07.27.2017 •

How to Naturally Treat Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory (“itis”) disease of the liver (“hepa”) that is often caused by a family of viruses. There are many types of hepatitis, including A, B, C, D, E, and G, but the most common in Canada are the first three. If you want to successfully treat (or prevent) this disease, you’ll need to focus on supporting your liver and keeping your immune system strong.

Why is liver health so important?

Your liver has a huge responsibility. This vital organ is in charge of filtering your blood, removing toxins, regulating blood circulation, storing vitamins and minerals, helping with digestion…the list goes on and on. So, it goes without saying that it’s very important to keep your liver in tip-top shape.

Did you know that your liver can regenerate itself? Its true. But just because this remarkable organ has rejuvenating abilities doesn’t mean it’s impervious to disease. There are a wide variety of conditions that can cause serious liver problems, including cancer, cysts, fatty liver disease, jaundice, alcoholic liver disease, fibrosis—and hepatitis.

What is hepatitis?

While hepatitis is often caused by viral infections, excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to toxic chemicals, and autoimmune disorders can also lead to this disease. Regardless of the reason, hepatitis can cause serious liver damage, possibly resulting in fibrosis (scarring of the liver), cirrhosis (chronic liver failure), or liver cancer.

Hepatitis A and E are normally caused by consuming contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B, C, and D usually occur from sexual contact, infusions of tainted blood, and the sharing of hypodermic needles. Early signs of hepatitis include flulike symptoms and loss of appetite. As the disease progresses, a host of other symptoms may develop, such as fever, nausea, dark urine, extreme fatigue, vomiting, swollen joints, and jaundice.

How can I naturally treat hepatitis?

Hailed in Traditional Chinese Medicine as the “mushroom of immortality,” the red reishi mushroom packs a mighty punch when it comes to treating hepatitis. This fabulous fungi contains powerful antioxidant properties that have been proven to stimulate liver cell growth, enhance liver detoxification, help prevent cirrhosis, and boost overall liver functioning.

Reishi mushrooms are also beneficial in balancing the immune system. This is extremely helpful when it comes to boosting your body’s ability to fend off infections, bacteria, and viruses—viruses like those that cause hepatitis. In fact, research has shown that the polysaccharide fractions and tripertenes found in reishi help protect the liver from chronic hepatitis B.

If you want to help reduce the hepatitis viral load, red reishi is your answer to a happier, healthier liver.

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Dr. Melissa Carr is a registered Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine with a B.Sc. in Kinesiology. In practice since 2001, Dr. Carr has a passion for sharing health information. She has been a nutrition instructor and a health consultant, lecturer, and writer for 24 Hours Vancouver newspaper, Fraser Health Authority, UBC, and the David Suzuki Foundation, amongst others.