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Love your liver

Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver. It can be passed on by close contact with body fluids, including during sex and sharing needles when injecting drugs, but in 20 per cent of cases, the route of transmission is unknown. Most people do not develop symptoms initially, but one in 10 may have a mild flu-like illness with jaundice. Up to 30% of people clear the virus from their system and have no further problems, although blood tests will show the presence of antibodies to the virus. People who do not clear the virus go on to develop chronic hepatitis C, which can cause liver problems such as fibrosis and cirrhosis. It?s best to avoid alcohol and smoking totally in future, as these increase the risk of developing serious liver problems. Extracts from the herb, milk thistle, may help protect liver cells from damage. Another helpful liver supplement is globe artichoke, but these herbs should not be used if you have jaundice. Antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, or pine bark extract (pycnogenol) may be helpful, but it is best to seek individual advice from a nutritional therapist first. As you are feeling less well lately, it is important to see your doctor again. Have you been referred to a specialist? Antiviral drugs such as interferon, ribavirin and amantadine (triple therapy) may be suggested for people with chronic hepatitis C. It is also important to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.

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