Just some nutritional thinking...

Not so much a question (or is it?) but a matter of getting some opinions on alt. meds., i.e. healing foods. Being a vegetarian, I believe that food hold a big key to our health. Not suggesting that they should be used in place of therapy, I don't believe that they should. We all know in fact many foods have cancer preventative properties and immune boosting abilities etc. Researchers who studied 68 people, one of many recent studies on this, who ate 2 cups of live-culture yogurt daily for 3 months found that these persons produced higher levels of immunity boosting interferon as much as 4 times, (I eat so much I have fruit on the bottom!)The bacterial cultures in yogurt have also been shown to stimulate infection-fighting white cells in the bloodstream. Studies have shown yogurt cultures to contain a factor that has anti-tumor effects in experimental animals. I would assume not to do this while on therapy (ask  Dr.!) And foods we obviously should restrict, high protein meat products, alcohaul, etc. I also have heard to avoid peanuts as the have been known to sometimes have a particular mold that causes liver cancer in lab animals. As far as Milk Thistle I heard at one point the it may actually be causing AST and ALT levels to drop because it may be preventing the liver from working properly (ask Dr. and make your own decisions!) I think garlic is an all around wonder, (my friends think it is a lingering odor, lol parsley, parsley, parsley) But what I really want is to hear some additional food ideas, what have you all heard about these and other foods/herbs? THANK YOU

[Bicky]

Hi there! I also eat a lot of live yogurt to boast my immune system. I make my own it's really easy! I also drink Aloe Vera. It's very expensive so I grow my own. I put in a blender one leaf everyday with some wheatgerm and apple juice. It tastes good, it's cheap and also good for the immune system. I agree with you (whether you are taking tx or not) it can't hurt to boast your immune system. Just my humble opinion .....

Bicky

[GreatBird]

Well...

You hit a topic near to my heart--er--my stomach--er my liver. :)  Sincy my dx I have changed my diet considerably, ended up losing almost 30 pounds (put a smidge back on during my vacation), and I feel great. Actually, I am now at my ideal weight, and my metabolism seems to have returned to what it was like before I had two kids and got oldish. :)

I am not treating at this time. Although I have considered it, I am back again to thinking that I'd like to wait until something better comes along, which seems to be getting closer.

Anyway, this is pretty much what I have done... I do not eat anything artificial--no sweeteners, colors, preservatives, etc. Unlike you, I do eat meat, but I go for meat that has no antibiotics in it. Almost exclusively, I eat organic produce. I eat lots of artichokes (they are thistles and supposed to be good for the liver)--although the ones I eat are not not organic. I do not eat dairy. The diet that I am on says not to, plus I have discovered I am lactose intolerant. However, lately I have been eating organic yogurt (most soy yogurt is nasty stuff) and have not had any trouble with it. I use soy milk instead of milk in almost everything. My husband has even been baking with it. It works great.

I try to eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. I don't eat chocolate because my acupuncturist said that Chinese medicine says it is bad for the liver. With chocolate and ice cream off the list, I eat much less dessert. I've always been cautious with sugar (was hypoglycemic when I was younger, mostly because I messed myself up by eating badly for too long), so I mostly have sugar when I am eating other things, like protein.

I do not avoid protein, but my liver is stage 1 and so I don't need to avoid it.

I drink lots of water (filtered) and green tea (organic) and juice. For a while I was making my own juice but I got lazy. I still drink coffee but only one cup a day (I don't think my family could handle it if I had more). I just found some organic coffee so I'm going to try that when I'm done with my pound of Starbucks.

I eat nothing that has been fried (well...except the very occasional egg roll). No french fries, nada... Frying ruins the oil. I eat no hydrogenated oils and have gotten very good at reading every single label of every single product that comes into the house. I don't drink soda (my husband and kids do) except that recently I found some organic root beer that I indulge in occasionally. I have also recently started drinking non-alcoholic beer a few nights a week. There is a small amount of alcohol (less than 1/2%), I know, but I think its OK, especially since I am being so careful with everything else and do not take any medications except for the rare ibuprofin.

Anyhow, I've felt very good since changing my diet. Any digestive problems I was having before are now gone (I thought it was age..hah!). I don't see it as an alternative to tx either, because it won't rid me of the virus, BUT I think its essential to eat this way since I am not treating. Actually, I'm all in favor of this diet for everyone since it is a really healthy one and so many people put so much stuff into themselves that is not good for them and America is becoming obese.

