grapefruit juice, effective with HVC?

[jt57]

Being newly diagnosed, I am reading everything I can get my hands on.  

I have read that there are studies that grapefruit juice has properties that actually help with the HCV.  Anyone read that?  Opionions?

THanks,

Jean

[jt57]

I will definately check with the docs. but I do not currently take any of the meds on the lists.  As you can see, I am doing all the research I can.  I am determined to beat this, but am emotionally exhausted by all this....and it has only been one week.  I don't thing I have any tears left.  

Thanks for all your support and help.

Jean

[SlobodanElectro]

Don't cry. It's not the end of your life. Get an ultrasound to see how much scarring you have. I say drink Grapefruit juice no matter what. I take psych meds but I don't care.

[working dog]

wow that was some post! i eat 1 to 2 grapefruit every day...so i love the greapefruit posts....thanks...billy

[hippygem]

The Research
An investigative team from the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Engineering in Medicine recently announced details about HCV propagation and the role grapefruit may have in hindering it. Apparently, Hepatitis C virus binds to a very low-density lipoprotein (vLDL) before it is secreted from liver cells to re-infect additional liver cells. Otherwise referred to as the bad cholesterol, vLDL functions as the body’s internal transport mechanism for lipids. According to lead author Yaakov Nahmias, Ph.D., “By finding that HCV is secreted from infected cells by latching onto vLDL, we have identified a key pathway in the viral lifecycle.”



Since HCV does not integrate its genetic material into the DNA of infected cells the way HIV does, totally clearing the virus is possible if new cells were not being infected. Therefore, interfering with the transport of HCV out of cells holds a great deal of therapeutic promise.

Scientists found that by blocking vLDL with a compound in grapefruit, Hepatitis C lost its vehicle and thus was stopped from expansion. Grapefruit's bitter taste is caused by the presence of the flavonoid naringin, which is metabolized into naringenin, an antioxidant known to reduce the secretion of vLDL from liver cells. The Massachusetts investigators confirmed that naringenin reduces the secretion of Hepatitis C from infected cells.

Another Grapefruit Advantage
Although focusing on a different component of the grapefruit, previous research supports the hepatic potential of grapefruit. Phytonutrients in grapefruit, called limonoids, inhibit tumor formation by promoting the formation of glutathione-S-transferase, a detoxifying enzyme. This enzyme sparks a reaction in the liver that helps to make toxic compounds more water soluble for excretion from the body.

Since those with chronic Hepatitis C are at a greater risk for developing cancer of the liver, inhibiting tumor formation is especially important. By helping the liver clear out cancer-causing toxins, limonoids’ promotion of detoxification enzymes is a simple way to ward off the development of cancer.

Grapefruit Warning
While just a few of grapefruit’s many health benefits are described above, there is a bittersweet side to this popular fruit. Grapefruit and its juice can be dangerous to people who take certain medications.

Amy Karch, RN, MS, of the School of Nursing at the University of Rochester Medical Center, an expert on drug interactions, explains that grapefruit juice is one of the foods most likely to cause problems with medications. The cytochrome P-450 3A4 enzyme breaks down grapefruit juice into useful components for the body, just like it breaks down dozens of medications. Grapefruit juice can block this enzyme, making it easier for medications metabolized by the same pathway to pass rapidly from the digestive system to the bloodstream. The result is blood levels of the drug rising faster and higher than normal. In some cases the abnormally high medication levels can be dangerous.

Consisting of more than 50 medications, interactions with grapefruit juice are well-known among researchers and clearly documented on warning labels. However, people commonly fail to comprehensively read the warning labels about drug-food interactions. In addition, it doesn’t take much grapefruit juice to boost the levels of drugs that are susceptible. A single glass can produce a 47 percent reduction of the intestinal enzyme that regulates absorption. Since the effect of grapefruit juice wears off slowly, a third of its impact is still evident after 24 hours.

While this list is not complete, some of the drugs interacting with grapefruit include:

· Anxiety: Xanax, Buspar, Versed, Halcion
· Depression: Luvox, Zoloft
· Allergies: Allegra
· Abnormal heart rhythm: Cordarone, quinidine
· Heart disease/stroke/blood clots: Coumadin
· Epilepsy: Tegretol
· Cancer: Cyclophosphamide, etoposide, ifosfamide,
tamoxifen, vinblastine, vincristine
· Cough: Dextromethorphan (found in many over-the-counter cold
medicines)
· HIV: Agenerase, Crixivan, Viracept, Norvir, Fortovase
· Prostate enlargement: Proscar
· Heart disease/High blood pressure: Coreg, Cardizem, Plendil, Cardene, Adalat, Procardia, Nimotop, Sular, Covera, Calan, Verelan
· Erectile dysfunction: Viagra, Cialis
· Asthma/Emphysema: Theophylline
· High cholesterol: Lipitor, Lescol, Mevacor, Zocor
· Pain: Alfenta, Duragesic, Actiq, Sufenta
· Infection: Biaxin, Sporanox, erythromycin, troleandomycin

As a person living with a chronic disease, those with HCV may have additional health issues warranting the use of medication. If unsure of a medication’s food interaction data, always contact a pharmacist to be sure.

