Aa
Am I the only one all hyped up on grapefruit?
I read the article from Science Daily Feb. 08 and the articles on Hepatitis Central, Liver Foundation and Hepatitis Foundation International. They seem real positive about grapefruit. They also list a few drugs which can't be taken with grapefruit. Just came back from my doctor and he said I could have it. He says he has grapefruit everyday. Well, I had already started eating and drinking it. Thought I would be the guinea pig! Maybe I should change my name to the Grape Fruit! Going to be shot 17 tomorrow and feel good today! UND at 12 week and doc says I have a 60-65% chance of clearing. Thanks to all of you for helping to keep me positive. So, see what you think about grapefruit!!
Thanks for the update. I am planning on drinking it after tx and getting my daughter on it pre-tx. Don't want to even think about it on tx....all I want is lettuce, or ice cream, lol!
Heres an update on the Grapefruit. I believe it was causing at least one of the 7 drugs I was on to absorb more into my system. I would feel bad and have more skin issues when I would drink it. I just finished treatment and will not be able to say I helped with any major break through on Grapefruit Juice!
I have some fermented juice still in the frig. if anyone is interested!
Finished tx on March 28th! Hopeing for Non-detect on 4 month in July! Appetite is off the chart but not for Grapefruit! I prefer Burger King Whoppers right now. Not the organic veggie diet I have been on for 3 years.
I have some fermented juice still in the frig. if anyone is interested!
Finished tx on March 28th! Hopeing for Non-detect on 4 month in July! Appetite is off the chart but not for Grapefruit! I prefer Burger King Whoppers right now. Not the organic veggie diet I have been on for 3 years.
My take on treatment is that it doesn't make sense to add things that even have the remotest possibility of causing problems with absorption of the treatment drugs. Also, the study that people are following states that naringinen would need to be given by injection to be effective. Also, the study clearly states that there was a reduction, not an eradication of the virus in the cells of whatever model they were studying, just for anyone who thought the flavonoid might provide a cure (I know there probably isn't anyone hanging on for grapefruit as a cure, but people get strange ideas sometimes).
So it just seems like a lot of risk to me for people to fool around with drinking it while treating when any real benefits would need to be via injection anyway. On the other hand, everyone has to do what they're comfortable with.
So it just seems like a lot of risk to me for people to fool around with drinking it while treating when any real benefits would need to be via injection anyway. On the other hand, everyone has to do what they're comfortable with.
Wow! I got a very nice note from FreeandClear. She ate lots of fat to absorb the drugs with her treatment of Pegatron ?spelling. Said her beginning viral was 5 mil. but couldn't be sure it wasn't higher. She has been clear for 5 years. Since 2002. And she was a 1a. She warned me about adding things to the treatment. If I can figure out how to post her note up here I will. I'm a late bloomer computer wise.
I believe in eating healthy. And the grapefruit study sounds hopeful. A little confussed! Her experience said a lot and something everyone needs to hear.
Cindy
I believe in eating healthy. And the grapefruit study sounds hopeful. A little confussed! Her experience said a lot and something everyone needs to hear.
Cindy
DelMonte Fruit Naturals come in a box. These are red grapefruit cups that are delicious and don't make you pucker as slicing into a defenseless grapefruit does. They are available at Costco and grocery stores.
I also drink one small glass daily of pure pomogranate juice by Lander's, also available at Costco and other stores. The combination of these two has helped bring down the viral load according to my last blood work. The Hepatologist and Gastroenterologist both know I have this daily regiment and did not warn me about any adverse effects or potential trauma to my body or liver....Otherwise, it's up to you...
Magnum
I also drink one small glass daily of pure pomogranate juice by Lander's, also available at Costco and other stores. The combination of these two has helped bring down the viral load according to my last blood work. The Hepatologist and Gastroenterologist both know I have this daily regiment and did not warn me about any adverse effects or potential trauma to my body or liver....Otherwise, it's up to you...
