More than 4.5 million people in the United States are suspected to be infected with hepatitis C, and more than 200 million around the world – making it one of the greatest public health epidemics of our time. Liver failure caused by cirrhosis due to hepatitis C is a leading reason for liver transplantation.
The identification of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 1989 solved a growing mystery. In the 1980s, increasing numbers of hepatitis victims tested negative for both hepatitis A and B, so were diagnosed with ‘non-A, non-B hepatitis’. After a test was developed in 1990, hepatitis C was found to be responsible for most cases.
Many people unknowingly have this virus, because the symptoms of liver disease don’t appear until several decades after infection occurred, making HCV infection a ‘silent epidemic’. If you’re one of the lucky 25 per cent, the virus will disappear without treatment and you may never know you had it. The other 75 per cent progress to chronic HCV infection and may develop hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis or liver cancer. Source: Everett Coop Institute
Standard medical treatment for HCV is with interferon, which stimulates the immune system by encouraging killer T cells to attack the virus. The side effects of interferon include flu-like symptoms, nausea, diarrhoea, depression, mood changes and anxiety.
Natural Treatment
As often is the case, there is an effective, safer treatment alternative for HCV. Many sufferers are now living healthy lives
after being treated with Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) – a naturally occurring nutrient in the body. Case studies show that lipoic acid can be successfully used for liver disease. Alpha Lipoic Acid in Liver Metabolism and Disease.