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Hepatitis is a term meaning "inflammation
of the liver ". The major causes of hepatitis
are specific viruses: hepatitis A (HAV), hepatitis
B (HBV), and hepatitis C (HCV). Hepatitis can
also be chemically induced (alcohol, drugs,
medications, solvents, pesticides etc). Less
common hepatitis causes are bacterial, parasitic
or fungal infections.
You shall learn about the statistics dealing
with Hepatitis C:
• 520 million people are affected globally
by Hepatitis B and C (6 million in the United
States alone) and most of them do not know they
are infected.
• There is currently no vaccine available
to protect against infection with HCV, and infection
becomes chronic in most infected people.
• According to the Center for Disease
Control, 20% - 50% will go on to develop cirrhosis
(scaring of the liver) and 20% - 30% will develop
liver cancer.
• About 10,000 deaths reported each year.
Hepatitis C is called the hidden epidemic because
it can go undetected for many years. Many people
with chronic hepatitis C have no symptoms at
all and don’t have any idea that they
have an infection. Initially the virus may remain
asymptomatic for many years, followed by vague
symptoms like fatigue, depression, mental confusion
and poor appetite. With most people, a diagnosis
is determined following routine blood tests.
As the disease progresses more serious signs
may occur such as pain or heaviness in the upper
part of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, bitter
taste in the mouth, constipation, diarrhea,
joint pain, skin itching and rushes, yellow
skin and eyes, and liver enlargement. Very often
severe viral infection can make it difficult
to think clearly and cause memory disturbances,
anxiety, and depression.
Life longevity will depend on how fast toxins
and inflammation processed in the liver kill
the liver cells. No one knows why some people
live for decades and some die in a few years
from cirrhosis or liver cancer due to Chronic
Hepatitis B and C.
Inflammation from the hepatitis virus kills
the liver cells, which results in the loss of
liver function. In addition, there is edema
and accumulation of toxic, acidic substances
around liver cells that cause destruction of
microcirculation and input of the blood.
Because the liver cells have too little oxygen
and nutrients, and too many toxins, the cells
literally suffocate. As the cells weaken, they
lose their ability to resist the virus, die
and are replaced by scar tissue. The scar tissue
shuts off the flow of blood to the remaining
healthy tissue, allowing communication (shunts)
between the blood vessels and bile ducts. Bile
then enters the blood stream and causes jaundice.
Sick liver cells can no longer manufacture bile.
The bile ducts are pressed and narrowed, so
an insufficient amount of bile reaches the intestines.
This leads to indigestion of fats, poor elimination
of toxins, and accumulation of toxins in the
liver cells.
The liver cells suffocate and are destroyed
by the hepatitis virus. The cells are no longer
able to manufacture life essential substances
that take part in immune metabolism, blood coagulation,
and hormone balancing. Toxins, like ammonia,
pass through the liver to the blood stream,
leading to body intoxication (especially of
brain cells).
Liver cells have the capacity to regenerate
following many forms of illness. While many
individuals recover from hepatitis and even
regain normal liver function, not everyone does.
Often hepatitis does not resolve, and chronic
liver disease develops. This occurs not only
with long term exposure to pathogens, but depends
on the ability of the liver cells to resist
viruses.
In hepatitis B & C patients, we
have seen improvements in energy, mood, liver
enzymes, arthritis, mental acuity, abdominal
pain and distention. While there does not appear
to be a cure for Hepatitis B & C, there
are options available, which may reduce the
suffering and prolong one’s life.
The
statements made in this website have not been
evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
The products and procedures presented at this
website are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure or prevent any disease or illness, to prescribe
any medication or to be a substitute for medical
treatment. |
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