who are at most risk of attaining any of these viruses include those who don’t consume hygienic meals, have unprotected sex or use insanitary needles to inject drugs.
Symptoms
The very first symptoms of hepatitis are very similar of that of flue and may include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Joint aches
- Weight loss
- Slight abdominal pain
All these symptoms come under acute phase of hepatitis. If not diagnosed, these symptoms may become sever and progress into fulminant, even leading to one’s death in many cases. The symptoms may include:
- Circulation problems
- Itchy skin
- Dark urine
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Enlarged spleen
- Hives
- Headache
- Jaundice etc.
Recommended Supplements
While eating a healthy diet and regular exercise helps to manage hepatitis, it is not enough to keep you fit and healthy. Supplements are essential for managing hepatitis and reducing its symptoms. But it should be kept in mind that supplements should not be used to replace the treatment for hepatitis. It is not always true that natural products are safe for use. Many products can react with your body and produce an adverse reaction. Thus, it is better to be safe and consult your before starting to use any supplements for managing your condition.
The following supplements have proven to benefit people with hepatitis:
Oregon grape root
Oregon grape is a helpful all-natural herb used to purify blood. It is used extensively to prevent viral infections and improve the health of the liver. Its extract is a potent alternative to other medications and is safe to be used by everyone suffering from conditions like hepatitis, jaundice, gastrointestinal dysfunction etc.
Turmeric Veggie Caps
If one were to rate different spices for their potent to treat health condition, turmeric wouldn’t be down the list. It is one of the most effective anti-inflammatory herbs, and can be a lifesaver for those suffering from problems like an inflammatory liver or liver degeneration. Its anti-bacterial and antiviral lowers elevated liver enzymes, preventing hepatitis.
Yellow Dock
The tonic of yellow dock helps cleanse harmful toxin form the body. This one quality makes it a potent remedy to treat nearly all disorders linked with the impurities in blood. It is most beneficial in treating cases of hepatitis B, C and D –all of which are caused by the impurities in the blood.
Dandelion
Most of us have touched, smelled and purchased the plant of dandelion to set in our homes, what many people didn’t know is that the flower is a liver cooler. It is most beneficial in treating cases of hepatitis C. it does so by lowering the liver enzymes that have been elevated and calms the liver –ultimately preventing a liver breakdown.
Holy Basil
Holy basil is better than any over-the-counter prescription when it comes to treating different types of hepatitis. Its main function is to fight against viral infection and bacteria in the body which makes it an effective remedy to treat hepatitis caused by a viral infection.