Magnum
Everything I have found, agrees with Cocksparrow's information. We have purchased naringenin capsules very affordably from Swansons vitamins on the web. Just check and double check your other meds with a pharmacist before taking it. I bothered several pharmacists before I was satisfied that we were ok. HR recommended taking other good antioxidants if you were trying naringenin to help counterbalance the oxidation possibility. He didn't advise using it. He just laid out cautions if you decided to use it.
We have chosen to take some calculated risks with this being Joe's 3rd attempt and him being at stage 4.
Go with caution,
Ev
We have chosen to take some calculated risks with this being Joe's 3rd attempt and him being at stage 4.
Go with caution,
Ev
Maybe this is a repeat..if so..apologies.
You might want to consider taking citrus bioflavonoids which contains naringenin.
Haven't found that flavanoid alone so far.
Like said in the article...it would probably need to be taken by injection for it to be very affective.
Aren't there more sensitive tests?...5 IU/ml?
Grapefruit Compound Inhibits Hepatitis C Virus
Flavonoid called naringenin silences infection pathway, hints of new disease treatments
-- Robert Preidt
TUESDAY, May 6 (HealthDay News) -- The grapefruit flavonoid naringenin inhibits the secretion of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in infected cells and could offer a new approach for treating the disease, according to a Harvard Medical School study.
About 3 percent of the global population is infected with HCV, which can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. The current standard therapy of interferon and ribavirin is only effective in about 50 percent of cases and can cause major side effects, according to background information in the study.
Recent research suggests that HVC may be "hitching a ride" along the lipoprotein life cycle, and that compounds and dietary supplements that influence lipoprotein metabolism may also affect HCV.
In this new study, researchers demonstrated that HCV is actively secreted by infected cells while bound to a very low-density lipoprotein.
"Silencing apolipoprotein B (Apo-B) mRNA in infected cells causes a 70 percent reduction in the secretion of both ApoB-100 and HCV. This ApoB-dependent HCV secretion pathway suggests a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of HCV infection," the researchers wrote.
They then tested the grapefruit flavonoid naringenin and found it reduced HCV secretion in infected cells by 80 percent.
"The concept of supplementing HCV patients' diets with naringenin is appealing," the researchers wrote.
*But they noted the intestinal wall doesn't absorb naringenin well, which means therapeutic doses of the flavonoid would have to be given by injection or combined with other compounds to boost its absorption by the intestines.
The researchers also noted that naringenin and several other compounds in grapefruit have significant drug-drug interactions.
"Future studies would focus on long-term ability of naringenin and perhaps other citrus flavonoids to reduce viral load in animal models and long-term cultures of primary human hepatocytes," the researchers concluded.
The study was published in the May issue of Hepatology.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about hepatitis C.
content by:
SOURCE: Hepatology, news release, April 29, 2008
You might want to consider taking citrus bioflavonoids which contains naringenin.
Haven't found that flavanoid alone so far.
Like said in the article...it would probably need to be taken by injection for it to be very affective.
Aren't there more sensitive tests?...5 IU/ml?
Grapefruit Compound Inhibits Hepatitis C Virus
Flavonoid called naringenin silences infection pathway, hints of new disease treatments
-- Robert Preidt
TUESDAY, May 6 (HealthDay News) -- The grapefruit flavonoid naringenin inhibits the secretion of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in infected cells and could offer a new approach for treating the disease, according to a Harvard Medical School study.
About 3 percent of the global population is infected with HCV, which can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. The current standard therapy of interferon and ribavirin is only effective in about 50 percent of cases and can cause major side effects, according to background information in the study.
Recent research suggests that HVC may be "hitching a ride" along the lipoprotein life cycle, and that compounds and dietary supplements that influence lipoprotein metabolism may also affect HCV.
In this new study, researchers demonstrated that HCV is actively secreted by infected cells while bound to a very low-density lipoprotein.
"Silencing apolipoprotein B (Apo-B) mRNA in infected cells causes a 70 percent reduction in the secretion of both ApoB-100 and HCV. This ApoB-dependent HCV secretion pathway suggests a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of HCV infection," the researchers wrote.
