Certain sectors of the health community will recognize World Hepatitis Day on July 28. To recognize this, here we continue our examination of remedies for chronic disease by looking at Hepatitis C. If you or someone you are close to could be at risk of Hepatitis C, this article is for you.
Chronic Disease: Defining Hepatitis C
Chronic diseases are detrimental to public health. Fortunately, many of them are treatable. Roughly 6 in 10 grown Americans live with some form of chronic disease, and often with comorbidities. This is a very high percentage.
Experiencing a chronic disease obviously comes with physical ailments, and even severe complications and death. However, the economic burden of having a chronic disease cannot be overlooked. Eighty-three percent of all prescriptions given are given to those experiencing some type of chronic disease. Prevention is key.
World Hepatitis Day is July 28. This is a day to promote awareness, prevention, and treatment of hepatitis. To do so, here we look at the ramifications of Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C (HCV) is the name for the disease caused by a viral infection of the liver. The vast majority of HCV cases are chronic. It is one of multiple types of the disease. HCV differs in both its spread, and in treatment, compared to hepatitis A or hepatitis B. Estimates place the prevalence of HCV at up to around 4 million in the U.S., compared to only around 2 million at most for hepatitis B. C is typically transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, and was more commonly spread before 1992.
HCV usually presents at first with only mild symptoms, or none at all. Frequently, an individual does not find out they have it until decades after they have contracted it, and lasting liver damage has already begun to occur. 75% of persons with HCV were born during 1945–1965, and 75% of those with it do not yet know. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the common risk of this condition!
4 Supplements for Addressing Hepatitis C
Research into particular supplements has shown their utility in mitigating the liver complications and symptoms of HCV. These must be used in the context of medical treatment and medication where they are prescribed, and not instead of them.
Milk thistle has been studied for its potential to help the body in cases of hepatitis C. Milk thistle contains silymarin, and this compound is known for the protective benefits it can provide to the liver. By supporting the liver and potentially the regeneration of this vital organ, milk thistle is one of the most applicable herbal supplements out there for the body of someone living with HCV.
Zinc supplementation can be useful for some aspects of managing hepatitis C. Deficiencies in zinc can occur in the context of HCV. Supplementing with zinc could make up for this deficiency and its effects. Taking zinc can potentially reduce the symptoms of HCV, and improve how patients respond to medical treatment. Zinc should only be taken in the recommended dosage.
Beta-carotene is a natural carotenoid, and one of the most popular. Among other carotenoids, beta-carotene has been studied for its interactions with the virus causing HCV, and evidence suggests it could help. Preliminary research testifies to its ability to directly reduce fat accumulation in the liver, which can occur from HCV. By supplementing with beta-carotene, the risk of liver damage from HCV can be reduced.
Vitamin D is helpful for working against HCV because it is an immune-supporting vitamin. If you have read our blog before, this benefit of taking vitamin D has been affirmed. Low levels of vitamin D are common in those with HCV, and supplementing with vitamin D can help fend against the virus causing HCV. It is very important to get vitamin D because deficiency is linked to liver damage.
If you or someone you care about has HCV, then do not disregard the benefit that these supplements can give, when used in the context of medical treatment for HCV. It is highly recommended that you consult your healthcare provider before taking any of these to address the complications of HCV.