Take Good Care of Your Liver
It's Hepatitis Awareness Day so I thought I'd give you guys a quick rundown of the condition.
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis literally means inflammation of the liver.
What does it look like?
Symptoms include upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, fever, muscle weakness, fatigue, dark urine, light clay-colored stool and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
How do you get it?
Hepatitis can be caused by alcohol addiction, drug use (specifically needle sharing), sexual contact with an infected person, passed from mother to baby, contact with infected blood or by eating contaminated food (like recalled produce).
There are five viruses that cause hepatitis: HAV, HBV, HCV, HDV and HEV. Viruses A and E are passed through contaminated food. Viruses B and C are passed through blood and bodily fluids (not sweat or spit). And virus D, though the deadliest, can only exist if B is present.
How do you protect yourself from it?
Hepatitis can be prevented by vaccinations, safe sex, limited alcohol intake, not sharing needles (or toothbrushes and razors), cooking food thoroughly (especially pork, boar and venison) and washing hands and fruits.
How do you get rid of it?
Hepatitis A and E have been known to clear on their own. You may be prescribed rest, hydration and over the counter pain killers. B, C and D usually require anti-viral medication. They may never clear, but can be managed in order to keep the viral load low (not unlike HIV). It's also important to note that B and C have been known to show no symptoms for
years.
In addition to staying hydrated, there are also supplements you can take to help support the liver. These include:
Milk Thistle
Ginseng
Green Tea
Licorice Root
Turmeric
Garlic
Ginger
Danshen
Gingko Biloba
Astragalus
It is important to consult with your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you are currently taking medications or are immunocompromised. Most treatments have the potential to damage the liver, including natural supplements.
There we are, a quick rundown of Hepatitis. Remember to research thoroughly, plan wisely, and see you for your next massage.
Take good care of your liver!
--Alison
