Supplements

[osiag]

I am no a doctor.  But I found this information.  Does anyone know if any of this is true?

Milk Thistle (Silymarin) may stimulates production of new liver cells and increase glutathione levels (an important antioxidant in liver).  May protect liver from toxins.  Human studies have also shown decreased mortality in patients with alcoholic liver damage who are treated with silymarin.  But, some other studies have shown no benefit.

Dandelion - Thought to have protective effects.

NAC

[Dale_Ray]

Missed you last week my friend. Are you holding up well with the sides? Hope so. Dale

[jmjm530]

Thanks for the clarification and def something I'll look into at some point. Coincidentally, Goofy posted something interesting on Cortizone and the immune system in the thread above this. You might want to check out his post and my follow up. I almost ended up on a systemic immune suppresant for my psoriasis during treatment. I consulted a few hepatologists and two said OK use it, another said use it only if you absolutely have to because you're mixing up the brew in a way that really hasn't been studied.

-- Jim

[osiag]

I think that it may depend.  If you have HCV, then I am not sure how much of an over-reaction you want.  Autoimmune hepatitis is pretty nasty.  A disproportionately large number of people with HCV get auto-immune hep.  Some think that this virus cause a stir in the immune system and the immune system begins to attack the liver instead of the HCV.  Apparently HCV is a tricky little bugger.  Taking an immuno-stimulant may be added to the complications.  Take that for what its worth since I am not an MD.

What is more interesting to my is supplements like phosphatidylcholine since it has actually been used in randomized double blinded placebo controlled trials with patient with HCV.  One group was administered interferon plus phosphatidylcholine and the other interferon plus a placebo.  The group with the phosphatidylcholine did better.  However, this study has not been replicated.

Also, some studies have shown that vitamin E prevents liver fibrosis - which is a complication of hep.

[jmjm530]

Rocker said: hese compounds are phytonutrients that work in the body to stop the immune system from overreacting.
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Do you think that is a good thing while treating? My understanding is that we do want the immune system to "overreact" to kill the virus. Just something to think about. But I will definitely look into it at some point now that I've finished treating.

-- Jim

[osiag]

What are your thoughts on whey protein powder?  There is some literature that undenatured whey can increase glutathione levels and enhance the immune system.  However, is protein powder any more harsh on the liver than an equivalent amount of protein from food?

[OnAPrettyPoison]

Thanks for the link - I scanned some of it and bookmarked it for later.  I have been doing well and feeling great, still taking ACV and the Vege Greens.  Week 36/48 - and as I get closer to the end of treatment I am considering a fast when I get done to push the meds out of my body.