Alcoholic Hepatitis

Alcoholic hepatitis is a syndrome of a progressive disease that occurs from chronic ingestion of alcohol. In short it’s inflammation of the liver due to alcohol consumption. Those diagnosed with alcoholic hepatitis need to quit drinking and avoid other substances that are harmful for your liver. For example, overuse of over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as well as environmental toxins absorbed through the skin can cause toxic hepatitis. The amount of exposure to the toxin determines the extent of liver damage.

Mild forms of alcoholic hepatitis may occur without symptoms. Although, as alcoholic hepatitis progresses, the following symptoms are likely to develop: loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting (sometimes with blood), fever, jaundice, fatigue, abdominal discomfort, abdominal swelling due to fluid accumulation, mental confusion, dry mouth, unusual thirst, paleness, lightheadedness, unexpected rapid weight gain and nausea.

The absolute cause of alcoholic hepatitis is unknown; those who binge drink just once or drink moderately are just as likely as heavy drinkers develop the disease. Alcoholic hepatitis can often be reversed if you stop drinking, although it can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure if you don’t.

Women have a higher risk of developing alcoholic hepatitis. This is because women tend to metabolize alcohol slower than men do, making their livers exposed to higher blood concentrations of alcohol for longer periods of time. The slow rate of alcohol metabolism in women may be due to lower levels of stomach enzymes that break down alcohol, the effects of estrogen or even the size of a woman’s liver.

Those suffering from alcoholic hepatitis should avoid beta-carotene and Vitamin A in high doses, as they can cause the disease to develop more rapidly in those who abuse alcohol. Kava is known to ease alcohol withdrawal symptoms, but, kava can also cause liver damage. Therefore, it should not be used by those suffering from alcoholic hepatitis. Numerous other medicinal herbs should be taken with caution if you are suffering from alcoholic hepatitis.

HOME REMEDIES FOR ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS:

VITAMINS AND MINERALS:

Over consumption of alcohol depletes certain vitamins and minerals, such as zinc. Immediately start talking a vitamin and mineral supplement.

SCHISANDRA:

This traditional Chinese herb is used to improve liver function in people with hepatitis. Schisanda contains lignans, which may promote the regeneration of damaged liver tissue.

MILK THISTLE AND SELENIUM:

Preliminary research suggests that a combination of milk thistle and selenium may help protect the liver from toxic hepatitis. Selenium helps protect people with hepatitis from developing liver cancer, while milk thistle has been used historically to protect the liver. Studies suggest that milk thistle protects the liver from damage caused by viruses and other toxins.