They then tested the grapefruit flavonoid naringenin and found it reduced HCV secretion in infected cells by 80 percent.
"The concept of supplementing HCV patients' diets with naringenin is appealing," the researchers wrote.
*But they noted the intestinal wall doesn't absorb naringenin well, which means therapeutic doses of the flavonoid would have to be given by injection or combined with other compounds to boost its absorption by the intestines.
The researchers also noted that naringenin and several other compounds in grapefruit have significant drug-drug interactions.
"Future studies would focus on long-term ability of naringenin and perhaps other citrus flavonoids to reduce viral load in animal models and long-term cultures of primary human hepatocytes," the researchers concluded.
The study was published in the May issue of Hepatology.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about hepatitis C.
content by:
SOURCE: Hepatology, news release, April 29, 2008
The sensitivity is 50 IU/ml
Correct, even though UND, the virus is still in hiding and thus you need to treat for 48 weeks.
Marcia
Correct, even though UND, the virus is still in hiding and thus you need to treat for 48 weeks.
Marcia
Yes, I cleared at 12 week, test just said <50. From Quest Lab. Not sure how sensitive. But I am going 48 weeks. The virus is still hiding in the tissues, correct. I think thats what I was told.
Cindy
Cindy
I started buying grapefruit juice after reading things on this forum. I put a little steviaside in it to sweeten it up(another "might be beneficial" substance). Not on treatment, not holding my breath waiting for grapefruit. I think grapefruit also has something to help the memory. Now what was this thread about? . . . . .
I didn't read every post on this thread, but the most important answer you have is the one from Dr. Dietrich. Tx drugs are not metabolized in the p450 system and the grapefruit is, so not only is it ok, but it may be beneficial. God Bless
I knew I would get a good balance perspective on this!
Thanks for all your info. Please add if you have any more.
Love you all,
Cindy
Thanks for all your info. Please add if you have any more.
Love you all,
Cindy
Foods wont rid you of hep,BUT...they do help the liver function better.....who ever claims herbs or foods can kill the virus are not all there.
Personally, I think far too much energy, time and concern are being generated over 'grapefruit' juice. Its not a wonder drug, or a cure for anything, except maybe a big thirst, and it may at times cause either over or under-absorption of various drugs. I don't think that the juice is going to do anything more for someone drinking it than most good 'placebos' would do, and in some cases may cause some problems with medications. Why even bother with it.
I really am amazed at the confidence we all can sometimes invest in some everyday food or herbal substance (me included), all the while down deep really knowing that any of the stuff has minimal impact on anything. If you want action for HCV, the only thing that has any significant effect is still, unfortunately, good old Interferon in all its wonderful forms, and Ribavirin....and now several inhibitor class drugs. The magic potion, new age, herbal/ natural remedy proposition provides great health, ...chiefly for those that sell the stuff, and write books about it. Now there's good health for you!
DoubleDose
I really am amazed at the confidence we all can sometimes invest in some everyday food or herbal substance (me included), all the while down deep really knowing that any of the stuff has minimal impact on anything. If you want action for HCV, the only thing that has any significant effect is still, unfortunately, good old Interferon in all its wonderful forms, and Ribavirin....and now several inhibitor class drugs. The magic potion, new age, herbal/ natural remedy proposition provides great health, ...chiefly for those that sell the stuff, and write books about it. Now there's good health for you!
