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Medical Forum / Diseases and Disorders / Hepatitis / March 2009Stalling the Hep C Virus - from Hepatitis Central
Dear friends, Many of us find that it is necessary to put off the next/first round of combination therapy to treat the virus. All I can say is I have been following a strict regimen that appears to parallel the advice given to us by Nicole Cutler in this article. I strongly believe the virus is stalled in me. Be well, help your liver survive - Cactus Jammies subscriptions, more information from Hepatitis Central: http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2009/03/stalling_hepati.html?eml=he pcen74 ........................................................................ March 10, 2009 Stalling Hepatitis C In-Between Health Coverage Many with Hepatitis C are finding themselves between jobs, and thus without healthcare. Until their health coverage woes turn around, these two simple strategies can help stall Hepatitis C from inflicting liver damage in the interim. by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac. Healthcare for chronic Hepatitis C is suffering from our economy's recent decline. Whether without health insurance or unable to afford co-payments, the expensive care for Hepatitis C can be harder than ever to obtain. However, people can delay further damage from Hepatitis C during a lapse of health coverage. Avoiding alcohol and supplementing with milk thistle helps minimize the damage done by this virus. Until health insurance can be reinstated or supervised medical treatment can be otherwise financed, these two non-pharmaceutical, cost-effective tactics can help the liver defend against Hepatitis C's constant assault. Healthcare is one of the top social and economic problems facing Americans today. The majority of Americans (59-61 percent) have health insurance through their employer. Unfortunately, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a growing army of unemployed American adults with the unemployment rate at a 16-year high of 7.2 percent. An estimated 50 million Americans currently live without health insurance, and of those who are employed and do have health coverage, an estimated 25 million are underinsured. Just as unemployment rates leave more people without affordable health insurance, the financial burden of healthcare for those with coverage is also rising. Many who have health insurance also struggle to pay their healthcare bills. Rising healthcare premiums, deductibles and steep co-payments, as well as limits on coverage for various services, or other limits and excluded services that can increase out-of-pocket expenses, all contribute to this problem. Thus, the inability to finance necessary medical care affects both the uninsured and the underinsured. Even if a person with Hepatitis C has full health coverage, there are no guarantees. For starters, only about 50 percent of people with Hepatitis C genotype 1 (the most common variety in the U.S.) will successfully eliminate the virus with treatment. In addition, many insurance companies are putting limits on the therapy they will approve based upon the patient's genotype - not based on the doctor's recommendations. For more information about this growing trend, read Hepatitis C Genotype Guides Health Plans. Although the economic crunch exacerbates the high price tag of Hepatitis C treatment, there is tremendous hope for the future. In all stages of development, hundreds of clinical trials are unraveling Hepatitis C's mysteries, and finding innovative ways to beat this virus without compromising the infected person's health. For the underinsured, uninsured or those denied Hepatitis C treatment by a health carrier, there is a way to temporarily maintain the liver's status quo. Pending therapy being financed or the approval of a more effective Hepatitis C drug cocktail, the liver can be protected by: 1. Avoiding Alcohol - Because alcohol exponentially accelerates the virus' ability to damage and kill liver cells, abstaining from drinking alcohol is critical for prolonging the health of those with Hepatitis C. 2. Milk Thistle - Although it doesn't kill the Hepatitis C virus, scientific evidence shows that high quality milk thistle protects the liver by promoting the growth of new liver cells, strengthening liver cell walls to resist damage and inhibiting inflammation. By keeping your liver as healthy and resilient as possible, the Hepatitis C virus will be thwarted in its attempts at harm. Skipping alcohol and supplementing with milk thistle is not a solution for getting rid of Hepatitis C. However, combining these strategies can help you ride out the economic storm, or wait for the arrival of an improved (and affordable) course of treatment. References: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/infections/ hepatitis/071.html, Hepatitis C, Retrieved January 14, 2009, American Academy of Family Physicians, 2009. