Hepatitis C: Concerns, Treatments, and Dietary Tips

Issues related to Hepatitis C?

Here's the translation:
Recently, my mother has been having trouble sleeping at night, so she went for an examination and was diagnosed with Hepatitis C.
I later learned that there are no specific treatments for Hepatitis C in either traditional Chinese medicine or Western medicine, and even interferon used in Western medicine has potential side effects, which makes me very worried.
Is there really no effective way to treat this?
Current symptoms: dry mouth, heavy tongue coating, frequent insomnia (and frequent nighttime urination), and easy fatigue.

Test results: GOT-120, GPT-235.

Current routine: She wakes up in the morning and drinks fresh apple and potato juice, and after meals, she drinks freshly squeezed lemon juice (pure juice).
She has never eaten fried foods and goes to bed before 10 PM, no later than 11 PM (however, she wakes up automatically around 5 AM.
She tells me she feels tired but just can't fall back asleep).

Additional question: Can the herb "pearl grass" treat Hepatitis C? What foods should be avoided, and what foods should be consumed more?

Worried about my family, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/07/30

Dr. Lin Qingzhong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dear friends concerned about your family,
1.
Hepatitis B and C primarily differ in the types of hepatitis viruses that cause them, and both are difficult to eradicate.
Chronic Hepatitis C often leads to fluctuating liver function indices and can evolve over decades into liver cancer or cirrhosis.
Both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have the potential to improve inflammatory liver function indices.
2.
Due to the difficulty in achieving short-term cure for Hepatitis C, both TCM and Western medicine have their unique treatment methods and medications, each preferred by different patients.
It is best to combine both approaches in treatment.
Regardless of whether you are taking TCM or Western medications, please follow the instructions of your healthcare providers.
In TCM, the treatment of Hepatitis C should be tailored according to the patient's clinical presentation.
If you experience dry mouth, heavy tongue coating, frequent nighttime urination, and fatigue, with GOT at 120 and GPT at 235, your TCM diagnosis may be classified as damp-heat type.
You may visit my clinic for treatment suggestions such as aromatic dampness-resolving and clearing turbidity, and please adhere to your physician's instructions.
3.
In TCM, managing lifestyle and diet is crucial for treating Hepatitis C:
- Emotional well-being: TCM believes that the liver governs the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body.
Patients with Hepatitis C should regulate their emotional activities, engage in appropriate leisure activities, and maintain a positive mood to support liver health.
Anger can harm the liver, and only love and tolerance can mitigate the anger of "being right and not forgiving others." Otherwise, "rage harms the liver," worsening fatty liver disease.
- Ensure adequate sleep and a balanced lifestyle.
TCM posits that "when a person lies down, blood returns to the liver." Work should be appropriate, and good sleep is essential for the liver to rest, reducing the chances of recurrent inflammation in Hepatitis C.
- Be cautious with diet and protect the spleen and stomach.
The liver's function is closely related to the spleen and stomach.
Patients with Hepatitis C should consume "light and nutritious" foods such as rice, noodles, poultry, eggs, vegetables, and congee.
Avoid alcohol, eat small meals frequently, and focus on foods that promote fluid production and spleen health.
For those with spleen and stomach Qi deficiency, warming and tonifying foods like red dates, longan, lentils, lamb, hairtail fish, and ginseng congee are recommended.
For those with liver and kidney Yin deficiency, foods like astragalus, raw earth, goji berries, codonopsis, Chinese yam, and dried tangerine peel can help strengthen the body and eliminate pathogens.
Regular consumption of foods that promote diuresis, such as watermelon, watermelon rind, adzuki beans, and carp, is beneficial.
Patients with liver disease should avoid "spicy, hot, and rich foods," especially those with cirrhosis and esophageal varices, who should avoid hard, fried, and high-fiber foods.
Chronic Hepatitis C patients with fatty liver must work with qualified TCM practitioners to create a reasonable dietary plan, complemented by medicinal cuisine, ensuring that nutrition is neither excessive (which burdens the liver) nor insufficient (which can lower immunity and lead to complications).
Avoid excessive tonics that increase the burden on the liver and spleen.
4.
The herb "Pearl Grass" has not yet been widely recognized in the treatment of Hepatitis C within the Taiwanese TCM community, and its use should be approached with caution.
Wishing you all the best,
Lin Qingzhong, Assistant Professor, Director of the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fengyuan Hospital

Reply Date: 2007/07/30

More Info

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver and can lead to serious complications such as chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. It is understandable that you are concerned about your mother's diagnosis and the potential treatments available, especially given the complexities surrounding Hepatitis C management.

Firstly, it is important to clarify that while Hepatitis C can be challenging to treat, there are effective antiviral therapies available today. The treatment landscape has evolved significantly over the past decade, with the introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) that have revolutionized the management of Hepatitis C. These medications can achieve cure rates exceeding 95% in many patients, which is a significant improvement compared to older treatments like interferon and ribavirin, which were associated with more severe side effects and lower cure rates.

Your mother's symptoms, including dry mouth, heavy tongue coating, fatigue, and sleep disturbances, can be related to her liver condition. Elevated liver enzymes (GOT and GPT) indicate liver inflammation, which is common in Hepatitis C. It is crucial for her to follow up with a healthcare provider who can monitor her liver function and recommend appropriate antiviral therapy.
Regarding dietary considerations, a balanced diet is essential for liver health. Here are some general dietary tips for individuals with Hepatitis C:
1. Hydration: Encourage your mother to stay well-hydrated, as dehydration can exacerbate fatigue and other symptoms. Water is the best choice, but herbal teas and clear broths can also be beneficial.

2. Balanced Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support liver health. Foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, leafy greens, and nuts, may help combat oxidative stress.

3. Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol can significantly worsen liver damage and should be avoided entirely.

4. Limit Processed Foods: Foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats can contribute to liver stress. Encourage whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible.

5. High-Protein Foods: Contrary to some misconceptions, individuals with Hepatitis C may benefit from adequate protein intake, which can be found in lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes, and dairy products. However, if liver function declines significantly, protein intake may need to be monitored.

6. Foods to Avoid: It is advisable to limit or avoid fried foods, high-fat dairy products, and processed snacks. Additionally, certain herbs and supplements should be discussed with a healthcare provider, as some may interact with medications or affect liver function.

As for the herbal remedy "珍珠草" (Zhen Zhu Cao), it is essential to approach herbal treatments with caution. While some herbs are believed to have liver-protective properties, there is limited scientific evidence supporting their efficacy in treating Hepatitis C. Moreover, some herbal supplements can interact with antiviral medications or cause liver toxicity. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before introducing any herbal remedies into your mother's treatment plan.

In summary, while Hepatitis C can be daunting, effective treatments are available, and a supportive diet can help manage symptoms and promote overall health. Encourage your mother to seek care from a hepatologist or infectious disease specialist who can guide her through the treatment options and monitor her liver health. Regular follow-ups and adherence to prescribed therapies can lead to a positive outcome and improve her quality of life.

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