DoubleDose
Anthelmintic: albendazole Antibiotics: clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin Antiarrhythmics: amiodarone, quinidine Anticoagulant: warfarin Antiepileptic: carbamazepine Antifungal: itraconazole Antihistamine: fexofenadine Antineoplastics: cyclophosphamide, etoposide, ifosfamide, tamoxifen, vinblastine, vincristine Antitussive: dextromethorphan Antivirals: amprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir Anxiolytics: alprazolam, buspirone, midazolam, triazolam Benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment: finasteride Beta-blockers: carvedilol Calcium channel blockers: diltiazem, felodipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, nimodipine, nisoldipine, verapamil Erectile dysfunction drugs: sildenafil, tadalafil Hormone replacement: cortisol, estradiol, methylprednisolone, progesterone, testosterone Immunosuppressants: cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors: atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin Opioids: alfentanil, fentanyl, sufentanil Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: fluvoxamine, sertraline Xanthine: theophylline
http://****.***
Do I have to give up grapefruit completely if it interacts with my medicine?Not necessarily. There are several factors to consider. Some people are resistant to the grapefruit effectbecause they have lower levels of CYP 3A4. Unfortunately, this is not something most clinicallaboratories are likely to measure. An occasional half grapefruit or glass of juice may not raise bloodlevels enough to cause serious problems, but before doing this experiment, check with your doctor
Do I have to give up grapefruit completely if it interacts with my medicine?Not necessarily. There are several factors to consider. Some people are resistant to the grapefruit effectbecause they have lower levels of CYP 3A4. Unfortunately, this is not something most clinicallaboratories are likely to measure. An occasional half grapefruit or glass of juice may not raise bloodlevels enough to cause serious problems, but before doing this experiment, check with your doctor
I eat an avacado every day in Pam Anderson's honor, along with a nice big juicy steak... ;)
I am in follow up for a trial for a PI and took peg & riba also, am still on soc tx. One of the restrictions during the trial was no grapefruit or grapefruit products as it interferes with the absorption of the drugs, whether for better or worse no-one mentioned. Since finishing the study drug I have adhered to the restrictions and I am still UND at 14 weeks.
This is my second tx and I was a non-responder in my first tx, during which I drank grapefruit juice all the time as I love it and have a grapefruit tree in the garden.
I am not saying it was because of the grapefruit that I didn't respond last time but I made a decision this time I was going to do things differently and consider grapefruit as a no no. To the point that I won't even use shampoo or lotions with it in. I also used those sorts of products last time as many organic shampoos have grapefruit extract in them. I read a lot of finely printed labels before I buy anything!
I think the key thing with it is that is DOES alter absorption but you can not be too sure whether it will increase or inhibit. My mother is also not allowed to have grapefruit or grapefruit products because she is on a blood thinner for her heart.
Of course this is just my opinion based on my experience. Everyone is different and has to do what they think is right.
All the best
M :)
This is my second tx and I was a non-responder in my first tx, during which I drank grapefruit juice all the time as I love it and have a grapefruit tree in the garden.
I am not saying it was because of the grapefruit that I didn't respond last time but I made a decision this time I was going to do things differently and consider grapefruit as a no no. To the point that I won't even use shampoo or lotions with it in. I also used those sorts of products last time as many organic shampoos have grapefruit extract in them. I read a lot of finely printed labels before I buy anything!
I think the key thing with it is that is DOES alter absorption but you can not be too sure whether it will increase or inhibit. My mother is also not allowed to have grapefruit or grapefruit products because she is on a blood thinner for her heart.
Of course this is just my opinion based on my experience. Everyone is different and has to do what they think is right.
All the best
M :)
IFN and Ribavirin arent metbolised by the same enzymes that Grapefruit inhibits.
Therefore it should not be an issue unless you are taking other drugs that are
CS
Therefore it should not be an issue unless you are taking other drugs that are
CS
- MedHeadlines - http://medheadlines.com -
Grapefruit, Other Juices Block Drug Absorbency Rate
Posted By MedHeadlines On 21 August, 2008 @ 8:13 In Prevention | 2 Comments
It’s been almost 20 years since Canadian David G. Bailey, PhD, reported his surprising finding that taking certain medications, including commonly prescribed blood pressure medications, with grapefruit juice increases the body’s absorbency rate of these particular drugs, causing the drugs to be absorbed in such quantities that the therapeutic effect can be heightened to the point of threatened overdose. Earlier today, Bailey reported to the American Chemical Society that further research has proven that grapefruit juice has just the opposite effect on other drugs, hindering their absorption in ways that render them useless in many cases.
