Aa
Milk Thistle/Natural Alternatives
I found out I had HepC by donating blood. Funny I asked for complete physical over the years and told Drs to check even for things they never heard of. Never once did anyone check for HepC, so you can imagine my surprise when the RedCross told me!
Anyway, it has been 8 years. I never agreed to do interferon. I have been on a small dose of Milk Thistle all the while. My viral load remains what it was and my liver alts, etc are perfect.
There is another thing that people are talking about which is Mistletoe and Green Tomato. I cannot find Green Tomato extract, just Red Tomato, but I found the Mistletoe for treatment. If anyone finds the Green Tomato online that is not quack, let me know.
Also let me know if you have found any other successful clinical trials or non-invasive treatments. I prefer to have my body in "virginal" state from radical meds, until the clinical trials stop insisting on interferons and the like.
Anyway, it has been 8 years. I never agreed to do interferon. I have been on a small dose of Milk Thistle all the while. My viral load remains what it was and my liver alts, etc are perfect.
There is another thing that people are talking about which is Mistletoe and Green Tomato. I cannot find Green Tomato extract, just Red Tomato, but I found the Mistletoe for treatment. If anyone finds the Green Tomato online that is not quack, let me know.
Also let me know if you have found any other successful clinical trials or non-invasive treatments. I prefer to have my body in "virginal" state from radical meds, until the clinical trials stop insisting on interferons and the like.
You can have great liver enzymes and still have liver damage going on you know. Have you ever been biopsied? It's nice to want to "keep your body virginal" however your liver is not quite in that state. Interferon isn't all that whacky a drug our bodies DO produce it and with treatment our immune systems are taught how to use it effectively to ramp up and kill the virus.
Milk thistle is fine when you aren't treating but if you haven't had a biopsy you really don't know if you are killing yourself or not. Plus you do realize that if you were cirrhotic there would be many less cells to kill so your enzymes APPEAR perfect?
I never had a clue I had this disease and by the time I was diagnosed I was stage 3 - almost at the cirrhotic level.......I'm glad nobody told me to take milk thistle and keep track of my enzymes or I'd be transplanting or dead by now.
Milk thistle is fine when you aren't treating but if you haven't had a biopsy you really don't know if you are killing yourself or not. Plus you do realize that if you were cirrhotic there would be many less cells to kill so your enzymes APPEAR perfect?
I never had a clue I had this disease and by the time I was diagnosed I was stage 3 - almost at the cirrhotic level.......I'm glad nobody told me to take milk thistle and keep track of my enzymes or I'd be transplanting or dead by now.
It's almost comical how some ppl run onto this forum, guns a blazin' to tell us the great affects of MT and some haven't even had a liver bx yet. I bet the reason they haven't had a biopsy yet is probably b/c their doctor told them that their labs are "normal". that's sad Anyways, there are some situations where you wouldn't even want to use MT and I wasn't even aware of them so I thought I would share. good luck all
If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use milk thistle without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Antipsychotics -- includes butyrophenones (such as haloperidol) and phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, and promethazine)
Phenytoin -- a medication used for seizures
Halothane -- a medication used during general anesthesia
Milk thistle may interfere with the following medications, because both milk thistle and these medications are broken down by the same liver enzymes:
Allergy drugs -- such as fexofenadine (Allegra)
Drugs for high cholesterol -- such as lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor)
Anti-anxiety drugs -- including alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan)
Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners) -- including clopidogrel (Plavix) and warfarin (Coumadin)
Some cancer drugs
If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use milk thistle without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Antipsychotics -- includes butyrophenones (such as haloperidol) and phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, and promethazine)
Phenytoin -- a medication used for seizures
Halothane -- a medication used during general anesthesia
Milk thistle may interfere with the following medications, because both milk thistle and these medications are broken down by the same liver enzymes:
Allergy drugs -- such as fexofenadine (Allegra)
Drugs for high cholesterol -- such as lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor)
Anti-anxiety drugs -- including alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan)
Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners) -- including clopidogrel (Plavix) and warfarin (Coumadin)
Some cancer drugs
"my liver alts, etc are perfect."
I would be interested in what your actual ALT and AST readings are. The reason is I was told my enzymes were in normal range although I had chronic hepatitis. After I received treatment and got rid of the virus, my enzyme readings fell dramatically. It turns out what the doctor called normal liver enzymes, would have been normal if I had been obese. NOW my liver enzymes are normal AND healthy for my BMI.