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/hepatitisc/, CAM and Hepatitis C: A Focus on Herbal Supplements, Retrieved January 14, 2009, National Institutes of Health, 2009. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090113/ap_on_he_me/meltdown_supplement_sales ;_ylt=AvzLPe41yC5bxKThV0.BvDhZ24cA, With economy sour, consumers sweet on herbal meds, Lindsey Tanner, Retrieved January 14, 2009, The Associated Press, January 2009. http://www.cpmc.org/learning/documents/hepatitisc-ws.html#How%20Much%20 will%20the%20Treatment%20Cost?, Frequently Asked Questions About Hepatitis C, Retrieved January 14, 2009, California Pacific Medical Center, 2009. http://www.healthcareproblems.org/health-care-statistics.htm, Health Care Statistics, Retrieved January 15, 2009, HealthCareProblems.org, 2009. http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2008/12/health_plans_gu.html, Hepatitis C Genotype Guides Health Plans, Angela Mass, Retrieved January 16, 2009, Natural Wellness, December 2008. http://www.ncsl.org/programs/health/healthmc.htm, Health Insurance and the States, Retrieved January 15, 2009, National Conference of State Legislatures, January 2009. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/10/business/economy/10jobs.html?hp, Jobless Rate Hits 7.2%, a 16-Year High, Louis Uchitelle, Retrieved January 15, 2009, The New York Times, January 9, 2009. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/indepth_coverage/health/uninsured/how weareinsured.html, The Uninsured in America, Leah Clapman, Retrieved January 16, 2009, MacNeil/Lehrer Productions, April 2007. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080201155652.htm, Alternative Medicine Use For Hepatitis C: Silymarin (Milk Thistle) Does Not Affect Virus Activity Or ALT Levels, Survey Suggests, Retrieved January 14, 2009, ScienceDaily LLC, February 2008. Posted by Editors at March 10, 2009 04:25 PM > 2. Milk Thistle - Although it doesn't kill the Hepatitis C virus, > scientific evidence shows that high quality milk thistle protects the > liver by promoting the growth of new liver cells, strengthening liver > cell walls to resist damage and inhibiting inflammation. What is considered "high quality milk thistle" and how much should one take? Thanks, Cody >> 2. Milk Thistle - Although it doesn't kill the Hepatitis C virus, >> scientific evidence shows that high quality milk thistle protects the [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > Cody Hi Cody, Ah... which is the best? Depends who you wind up believing. I went but the SH Buhner book on Herbs, Hepatitis C and the Liver. He recommeds that dosage which I have been taking for more than two years. Here are some likely suspects: http://www.liversupport.com/milkthistle.htm http://www.alohamedicinals.com/bio.htm?source=google&gclid=CPTRqq72n5kCFRwDagodXXsfpw http://www.maximummilkthistle.com/ Seen below in the article as published in Science Daily (an older review), although it sounds as though it dismisses the idea that Milk Thistle is beneficial, one should read right to the bottom, where dosage and concentration are mentioned. Since this review was done, there have been trials where the synthesized Silymarin has been used intravenously in a run-up to combination therapy and the liver enzymes were lowered substantially as a result. Your blood supply at any one time has 20% in the liver and it circulates constantly. Some would say that reducing the ALT and AST is trivial, but what I think it does, is de-stress the liver. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/05/050504003425.htm As for my regimen, I take four doses daily of Milk Thistle. A dose is two capsules containing 500 mg of Milk Thistle Powder and 200 mg of Milk Thistle extract (80% Silymarin) I purchase it from www.wholehealth.com This is their website's write-up of their product contains the usual hype about effectiveness and why their product is the best. I also take 1 tsp x 4 daily of Turmeric powder mixed into water daily. If you are looking for a recommendation of one product over another, what ever you decide on, be sure to take lots of it. I take eight capsules a day, and I reference to what the article in Science Daily has to say about dosage. from http://www.wholehealth.com (see 'liver') in the left column What is Milk Thistle / Silymarin? Of all the herbal supplements you will find for sale on our site, Milk Thistle Extract may be the most intriguing. Milk Thistle has been shown to help protect and rejuvenate the liver in three ways: Milk Thistle is a powerful Antioxidant, it helps protect your liver, and may interrupt enterohepatic recirculation of toxins. The silymarin complex in Milk Thistle puts up a "shield" that may help protect against many liver-harming substances and may help to regenerate your liver. Why Is Our Milk Thistle / Silymarin Better? The quality of Milk Thistle products on the market varies dramatically. Our Milk Thistle product contains fresh, potent, standardized extract plus 250mg per capsule of micro-ground Milk Thistle Seed. Our product tests (in the laboratory) to 80% silymarin. Remember, if a supplier does not list their concentration, don't buy it because there's no way of knowing what you are getting. 