Inflammation of the liver, often due to a viral infection. There are two types: hepatitis A (infectious hepatitis) which is spread by infected motions passed from hand to mouth, infected water or food; hepatitis B (serum hepatitis) spread by infected blood or body fluids. Symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the skin), fever, severe fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headaches and aching muscles. The condition can sometimes lead to irreversible liver damage and death - therefore, self help treatments should be carried out in consultation with your doctor or other health professional.

Prevention

The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all close contacts of patients with the illness, to offer protection against outbreaks in households or institutions. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for intimate contacts of sufferers of acute hepatitis B, and sexual contacts of highly infectious carriers.

Treatment - Dietary

Naturopaths use a number of dietary measures to treat hepatitis. Since these often require taking large doses of vitamins, it is advisable to carry out treatment under the supervision of a professional. The following recommendations may be made:

Avoid alcohol, reduce intake of saturated fats, fried food, refined carbohydrates (white flour and sugar). Increase intake of fibre (wholegrain cereals, fruit and vegetables, cooked dried beans and peas) which encourage the elimination of bile acids and toxins which accumulate in the liver and gallbladder. Some studies have shown large doses of vitamin C improved viral hepatitis. Naturopaths recommend between 10 and 50 g daily or to a bowel tolerance (i.e. if you start to get diarrhea, lower the dose). Vitamins B12 and folic acid have been shown to reduce recovery time. The B vitamins should be taken together in a daily vitamin B complex supplement.

Herbal

Dandelion is well-recognized liver remedy: put 3 teaspoons of the root into 1 cup of water, simmer for 15 minutes. Drink 3 times daily. Dandelion leaves can also be eaten raw in salad. Milk thistle is said to promote the regeneration of diseased liver cells: make an infusion by pouring a cup of water on 1 teaspoonful of the bruised seeds, allow to stand for 10 minutes and drink 3 times daily. Globe artichoke stimulates the elimination of bile from the body, an important factor in the treatment of hepatitis: eat the fresh vegetables as often as possible.

Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese doctors would use acupuncture and herbs such as oriental wormwood and gardenia fruit to treat this condition.

Orthodox

Doctors recommend bed rest and abstinence from alcohol for at least 6 months. Steroid drugs may be prescribed to prevent further damage to the liver.