I would be interested in what your actual ALT and AST readings are. The reason is I was told my enzymes were in normal range although I had chronic hepatitis. After I received treatment and got rid of the virus, my enzyme readings fell dramatically. It turns out what the doctor called normal liver enzymes, would have been normal if I had been obese. NOW my liver enzymes are normal AND healthy for my BMI.
Hi Ilene,
Sorry to hear you are having such a hard time... I can't help with your question as I live in another country and therefore I'm not familiar with the US Health and Insurance systems.
Perhaps you could post your question in a thread of it's own so more people will see it and respond.
All the best
Epi :)
Sorry to hear you are having such a hard time... I can't help with your question as I live in another country and therefore I'm not familiar with the US Health and Insurance systems.
Perhaps you could post your question in a thread of it's own so more people will see it and respond.
All the best
Epi :)
I've been getting tx for HCV, everything confuses me. If someone could clear up what to do. I will have no insurance and hubby. is 65, so he get the social securtiy in . We check prices and they were over the limit to and have shelter and food.I did have cobra because my husband wanted to move to FL Now my cobra will run out in DEC. I also have a had time with meds. and what levels are good and bad. Anyones help would be greatly appreciated. My husband is angry at me for getting sick at times. I live in a new area and don't have any friends to cry on their shoulder. Please help!I'm so lost and depressed. Thanks for any help It will mean a lot.
Laboratory studies suggest that milk thistle may benefit the liver by protecting and promoting the growth of liver cells, fighting oxidation (a chemical process that can damage cells), and inhibiting inflammation. Study results from small clinical trials on milk thistle for liver diseases have been mixed; however, most of these studies have not been rigorously designed, or they have looked at various types of liver diseases—not just hepatitis C. High-quality, well-designed clinical trials have not proven that milk thistle or silymarin is beneficial for treating hepatitis C. The HALT-C study mentioned above found that silymarin use by hepatitis C patients was associated with fewer and milder symptoms of liver disease and somewhat better quality of life, but there was no change in virus activity or liver inflammation. The researchers emphasize that this was a retrospective study, not a controlled clinical trial. More research on milk thistle for hepatitis C is needed before a recommendation can be made.
People with chronic liver disease sometimes use licorice root or its extract glycyrrhizin. Some studies, reported from outside the United States, have looked at glycyrrhizin administered intravenously for hepatitis C. Preliminary evidence from these studies suggests that glycyrrhizin may have beneficial effects against hepatitis C. However, additional research is needed before reaching any conclusions.
Preliminary studies conducted primarily outside the United States have examined the potential of the following herbal products for treating chronic hepatitis C: lactoferrin, TJ-108 (a mixture of herbs used in Japanese Kampo medicine), schisandra, and oxymatrine (an extract from the sophora root). More research is needed before the safety and effectiveness of these products can be fully evaluated.
Be aware that some herbal products may damage the liver. For example, the herbs kava and comfrey have been linked to serious liver damage.
Magnum
People with chronic liver disease sometimes use licorice root or its extract glycyrrhizin. Some studies, reported from outside the United States, have looked at glycyrrhizin administered intravenously for hepatitis C. Preliminary evidence from these studies suggests that glycyrrhizin may have beneficial effects against hepatitis C. However, additional research is needed before reaching any conclusions.
Preliminary studies conducted primarily outside the United States have examined the potential of the following herbal products for treating chronic hepatitis C: lactoferrin, TJ-108 (a mixture of herbs used in Japanese Kampo medicine), schisandra, and oxymatrine (an extract from the sophora root). More research is needed before the safety and effectiveness of these products can be fully evaluated.
Be aware that some herbal products may damage the liver. For example, the herbs kava and comfrey have been linked to serious liver damage.
Magnum
I think many people would go their entire lives without knowing about hep C except for enzyme tests. I got mine in 1967 and carried it around until last fall. I was considered highly physically fit all of that time. So, I think anybody should be free to not treat with no exceptions.
OTOH, I think I've seen a circuit or some type of circular pattern the 'natural only' approach to hep C infection conducts. Long before I was around people were doing milk thistle and a hundred other approaches. I have been around long enough to see some of them 'come to terms' with SOC tx.
I do think it quite unfortunate that some wait until advance stages of liver disease to try it.