100% Vegetarian capsules are used -- no gelatin. As per the German Commission E recommendations, our Milk Thistle product also uses complete ground Milk Thistle Seed. It is not just an isolated silymarin extract sprayed on a neutral filler. If there are a variety of active compounds working synergistically (or even independently) we haven't eliminated most of them, just because we believe silymarin to be the main compound producing the desired result. This way, you get a reliable, standard extract, AND all the compounds naturally present in Milk Thistle. Few, if any, other companies use the seed as filler because of the added expense. But, by offering you manufacture-direct-to-consumer pricing (having eliminated all middlemen), we are able to offer you a superior product at a lower price. No sugar, no starch, no artificial colors or preservatives, no sodium, no yeast, no dairy, no wheat, no corn, no soy, no animal products. Who Should Consider Milk Thistle / Silymarin? Of all the herbal supplements you will find for sale on our site, Milk Thistle Extract may be the most intriguing. Milk Thistle has been shown to help protect and rejuvenate the liver in not less than three ways: Milk Thistle is a powerful Antioxidant. Like any bioflavonoid complex, Milk Thistle exerts a powerful anti-oxidant effect. If you need to be reminded of how important anti-oxidants are, please visit our Grape Seed Extract page. Milk Thistle helps protect your liver. Milk Thistle may interrupt enterohepatic recirculation of toxins. The silymarin complex in Milk Thistle puts up a protective "shield" that may help protect against many liver-harming substances. Milk Thistle may help regenerate your liver. Did you know that your liver is the only internal organ in your body capable of regeneration? Milk Thistle's silymarin complex may actually help the liver to synthesize new proteins! ............. 30 ................... I know from experince that the normal day in Spain is quite different from North America in terms of when people eat and when they are active. The late meal is quite late and not really condusive to sleep at 9 PM. (my personal approach) That is another issue. I did find the 2 pm to 5 pm siesta time quite relieving. Cheers Cody hope it helps cactus jammies >>> 2. Milk Thistle - Although it doesn't kill the Hepatitis C virus, >>> scientific evidence shows that high quality milk thistle protects the [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > but the SH Buhner book on Herbs, Hepatitis C and the Liver. He > recommeds that dosage which I have been taking for more than two years. The Milk Thistle I've been taking only has 1.5% silymarin. I'll either get it at a herbalist or from the web page you cited. Spain has a lot of herbalists. Thanks for the info. Cody > >>> 2. Milk Thistle - Although it doesn't kill the Hepatitis C virus, > >>> scientific evidence shows that high quality milk thistle protects the [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > > - Show quoted text - There is also a clinical study with Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil): http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT00547716?term=Hepatitis+c&rank=10 Here is a some information concerning this study: "The accumulation of fat in the liver has been blamed on a particular type of fat called triglycerides. Fish oil, by reducing a type of fat called VLDL, can lower the triglyceride concentration by as much as 50 percent or more. This study seeks to determine if the administration of fish oil along with standard treatment to patients with Hepatitis C will increase the treatment response rates". After 22 weeks, I am not responding well enough to Pegasys, (round 2) so I am getting ready to switch to Infergen. I find it interesting that there is a govt study going on about fish oil along with the current HCV treatment so I am adding 1 gram of fish oil per day to my diet. Cannot see how it could hurt... Rusty "rusty" <rustylarue888@hotmail.com> wrote .............. There is also a clinical study with Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil): http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT00547716?term=Hepatitis+c&rank=10 Here is a some information concerning this study: "The accumulation of fat in the liver has been blamed on a particular type of fat called triglycerides. Fish oil, by reducing a type of fat called VLDL, can lower the triglyceride concentration by as much as 50 percent or more. This study seeks to determine if the administration of fish oil along with standard treatment to patients with Hepatitis C will increase the treatment response rates". After 22 weeks, I am not responding well enough to Pegasys, (round 2) so I am getting ready to switch to Infergen. I find it interesting that there is a govt study going on about fish oil along with the current HCV treatment so I am adding 1 gram of fish oil per day to my diet. Cannot see how it could hurt... Rusty ........................................ Rusty, Best of wishes in your treatment. FYI, I take 1 1/2 tablespoons of ground Flax seed in my morning meal for the same nutrients as you mention about Fish Oil, above. As well, we have Salmon for lunch and dinner a few times through the week. What you are doing is reducing the chances of fat building up in the liver (Steatosis) which is a common condition for people over 50, alcohol addicts or are those who are obese. Steatosis can slow the uptake processes of your liver. NASH, Non-Alcoholic Steatotic Hepatitis is a condition that adds to inflammation and can cause Cirrhosis. cactus jammies > "rusty" <rustylarue888@hotmail.com> wrote > .............. [quoted text clipped - 28 lines] > > cactus jammies Forgot to add that I am on a low carb eating plan and take in less than 40 net carbohydrates per day thereby reducing triglycerides. As well, I try to refrain from saturated fats. I tellya this eating to save the liver is an all-consuming project. (yes, pun intended) Net carbohydrates could be loosely defined as those carbohydrates which are not fiber. Similar to a low-glycemic index diet that is recommended to diabetics. (any of this stuff is based in science and nutrition) You lose weight while doing this, and the fat in the liver goes along with the brown fat in your upper body. cactus jammies, out. > Dear friends, > Many of us find that it is necessary to put off the next/first round of > combination therapy to treat the virus. All I can say is I have been > following a strict regimen that appears to parallel the advice given to us > by Nicole Cutler in this article. I strongly believe the virus is stalled > in me. <snip article> The Cutler article seems more of an encouraging hug to those who cannot afford treatment than a medical relevation. We know that alcohol consumption will accelerate hcv-caused liver damage, but we do not know that milkthistle therapy will "stall" it, nor is there any solid evidence to prove this theory. The best thing that has been proven about milkthistle is that it will do no harm to a compromised liver. If there was indeed a way to "stall" hcv replecation, certainly no one in their right mind would undertake treatment and no responsible doctor would prescribe it unless the liver damage was advanced to the point of being debilitating or life-threatening. Sorry, but as much as we want to find that easy treatment, it just isn't here yet. Waterspider > The Cutler article seems more of an encouraging hug to those who cannot > afford treatment than a medical relevation. We know that alcohol [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > > Waterspider Didn't I make it clear that in my case it seems to have worked, but only because I think the amount of Milk thistle I take results in a higher percentage beiing taken up into the blood stream? And did you not read about the studies done in Europe using the extract of Milkthistle intravenously on patients with compromised livers and thereby have dramatically lowered their alt/ast, but only as long as the MT was being administered? I won't add it up for you and it is more than just hopeful thinking and wishing. If your alt and ast are lowered from a higher value by doing something....??? anyway to much adrenaline, cortisol and testosterone expended on this already so later cactus jammies >> The Cutler article seems more of an encouraging hug to those who cannot >> afford treatment than a medical relevation. We know that alcohol [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > thinking and wishing. If your alt and ast are lowered from a higher value > by doing something....??? We know that lfts are not an accurate, if any, indication of hcv activity. I know that you do much more than take milkthistle to improve your health and quality of life, and I'd be inclined to say the whole regime is helping you feel better, not just the milkthistle. Regardless, the hcv is NOT stalled. If it was not replecating, your viral load would be nil. WS ----- Original Message ----- From: "Waterspider" <nospam@all.com> Newsgroups: alt.support.hepatitis-c Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 1:32 PM Subject: Re: Stalling the Hep C Virus - from Hepatitis Central > We know that lfts are not an accurate, if any, indication of hcv activity. > I know that you do much more than take milkthistle to improve your health [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > WS ........................................ Oh well. Thanks for sharing. cactus jammies |
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