Hep C is back. Now what?

[SeniorSis]

After 6 mos. of treatment, my Hep C came back in less than 3 mos.  Count was 156,000.  I am 75 years old and think I was infected in 1958 when I received a blood transfusion.  It did not show up until I was in my 70's.  The meds just about killed me with all the side effects so I don't want to do that again.  My Dr. says we should do nothing but keep an eye on the viral count from time to time.  I know I'm up in years but I still have a lot of pep left in me.  I have been babysitting my infant granddaughter for over 2 years now and just want to be as healthy as I can be.  My neighbor has suggested Beta Glucan which is made from plants and supports the immune system.  She also suggested the use of the Avalon light which provides the body with Nitric Oxide which the body needs.  (I hope I used the right name.)  Just wondered if you have any suggestions.  I also enjoy a beer after working in the yard or a glass of red wine on occasion.  Thanks for your support.

[orphanedhawk]

As far as a liver friendly diet goes, think of your liver as the filter that it is. Therefore it's easier on it if it doesn't have to filter out pesticides, herbicides, noxious fumes, or synthesized food substances.
In other words think organic, freshly prepared food.
Nothing can replace eating well and exercise.
Red meat is fine unless you have decompensated cirrhosis. If you don't have cirrhosis, you need not worry.

You might want to have your vitamin D levels checked and you could always included a mutli-vitamin w/o iron in your diet.

Avoid any drink with alcohol, including  kombucha.
In fact according to this link  if you have liver damage you should avoid kombucha.

However coffee is good for those with hep C and those doing treatment.

Saturday, July 7, 2012
http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/hepatitis-c/treatment.html

Patients with hepatitis should be aware that some herbal remedies may cause liver damage. In particular, kava (an herb used to relieve anxiety and tension) may be dangerous for people with chronic liver disease. Other herbs associated with liver damage include chaparral, kombucha mushroom, mistletoe, pennyroyal, and some traditional Chinese herbs.

http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1772388/coffee_slows_progression_of_liver_disease_in_chronic_hep_c/

Coffee Slows Progression Of Liver Disease In Chronic Hep C Sufferers

[Dawn703]

What I have learned to do, since I have Hep C, is to substitute the cold beer, or wine, with a nice icy cold Kombucha tea.  It comes in a glass bottle, in many flavors, and it does have a trace of alcohol in it, because of the ferment, so it gives one a relaxing buzz.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BoGal, I'll have to try this. I've been drinking my Kefir out of a wine glass just to give me the feeling that I'm relaxing with a nice glass of wine. LOL

I aslo drink lots of green tea as well as white, never tried the Kombucha, and didn'y know about it's properties. Thank you.

[Dawn703]

Very interesting stuff

[Dawn703]

Ok, didn't read your post before I replied to Bo's. Hmmm dueling theories/studies. May have to back off, but will still drink my Kefir out of a wine glass :). I have started drinking coffee every once in a while again since you have become an advocate of it. I really did miss it so much. I gave it up when I was having severe digestive issues. Still drink mostly green/white tea though.

[hrsepwrguy]

What is kombucha tea? Does it have any health benefits?

Brent A. Bauer, M.D.

Kombucha tea is a fermented drink made with tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast. Although it's sometimes referred to as kombucha mushroom tea, kombucha is not a mushroom — it's a colony of bacteria and yeast. Kombucha tea is made by adding the colony to sugar and tea, and allowing the mix to ferment. The resulting liquid contains vinegar, B vitamins and a number of other chemical compounds.

Health benefits attributed to kombucha tea include stimulating the immune system, preventing cancer, and improving digestion and liver function. However, there's no scientific evidence to support these health claims.

There have, however, been reports of adverse effects such as stomach upset, infections and allergic reactions in kombucha tea drinkers

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/kombucha-tea/AN01658

Kombucha & Liver Damage

Kombucha is a fermented tea that is purported to stimulate your immune system, improve digestion, boost liver function and prevent cancer. No scientific evidence backs any use for this drink, which is made by adding a colony of bacteria and yeast to tea and sugar and letting the brew ferment for one to two weeks. Kombucha can, in fact, carry a risk of adverse health effects, including possible liver damage. Consult a doctor before trying kombucha tea.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/484465-kombucha-liver-damage/

[TeeTom]

Sorry to hear your news. Can you share the type of treatment you were taking? IE: SOC or one of the new triple therapy's?  Alcohol is a no no for anyone with liver disease. When I found out that I was to start a treatment in 2009, I was told by my Doctor that I had to be free of Alcohol for 1 year before I started my first treatment. At that point I quit and haven't touched a drop since. I am now in week 11 of the incivek triple therapy and this is my second round and I do believe that I have achieved UND. Only time will tell if SVR is for me.