Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that spread through blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. It can be acute and resolved without treatment. However, some forms can be chronic, and these could lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
What Are the Symptoms of Acute Hepatitis B?
Symptoms of acute hepatitis B range from mild to severe. They usually appear about 1 to 4 months after you have been infected. They include the following:
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness and fatigue
What Are the Symptoms of Chronic Hepatitis B?
With chronic infection, you may have mild or vague symptoms on an ongoing basis, or you may not have symptoms at all for decades. They include the following;
• Jaundice (yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes).
• Dark-colored urine.
• Light or clay-colored poop.
• Swelling with fluid in your belly or arms and legs.
What Are Some Complications of Hepatitis B?
Cirrhosis – Chronic liver inflammation leads to cirrhosis in some people. Cirrhosis happens when injured liver tissues are gradually replaced with scar tissue. The scar tissue stops your liver from functioning, which leads to chronic liver failure.
Liver cancer – People with chronic hepatitis B infection have an increased risk of liver cancer. Healthcare providers consider chronic hepatitis B to be the leading cause of liver cancer.
Liver failure – Chronic liver failure is a gradual process where your liver loses its ability to function over time. It usually follows cirrhosis. Even though it happens slowly, chronic liver failure is life-threatening. The only cure is a liver transplant.
How Common Is Hepatitis B Infection?
Hepatitis B is the most common liver infection in the world. As many as 2 billion people (or 1 in 3) have been infected worldwide. Approximately 250 million people worldwide are living with chronic hepatitis B infection, many unaware.
What Are Common Ways to Contract Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B infection comes from the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Remember that the virus lives in blood, semen, and other fluids in your body. The virus is not however easily transmitted through saliva. The HBV can live on surfaces outside the body at least 7 days.
Sexual contact – You may get hepatitis B if you have unprotected sex with someone who is infected. The virus can pass to you through body fluids or secretions.
Sharing needles – HBV easily spreads through needles and syringes contaminated with infected blood. Sharing the same needles with an infected person puts you at high risk of hepatitis B.
Mother to child – Pregnant women infected with HBV can pass the virus to their babies during childbirth.
What are some other way to get hepatitis B?
This could also happen through:
• Contact with an open cut or wound.
• Sharing needles or syringes.
• Not wearing gloves when in contact with infected bandages, tampons, and linens.
• Sharing razors, toothbrushes, or nail care tools.
• Sharing chewing gum.
• Using needles for drugs, ear piercing or tattoos -- to include tools for manicure or pedicure -- not properly sterilized.
• Accidental stick from an infected sharp instrument.
How Is Hepatitis B Diagnosed?
Tests that can help diagnose hepatitis B or its complications are:
a. Blood test. Blood tests detect signs of Hepatitis B virus in your body and tell your provider whether it is an acute or chronic infection.
b. Liver ultrasound. This can show the level of liver damage
c. Liver biopsy. A small sample of the liver can be taken for testing to check for liver damage. This is also used to diagnose liver cancer.
Self-Care Tips:
Foods Which Support the Liver:
Potassium Rich Foods.
Potassium is important for adequate functioning of nerve and muscle cells. Sweet potatoes are rich in potassium and is considered the most potassium dense food. Sweet potato are also rich in an antioxidant called beta carotene, which is very effective at raising blood levels of vitamin A. Additionally, sweet potatoes are high in fiber, and rich with vitamins B6, C, D, magnesium, and iron. Optimal potassium intake is about 4700 mg daily. Some other benefits of potassium would include decreasing blood pressure, supporting heart health, and liver cleansing.
Beet Greens/Green Leafy Vegetables.
Beet greens are the actual leaves of the beta vulgaris plant which contains large amounts of carotenoids. They are excellent sources of vitamin C, beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Remember that higher carotenoid levels are inversely related to metabolic syndrome and multiple other chronic diseases. These also help to break down toxic waste and stimulate bile flow. Beet greens are high in vitamin K1. Remember that vitamin K1 plays an important role in blood clotting and bone metabolism. Other leafy green foods to include spinach, boasts a significant amount of vitamin K. Leafy greens are high in chlorophyll, which is able to absorb environmental toxins from the blood and reduces the workload of the liver.
Supplements Which Support the Liver:
Milk Thistle.
Milk thistle contains a polyphenol called Silymarin. This is an antioxidant compound taken from milk thistle seeds that has been shown to help regeneration of liver cells and protect the liver from toxic injury. It acts as a powerful liver cleanser by rebuilding liver cells, reducing liver damage and removing toxins from the body that are processed through the liver. This can be found in most health food stores. Studies show that silymarin may also help to protect against cancer, and prevent type 2 diabetes. Most advise taking anywhere between 20–300 milligrams daily.
Turmeric/Curcumin.
Turmeric is a bright-colored spice, yellow in color with an active compound called curcumin. Curcumin offers up many health benefits not the least of which is its ability to help reduce inflammation and maintain a healthy inflammatory response. Curcumin helps to protect the liver against the oxidative stress. Also, antioxidants in turmeric helps to repair damaged liver cells and assist in liver detoxification.
Selenium.
Selenium is an essential trace element that helps to lower oxidative stress, and as a result reduces inflammation and increases immunity. Selenium helps to break down peroxidase, which are known to damage liver tissues, and DNA. High levels of peroxidase are implicated in oxidative damage to cells and tissues, resulting in a variety of diseases to include liver inflammation.
Dandelion.
Dandelion has been shown to protect the liver as it is very high in water soluble polysaccharides and is considered as one of the worlds healthiest foods. Dandelion has been used in supporting liver health for thousands of years, currently in North America, China, and in many places in Africa. Dandelion leaves are high in vitamin A, vitamin K, and multiple B vitamins. Vitamin C in dandelion can assist in a breakdown of minerals, such as iron, which is a powerful antioxidant. Dandelion also contains a substance known as kynurenic acid which is a key amino acid in bile production. This is highly beneficial for healthy gallbladder function.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this website are based upon the views of Dr. Walker and his experience. This product is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is likewise not to replace the advice of a qualified health care provider. The information provided herein is intended as a sharing of general knowledge only and is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice or a substitute for medical advice. That being said, please consult your healthcare provider before using supplements or providing supplements to children under the age of 18. If you have or suspect you have, a specific medical condition or disease, please consult your healthcare provider.
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