Hepatitis C: Repost

[Roy Collins]

Last week someone posted a message in the comment section of my smoking article on the main page but did not leave a name. The question had to do with Hepatitis C and what foods to t eat. I am reposting the reply from the old message forum (and suggest that everyone browse through there at the topics that have already been discussed. That section is on the far left column of the cybermacro home page.

In the meantime I copied a part of an old reply to someone else who asked a similar question on Hep. C:

Unlike the other types of viral hepatitis, hepatitis C is very difficult for the immune system to overcome because it is an RNA-class virus which rapidly mutates and is highly evasive to the human immune system.

As a result, most Hepatitis C infections become chronic and can lead to liver disease and failure. Hepatitis C infection is typically mild in its early stages, and it is rarely recognized until it has caused significant damage to the liver. The cycle of disease from infection to significant liver damage can take up to 20 years.

Hepatitis C is believed to be transmitted only by blood and body secretions. However, unlike many other blood borne viruses virtually any source of blood or blood products seems to be capable of carrying the virus, even if the source is indirect - such as a used razor, barber scissors, body piercing, tattooing, shared toothbrushes, and unbandaged cuts. Heterosexual and homosexual activity, particularly with multiple partners and in the absence of protection are at greater risk. Yet even close contact between household members has also been implicated.

NOTE: Blood transfusions account for only about 10% of all cases of Hepatitis C (usually prior to 1990 when there were no tests for Hep C)

Since the immune system is responsible for recognizing foreign bodies in the blood and then effectively launching a defense strategy, it is important to keep the immune system operating at peak efficiency. Unfortunately, people eating the typical SAD (Standard American Diet) dominated by high fats, drugs & alcohol use, lack of fresh green (local) vegetables, fruits and grains, and high-tech, stressful work habits have all been contributing factors that inhibit immune response.

The once, routine surgical removal of the tonsils (part of immune-fighting team) is a contirbuting factor of the weakened immune system as well. Localization of toxins in the liver begin to increase as pathogens and virulent microbes pass undectected through the weakened immune system. As liver becomes more burdened, toxins back-up and Hep C (or other virus forms) take up residence -- inflammation begins, then degeneration occurs. Interestingly, there may be no outward symptoms of Hep C. (A blood serum test is required -- these can be self-administered from home-kits approved by the FDA -- go to: www.homehiv-test.com/hepatitisctesting.htm)

Current alopathic treatment and control of Hep C is by interferon therapy -- a natural cellular product that increases the resistance of neighboring cells to infection by Hep C (and other viruses.) While interferon selectively blocks translation or transcription of viral RNA (stopping replication without dusturbing normal host cell function) not all people (patients with Hep C) respond to interferon -- and for others there are many side-effects. Therefore interferon is administed for a specific duration (usuall 6 months) then the patient retested to see if it is working --- sometimes this is done from liver biopsy.

From a holistic/macrobiotic viewpoint, however -- this treatment is symtomatic -- a control device, at best. Cure can not be fully realized until the causation factors are removed. This is then followed by the rebuilding of the blood and immune system, with specific attention being focused on detoxifying the liver and re-building its functioning. The healing protocol must begin by:

1. Changing lifestyle and eliminating all red meat and fatty, fried foods and fast foods.

NOTE: Increased levels of iron, and transferrin saturation also have been found in Hep C patients. High levels of serum iron in general, been associated with lesser likelihood of response to interferon (IFN) therapy. ( Red meat contains highest iron sources.) Complete responders to IFN have, on average, lower hepatic iron concentrations than do noncomplete responders.

2. Except for NATURAL INTERFERON (from purified natural lecocyte) ALL DRUGS (alcohol and niccotine included) AND refined sugars should be eliminated from diet.

3. Avoidance of chemical toxins in food, hygenic products, workplace, home.

4. Avoidance of all flour products, dairy products, vinegar, honey, high acid foods (especially nightshades which interfere with iron absorption) Stop use of common table salt -- use only natural sea salt in small quantities during cooking only.

5. Begin to gradually incorporate more cooked whole grains (with pinch of sea salt) into the diet (especailly millet and barely.) Try to eat a minimum of one bowl daily -- chewing very slowly and at least 50 times before swallowing. A variety of fresh, organic vegetables -- especially green leafy type (NO SPINACH) -- both in salad form and steamed or quickly boiled (al dente) should comprise about 50 per-cent of diet! Green drinks, using young barley grass with carrot juice is also beneficial and can be taken up to three times daily at room temperature.

6. One bowl of miso soup with wakame, onion and shiitake mushroom should be taken daily. Preferably in am after a gentle form of exercise is done -- like tai chi or yoga.

7. Keep amount of food to a minimum. A good habit at the start (while overcoming Hep C) is to use only one bowl (no plate) and to fill it only once per meal.

8. Avoid physical contact with other people as much as possible. Keep personal items in a specified location. Wash hands with antibacterial soap frequently.

9. Beside the green juices, it is important to drink specific hebals to aid in liver detoxificaton and to rebuild (enhance) the immune functions. Milk Thistle seed tea combined with licorice root and Echinacea (or astragalus root) are best for this purpose. Licorice is an anti-inflamatory and stimulates the production of interferon. Since dehydration is common in Hep C it is important to drink these teas frequently (along with green drinks.)

NOTE: The Chinese have discovered that the stem of the honeysuckle vine (Japonica lonicera) made into a tea is extremely effective for Hep C (also good for cancers) and a mixture called Yinchenhao, which uses Artemisia capillaris also beneficial for liver disorders. BEWARE, under no circumstances should you attempt to purchase the little black Chinese liver pills (Found in Chinese or American herb shops) as they contain unregulated substances (like arsnic) that have resulted in death. American Barberry root may also be used as it is one of the best botanicals for normalizing liver secretions. Both barberry and Japanese honeysuckle grow over most of the US.

10. Externally a ginger compress or castor oil packs can be applied over the liver three times daily. Avoid excessive bathing (take short hot showers when needed) .

If the above suggestions are closely followed and applied on a daily basis I believe that complete control and remission of Hep C can occur.

In peace, Roy