Bailey, professor of clinical pharmacology at the University of Western Ontario, presented his findings at the 236th national meeting of the chemical society, where he reported similar absorbency-blocking effects in orange and apple juices, too. It is Bailey’s recommendation that, unless directed otherwise, anyone taking prescription medications of any kind do so with water only for the safest and most beneficial outcome.
Bailey’s research team studied three groups of individuals taking fexofenadine, an antihistamine. One group took the antihistamine with grapefruit juice; another with water laced with naringin, the substance that makes grapefruit juice taste bitter; and the third group took the antihistamine with just water.
Analysis revealed that the grapefruit juice hindered absorption by as much as half over the group taking the medication with water alone. The difference is said to be enough to generate a critical difference in the treatment of many serious medical problems.
Calling his findings merely the “tip of the iceberg,” Bailey expressed confidence that more research will reveal more interactions between drugs and the liquids they are taken with. For the moment, however, some of the drugs that are known to be not fully absorbed when taken with grapefruit, orange, and apple juices include:
the anticancer agent etoposide;
beta blockers atenolol, celiprolol, and talinolol, frequently prescribed for hypertension and to prevent heart attacks;
cyclosporine, the drug that helps prevent organ rejection after transplants; and
the antibiotics ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and itraconazole.
Source: American Chemical Society
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article printed from MedHeadlines: http://medheadlines.com
URL to article: http://medheadlines.com/2008/08/21/grapefruit-other-juices-block-drug-absorbency-rate/
Click here to print.
Copyright © 2008 MedHeadlines. All rights reserved.
Grapefruit, Other Juices Block Drug Absorbency Rate
Posted By MedHeadlines On 21 August, 2008 @ 8:13 In Prevention | 2 Comments
It’s been almost 20 years since Canadian David G. Bailey, PhD, reported his surprising finding that taking certain medications, including commonly prescribed blood pressure medications, with grapefruit juice increases the body’s absorbency rate of these particular drugs, causing the drugs to be absorbed in such quantities that the therapeutic effect can be heightened to the point of threatened overdose. Earlier today, Bailey reported to the American Chemical Society that further research has proven that grapefruit juice has just the opposite effect on other drugs, hindering their absorption in ways that render them useless in many cases.
Bailey, professor of clinical pharmacology at the University of Western Ontario, presented his findings at the 236th national meeting of the chemical society, where he reported similar absorbency-blocking effects in orange and apple juices, too. It is Bailey’s recommendation that, unless directed otherwise, anyone taking prescription medications of any kind do so with water only for the safest and most beneficial outcome.
Bailey’s research team studied three groups of individuals taking fexofenadine, an antihistamine. One group took the antihistamine with grapefruit juice; another with water laced with naringin, the substance that makes grapefruit juice taste bitter; and the third group took the antihistamine with just water.
Analysis revealed that the grapefruit juice hindered absorption by as much as half over the group taking the medication with water alone. The difference is said to be enough to generate a critical difference in the treatment of many serious medical problems.
Calling his findings merely the “tip of the iceberg,” Bailey expressed confidence that more research will reveal more interactions between drugs and the liquids they are taken with. For the moment, however, some of the drugs that are known to be not fully absorbed when taken with grapefruit, orange, and apple juices include:
the anticancer agent etoposide;
beta blockers atenolol, celiprolol, and talinolol, frequently prescribed for hypertension and to prevent heart attacks;
cyclosporine, the drug that helps prevent organ rejection after transplants; and
the antibiotics ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and itraconazole.
Source: American Chemical Society
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article printed from MedHeadlines: http://medheadlines.com
URL to article: http://medheadlines.com/2008/08/21/grapefruit-other-juices-block-drug-absorbency-rate/
Click here to print.
Copyright © 2008 MedHeadlines. All rights reserved.
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