These are my observations and opinions only. . . there is no intention whatever of offending anyone.
regards,
Max
OTOH, I think I've seen a circuit or some type of circular pattern the 'natural only' approach to hep C infection conducts. Long before I was around people were doing milk thistle and a hundred other approaches. I have been around long enough to see some of them 'come to terms' with SOC tx.
I do think it quite unfortunate that some wait until advance stages of liver disease to try it.
These are my observations and opinions only. . . there is no intention whatever of offending anyone.
regards,
Max
"I prefer to have my body in "virginal" state from radical meds, until the clinical trials stop insisting on interferons and the like"
At some point if you do not eradicate the disease whether it's from interferon and the likes your liver will not remain in "virginal state". More like rode hard and put up wet. Doesn't matter what your viral load is or your liver enzymes. The disease attacks the liver constantly.
At some point if you do not eradicate the disease whether it's from interferon and the likes your liver will not remain in "virginal state". More like rode hard and put up wet. Doesn't matter what your viral load is or your liver enzymes. The disease attacks the liver constantly.
I've taken Milk Thistle for several years and the Gastroenterologist condones it. You might also look into Selenium and Alpha Lipoic Acid on a daily basis. These were mentioned to the hepatologist and he said “fine”. As for the others you mentioned, be careful, be informed and behave...
Magnum
Magnum
Hi,
Marc is right..there is no treatment at this time that will make the virus undetectable other than interferon.
Some people, for whatever reason (including those for whom interferon has not worked), do like to try alternatives and some are WAY more effective and better than others.
There is a Yahoo! support group in which alternatives are discussed. If you are curious about what those who pursue other methods are doing and talking about...you can join the alternative group at:
http://****.com/group/Hepatitis_Children_and_CAM_Alternatives/
You do not have to do this alone..either with conventional treatment or alternative.
Cheers,
Peter McGovern
Marc is right..there is no treatment at this time that will make the virus undetectable other than interferon.
Some people, for whatever reason (including those for whom interferon has not worked), do like to try alternatives and some are WAY more effective and better than others.
There is a Yahoo! support group in which alternatives are discussed. If you are curious about what those who pursue other methods are doing and talking about...you can join the alternative group at:
http://****.com/group/Hepatitis_Children_and_CAM_Alternatives/
You do not have to do this alone..either with conventional treatment or alternative.
Cheers,
Peter McGovern
According to a report from the Hepatitis Foundation International, mistletoe is toxic to the liver. However, the PDR for Herbal Medicines advises that there are no health hazards when mistletoe is taken properly and in designated therapeutic dosages. Other sources state that mistletoe's toxicity could cause cardiac arrest.
People considering mistletoe should consult with their doctor or practitioner. Until there is definitive proof otherwise, there is a risk that the herbal remedies will conflict with conventional treatment.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g2603/is_0005/ai_2603000527/pg_2?tag=content;col1
People considering mistletoe should consult with their doctor or practitioner. Until there is definitive proof otherwise, there is a risk that the herbal remedies will conflict with conventional treatment.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g2603/is_0005/ai_2603000527/pg_2?tag=content;col1
Of course everyone is entitled to run his life as he pleases, but you should be aware that you may get sick and die while you are waiting for a treatment that doesn't involve interferon.
None of the herbals have ever been shown to slow the rate of HCV – period. You are listening to claims with no basis in science. Moreover, HCV can progress even with normal ALT levels. I appreciate your attitude, but if you have loved ones who care about you, I'm not sure you are entirely free to maintain such an arrogant state of mind. At least get a biopsy to determine the level of liver damage. That will help you make more informed decisions about the medical course you prefer.
Also, you need to be aware the cure rates are higher for patients in the early stage of liver disease. Once you develop cirrhosis, cure rates go down and you run the risk of liver cancer even if you are cured of the HCV.
None of the herbals have ever been shown to slow the rate of HCV – period. You are listening to claims with no basis in science. Moreover, HCV can progress even with normal ALT levels. I appreciate your attitude, but if you have loved ones who care about you, I'm not sure you are entirely free to maintain such an arrogant state of mind. At least get a biopsy to determine the level of liver damage. That will help you make more informed decisions about the medical course you prefer.
Also, you need to be aware the cure rates are higher for patients in the early stage of liver disease. Once you develop cirrhosis, cure rates go down and you run the risk of liver cancer even if you are cured of the HCV.
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