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What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is one of the chronic inflammatory disease of the liver. It is a viral infection which results in the inflammation of the liver. The virus that causes hepatitis is called VIRAL HEPATITIS.

Although hepatitis can be as a result of other prevailing illnesses, including autoimmune diseases, it is mostly caused by a viral infection. They are of different types of hepatitis where each type is based on their causes, mode of formation and the resistive ability of the immune system.

Viral hepatitis sometimes goes away without any treatment, but in some cases, the virus will remain in the body and cause a chronic infection. This is why you have to take preventive measures at an early stage.

The types of hepatitis includes hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, alcoholic hepatitis and autoimmune hepatitis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C is the most common type of hepatitis in the United States and according to the CDC up to 350,000,000 (three hundred and fifty million) people suffer from Hepatitis B worldwide.

A lot of people have got shocking ideas about the causes of this disease such as high intake of toxic materials, alcohol, etc.

When the body has excess toxins the liver may not be capable of filtering them off as usual. Therefore, it renders the liver vulnerable to inflammation which results in hepatitis. High toxins in the body reduces the livers ability to perform it functions.

The functions of the liver includes;

• Blood protein synthesis
• Filtering of toxic materials in the body
• The liver stores glycogen
• Helping to activate enzymes
• The liver also breaks down carbohydrates, proteins and fats in the body.

Types of Hepatitis and Their Causes

• Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection which is mostly transmitted by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.
• Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is caused by having contact with the blood, vaginal secretions, semen or mucus of hepatitis B infected patient.
• Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus infection which can be transmitted by sexual contact, infected body fluids and use of infected sharp objects.
• Hepatitis D: Hepatitis D is also called Delta hepatitis. Hepatitis D is a very serious type of hepatitis caused by the Hepatitis D virus. It is an accompanied type of hepatitis from the hepatitis B and can be contracted through contact with infected blood.
• Hepatitis E: Hepatitis E is caused by contaminated water. Therefore, it is a waterborne disease.
• Alcoholic hepatitis: As the name implies, this type of hepatitis is caused by too much intake of alcohol.
• Autoimmune hepatitis: autoimmune as the name implies occurs when the immune system attacks the liver which leads to inflammation of the live.

 Symptoms Associated With Hepatitis

People with hepatitis usually pass through the following health problems;

• Dark coloured urine
• Pale coloured stools
• Fatigue
• Jaundice: The skin of the patient turns yellow as well as the eye.
• Abdominal pains
• Loss of appetite: The patient is unable to eat of feed well
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Pains on the joints
• Malaise

         Causes of Hepatitis

1. Use of hard drugs, alcohols and toxins.
2. When the body mistakenly attacks the liver (an autoimmune disease), it is assumed that it hepatitis virus. Therefore one have to keep his body healthy and safe to prevent unusual reactions in the body system.
3. Hepatitis A and E are acute infection, they occur within a short period and CAUSED by food or water contaminated by fecal matter.
4. Hepatitis A and E viruses can also be caused by raw or under cooked food, manhandling of food with dirty hands, water contaminated by animal or human waste.
5. Hepatitis B is spread through exposure to infected blood, through sexual contact with an infected person.
6. Mother to child– hepatitis can be transferred from the mother to the child during child birth.
7. Contact with infected blood by sharing of infected sharp objects.
8. Sexual contact with infected person.

Natural Ways to Prevent Hepatitis

Diets: Eating diets that are rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients can help to boost the immune system and makes the liver to regain is functioning ability. Diets that contains natural oxidants, minerals and vitamins helps in quick recovery. Diets that contains fresh vegetables like cabbage, beets, celery etc.

Turmeric: Turmeric will still remain one of the vital natural remedy for various kinds of viral infections. Turmeric has an anti-inflammatory properties which helps to boost the liver function. Turmeric can be used as spice in our diets.

Ginger: Ginger is another natural remedy for inflammatory disease it helps to boost the immune system to enable it fight hepatic causing virus. Also, a tea made from ginger root helps to relive stomach pains as well as nausea.

Red yeast rice: Over the years, red yeast rice have been discovered to contain some anti-inflammatory properties which is very functional in the treatment of hepatitis. Apart from red yeast rice other gluten free grains like guinoa also contains this anti-inflammatory properties and can also function properly in treating hepatitis.

Fruits: Fruits that contains minerals, vitamins, antioxidants such as citrus fruits and berries helps to keep the liver healthy and functional as well as stimulating the immune system.

Herbal tea: Teas extracted from herbs such as lavender, lemon balm, passion flower and chamomile helps to improve immunity and very good in fighting hepatitis. Put the desired herb in the pot and boil the herb until the colour of the water changes and drink two times daily.

 10 Ways to Prevent Hepatitis

In order to reduce the risk of hepatitis, the following safety tips should be adhered to and they are;

1. Stay away from exposure to blood of infected patient
2. Make use of vaccines
3. Safe sexual practices, but I will that advice you abstain completely
4. Avoid sharing of personal items especially sharp objects
5. Avoid taking alcohol, drugs and other toxins as they tend to increase the risk of hepatitis
6. Avoid unclean food and water
7. Always stay hydrated by consuming enough water and also taking fruits juice
8. Ensure that you have enough rest and reduce stress
9. Avoid drinking contaminated water
10. Maintain a good personal hygiene and food hygiene.