Fight Hepatitis C? Here are Some Tools to Use
A slow, silent killer. That describes much about Hepatitis C. Once infected, the virus can stay in your body, inactive for years. At the same time, the disease is slowly destroying your general health, your life and your liver.
Individuals who have been diagnosed with Hepatitis C are often put on a regimen of interferon which is sometimes combined with ribavirin. The use of these drugs has several side effects – headaches, muscle aches, nausea, and flu like symptoms to name a few.
When you are fighting Hepatitis C, you need all the help you can get. One of these is going to a detox diet. A detox diet is intended to reduce the amount of toxins you are putting into your body and, at the same time, increase the toxins that are eliminated. The principles behind any detox diet you chose are basically the same.
Eliminate all alcohol.
Eliminate caffeine. Try tea instead because of its high level of antioxidants.
Increase the amount of water you are drinking.
Reduce the amount of processed food you are eating.
Look for whole grains and high fiber foods.
Whenever possible, use food that has been organically grown.
Minimize the amount of red meat you have in your diet.
Add as many antioxidant rich foods to your diet as you can –especially berries and broccoli.
You can make these changes yourself or you can find diet guidelines and supplements in many health food stores. If you do decide to change your eating habits, let your doctor know. He/she may have some suggestions for you. A detox diet does make a lot of sense when you have Hepatitis C. The Hep C virus damages your liver. Any change in diet that will help take the load off your liver and cleanse it is positive.
In addition to going to a detox diet, talk to your doctor about acupuncture and milk thistle. Acupuncture is an ancient practice used for a variety of ills. Milk thistle is an herbal that many people believe is extremely effective in cleansing the liver. Your doctor may have some insight on the effectiveness of these alternatives.
Fighting Hepatitis C is a fight for your life. Make use of everything you can – medication, diet changes, your doctor’s experience – everything. That’s the best way to win this fight.
