Hepatitis B is a contagious liver infection caused by a virus HBV. It is a serious infection with no permanent cure, but it can be prevented by getting a Hepatitis B vaccination. It can spread through sex but can be prevented by using condoms. Sometimes the virus just remains in the body and one remains as a “carrier” of virus for the rest of his life. That is called Chronic Hepatitis B (when infection lasts for six months or longer) and it may lead to liver failure, liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) or cirrhosis that permanently scars the liver.Take Control of hepatitis B natural
Newborn or children less than 5 years of age, with Hepatitis B infection, have higher chances of getting the infection which can become chronic.
Acute Hepatitis B (HBV) is not treated with medications, it heals on its own with time, especially by taking adequate rest, a fat-free diet and avoiding alcohol.
How does one get Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with semen, vaginal fluids, blood, and urine. Sex without precautions, sharing toothbrushes and razors, needles and syringes contaminated with infected blood used for piercing, tattoos, acupuncture, etc. can spread Hepatitis B from one person to another. Babies may also get infected if their mother has Hepatitis B.
Sharing foods or drinks do not spread Hepatitis B. Sneezing or coughing also do not spread the virus.
Symptoms of Hepatitis B:
Hepatitis B infection does not show early symptoms. Only after few months an infection, symptoms like abdominal pain, dark urine, fever, joint pain, muscle soreness, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting, weakness, fatigue, jaundice (pale skin and yellow eyes) show up. Hepatitis B symptoms are close to flu symptoms and jaundice symptoms.
Diagnosis of Hepatitis B:
Blood work, liver ultrasound, and liver biopsy are some of the procedures that help doctors diagnose Hepatitis B infection.
How to Control Hepatitis B naturally?
When diagnosed with Hepatitis B the first thing one wants to do is to take something that could help the liver in its functioning. There are Herbal remedies to reduce Hepatitis B naturally. Some of the herbs that show good results are listed below:
- Milk Thistle: Milk Thistle is an herb with lots of medicinal properties that can help to promote liver health. It is a powerful detoxifier. It also helps in rebuilding liver cells and inhibiting the binding of toxins in liver cells. The ingredient silymarin found in milk thistle has anti-oxidant properties. Milk Thistle is proven to treat both acute and chronic Hepatitis B along with other liver diseases.
- Bhringraj (Eclipta prostrata): The herb Bhringraj has compounds like dimethyl wedelolactone and wedelolactone that help to revive liver cells and clear toxins from the body. It protects the liver from harmful chemicals that can damage it. It also helps in relieving symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea. The herb may be taken as a decoction or the juice of its leaves may be consumed with some honey.
- Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea): The herb is a well-known blood purifier and is very effective in case of the swollen liver. It helps in relieving symptoms like loss of appetite, jaundice, weakness, and fatigue. It also helps with abdominal pain and swelling. The herb detoxifies the liver and helps in regenerating new liver cells.
- Bhumiamlyaki (Phyllanthus niruri): Bhumaiamlyaki is a classical Ayurvedic herb for liver support. It pacifies both the pitta and kapha doshas in the body. It cleanses, detoxifies, and strengthens the liver.
- Kutuki (Picrorhiza kurroa): The herb balances the pitta and kapha energies in the body and has a deep cleansing action on the liver and gall bladder. It supports healthy digestion and cures liver ailments.
- Basil, Parsley, Turmeric, Oregano, and Ginger are other herbs that should be consumed to improve the health and functioning of the liver.
There are other herbs like Punarnava, Kalmegh, Makoy, Kaasni, Jhavuka, Himsra, Guduchi, Amalaki, Haritaki, Echinacea that work great in treating liver disorders naturally. The herbs pacify Pitta dosha and promote the healthy production of bile. They nourish the liver tissues and strengthen it.
Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet is the key to overcome liver disorders. An anti-inflammatory diet, foods with chlorophyll and liver detoxifying foods should be included in the diet like green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, lettuce), cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussel Sprouts), root vegetables (carrots, beets, sweet potatoes), and fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, citrus fruits should be consumed. All processed, refined, high sugary foods should be avoided completely.
- Staying hydrated is the easiest way to detox the body and overcome symptoms associated with Hepatitis B. Drinking coconut water is a good option.
- Probiotics like yogurt, cottage cheese, and kefir are good for the liver.
- Nuts and seeds like walnuts, flaxseed and chia seeds are beneficial in detoxifying the liver.
- The best oil to consume or cook is extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil. Both these are gentle on the liver.
- Stress leads to the spread of the virus faster. Practicing Yoga or Meditation, taking a warm bath is all helpful.
- Boosting up Glutathione levels that the liver uses to break down toxins is a good way to fight Hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for newborns, children or adults who did not get the vaccination at birth, those who work at health care centers, men who have sex with men or have multiple partners, those who inject drugs, those who have chronic liver disease or end-stage kidney disease. Anyone planning to travel to areas with high Hepatitis B infection rate should get the vaccination done as a preventive measure.
Pregnant women with active HBV replication should do antiviral therapy during the third trimester to prevent its transmission to the baby and the baby should be administered hepatitis B immunoglobulin and vaccination at birth.
The patient should continue doing some effortless exercises, avoid stress, avoid being in direct sun for a long time.
An acute infection can become chronic and lead to a wide spectrum of liver diseases, so it is always advised to get routine blood work done and control the problem in initial stages.