Goodness, this is almost becoming a rant. Best go have lunch. I just discovered tofu cheese. Its not a great replacement, but it does mean I can make nachos. :)

[tigerdream]

Absolutely! Although Bicky, if I saw someone about to eat Aloe I may have slapped it from thier hand and told them how much they had to live for! But now that you've enlightened me I am going to investigate it for myself, and the making yogurt thing, sounds like fun. I have a yogurt maker I have not used, I was going to pot a plant in it but your idea makes much more sense, thank you! GreatBird you are a great bird! I have that same passion for eating right and I salute you, Bicky and all others who are and are trying to eat right. When and if I need to be, I want to be in premo health for anything that comes, and the way I eat makes me have sooo much more energy than before. I also am thinking it best for me to hopefully hold out for a better treatment, and I believe too it is close.  I eat alot of fruits (peaches, blueberries, strawberries) mostly mixed with low-fat yogurt. Veggies (preferably fresh or frozen) broccoli, cauliflower, pea soup, garlic etc. Actually I've heard that frozen veggies (not garlic lol)are fresher because they are not degrading for a long time waiting to be purchased. I love whole wheat everything from pasta to bread to crackers (of which Kashi TLC crackers have me hooked you have to try them with homemade roast red pepper and garlic hummus) I absolutely love artichokes so it is great to here you say they may do the liver some good. And soy, ah yes, Soy, my old friend, soy this, soy that, I love it all (well 98.0983% of it anyhow) But I have not tried the Soy Yogurt, hmmm, its a thought, you made it sound so good, LOL. Oh, I cannot forget Shiitake mushrooms, mmmm, get some big portabella caps, and  toasted wht. germ, shiitake, low-fat cream cheese stuffing...WARNING, not everyone likes these, did I say everyone one or anyone??? Anyhow... I am making my self hungry so I'm going out to buy an Aloe Vera.  Still welcoming all opinions  :)

[Bicky]

Don't forget to use a potato peeler to take the spikes from the edge of the leaves and wash them well, especially any yellowish stains (can give stomach complaints).

[jonihs]

According to my nutrition expert, we should not avoid protien, simply limit it. If we don't get enough, our bodies take protien from themselves, causing the liver to over work, and if we get too much, the liver has to process it, causing it to overwork. I eat 2, 2oz. portions of meat(chicken, fish or pork, and 1 half cup of milk daily. Approx. 8 grams a day, she says, is optimal.

[jpw]

The nutritional treatment for Hepatitis is a little different for each type. Please be aware that  conventional liver test results will indicate unfavorable results when you begin a nutrition approach. However if you focus on viral load you could see a lower number over a few weeks.In many cases viral load is much lower quickly. Work with an opened minded doctor because he/she will need to monitor your results and evaluate drugs versus food supplements. Do not self medicate it is not wise when you have a life threatening disease.

If you want to use protein only use the amino acid powders from soy. much easier to digest and easy on the liver and kidney.
Use vitamin c in the calcium ascorbate powdered form. You will need high amounts in the beginning much more than normally recommended. i.e. 16-20,000 per day. Shark liver oil is good. Make sure it comes from a japan source. Licorice extract is good and should not increase blood pressure. These products also could help: q10, garlic, vit e (d alpha only) l-arginine, and many more its to complicated to put it all down and in many cases what is good for one person is does not help another. Find a old fashion type health food store. It will usually be a one man/woman show versus a big chain. These foods a good. Artichoke also good in capsule form, beets and beet juice start slow very powerful stuff, burbock and dandeloin tea, turmeric, carrot juice, certain mushrooms are very good,

Hope this info helps some of you

[tigerdream]

Hello again, you all have alot of good info that I will be looking into. I really appreciate all your time to answer and help out. I don't actually avoid protein, I am a vegetarian for my own ethical beliefs, I should have mentioned that (but believe totally to each his/her own and never criticize anyone for eating meat). And I will keep in mind the 8 grams factor, thanks! I eat tons of combos of whole grain, seeds, nut, legumes, soy, brown rice, so I am good on complete proteins. I have a good health food store (Mom & Pop type, but very complete) so I have access to much you have mentioned, and will be checking them out then trying some (after talking to Dr. and getting my latest results). I am still definately welcoming any more advice, as I believe that what we eat although deemed by most of us high priority, as critical. I will continue watching this thread so please add! THANK YOU  :)

[Bicky]

There is a web site with the Yahoo Groups, called Jovo, they have a discussion group for alternative therapies and natural therapy for Hep C.

Bicky

[tigerdream]

I will definately check it out. Thanks again Bicky and everyone. P.S. Have had the "guts" lol to try the aloe yet. But I will *S*