Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne infectious disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus. It is the leading cause of liver transplants in the United States.
In the first six months of infection with the virus – the period referred to as acute hepatitis C – 60 to 70 percent of the people infected have no symptoms at all, while others experience decreased appetite, fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, itching, or flu-like symptoms. When infection with the virus continues for more than six months – a condition called chronic hepatitis C – again, there may be no symptoms at all. Some patients, though, experience weight loss, flu-like symptoms, low-grade fever, muscle pain, joint pain, itching, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and more. If left untreated, this disorder can progress and cause inflammation of the liver, liver scarring, and cirrhosis. It should be noted, though, that the majority of those infected with hepatitis C experience either no symptoms or such milk symptoms that they do not seek treatment.
Hepatitis C is spread through contact with infected blood, and may be contracted through IV drug use; transfusions with unscreened blood; occupational exposure to blood; recreational exposure to drugs, as in sports; and even shared personal items such as razors. The condition has also been known to spread through sex with an infectious person, and from mother to infant during childbirth.
While prompt medical treatment of hepatitis C is important to avoid progression of the disease, a number of supplements can also be useful in the treatment of this disorder. At the same time, avoid high doses of vitamin A and beta carotene, and niacin supplementation greater than 100 milligrams.
Supplements to treat Hepatitis C
• Alpha-lipoic acid – USANA combined alpha-lipoic acid with coenzyme Q10 to create CoQuinone 30, a fantastic supplement of these energy-supporting nutrients. USANA Vitamins supplements CoQuinone 30 contains a full 30 mg of CoQ10 and 12.5 mg of alpha lipoic acid per soft gel capsule.
• Astragalus
• B-complex vitamins
• Carnitine
• Coenzyme Q10
• Lysine – Taking for more than six months can cause an imbalance of arginine. Do not take if you have diabetes or are allergic to eggs, milk, or wheat.
• N-acetylcysteien (NAC)
• Olive leaf extract
• Phosphatidyl-choline (Lecithin)
• Probiotics
• Selenium
• Silymarin – Found in milk thistle
• Taurine
• Vitamin B9 (folic acid)
• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
USANA Vitamins supplements Hepasil DTX is the comprehensive liver support formula that promotes and balances the body’s detoxification processes. Milk-thistle extract which provides dual action, stimulating liver enzymes and protecting against oxidative stress. USANA Hepasil DTX provides additional antioxidants from green-tea extract, olives, and turmeric provide further antioxidant protection.