The new evidence supporting the use of grapefruit in the fight against HCV is exciting, both because it may lead to viral elimination and because it can be done with an all-natural, well-known food source. However, before ordering your next case of grapefruit, make certain you don’t put yourself in jeopardy. If indulging in this sweet, tart member of the citrus family, be certain that any medications you take will not interact with your grapefruit.

[wed1942]

Ask about the grapefruit juice because it can affect the absorption of some drugs. Ricki

[Severance]

Hey Jean. I just joined myself but have been HCV for (by my estimate 21 years now).
I won't say it can't be incredibly hard. There's the social stigma, coming to terms with the fact you have it and then the telling of family and friends, not to mention dating and that's just the emotional side. A good place to start is educating yourself about transmission, that way you can feel confident in yourself that you can protect those you love and encounter.
To address your initial question, the problem with Grapefruit juice is that there's medications it reacts with, mostly I think by negating their effects. If you're taking medications best to check with your Doc.
Far more useful at first, to take note of your overall diet. Make sure you eat a lot of fruit, veg and fish. Stay away from processed foods and white breads, heavy startches and fatty meats. Watch how much iron you're getting, and still get enough to keep the vitamin C processing. Regular B12 injections can help with fatigue. The Doc can test your levels to start.
What I can tell you is that there'll be more people that accept you than don't. That it's not a death sentence, research is constantly evolving. I tested positive when 7 months pregnant with my first child. It's still scary, but she's about to turn 15.
Hep C can play with your mind. "I may not be able to control my body but I can control my mind" beats feeling like everything is all out of your control. And it sure gives you an education. You learn pretty fast to ask GP's to look up the med's they are prescribing, and to research and make informed choices.
I've read a few of your other thread ?'s, but I'm just about all out of net~brain today.
Trying to stay healthy and live a life while waiting for a treatment that wasn't screaming lab rat has taught me a few things. Your welcome to message me if you feel I can be of help.

[jt57]

I don't think it will get rid of it, but I do think it can keep it from getting worse.  JMO

[nygirl7]

Drink it if you enjoy it but as for getting rid of the virus, if it really worked don't you think we all would have done it?  Yup.

[SlobodanElectro]

It works for me, I can drink it every day for a couple of weeks and pass a test. Contracted it in '96.

[jt57]

pretty interesting article!  It's the same one I read.  I haven't started tx yet, so I may give it a try.  can't hurt!

[Xenigma]

As Deb_c430 said we have a good thread on this...
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/427870

The thread above is from Feb.2 with the title Grapefruit Compound
by spcecst2  Feb 04, 2008 03:09PM

The substance is called naringin which is metabolized into
naringenin....http://tinyurl.com/2cslxo

I found it very interesting
enigma

[R Glass]

I am sorry that you have join “The Family” but you have come to the right place and we welcome you. In the beginning, almost every one of us has looked into and/or wasted a lot of money on natural treatments for HCV. There are a lot of Cons and Snake Oil Salesmen. As for now, there are no proven natural treatments for HCV. Be careful and don’t waste your money or even more importantly jeopardize your health. Stick with a Hep or Gastro Dr. and do what they say.  Wish you the Best, R Glass

[Deb_c430]

There is a pretty comprehensive thread concerning this subject,   If you look around the site.

From what  remember  that it should not be taken while treating (txing)  

But maybe good when your not.

[jt57]

check this out

http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2008/02/what_you_need_t.html

Opionions?

[SlobodanElectro]

I tested positive for Hep C in 2008 and then I had 3 weeks before a more comprehensive test was to take place. I read about Grapefruit juice and drank it everyday for 3 weeks then I took the test. They said that I was cleared from the virus, then I told them how. I still drink it.

[nygirl7]

No I've never heard of that ever before.  The only thing that really kills the virus and can 'cure' you is interferon and ribavirin.  For the rest........won't do much except waste a lot of money.

As for on treatment - I'd wage that most of us couldn't handle thinking about drinking it let alone doing it...between tongue bumps and bad stomachs the thought would have made me squishy.