Hepatitis C: Become Empowered with Information

Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver that affects nearly 200 million people worldwide, with at least 4 million of those living in the United States. At present, there is no known cure for Hepatitis C and no vaccine for this illness which is spread by blood-to-blood transmission.

Hepatitis C (HCV) is the leading cause of liver disease and liver transplants within the United States (Buhner, S.H.) 80-85% of those with HCV "will eventually develop chronic liver disease" (Cohen, M.R. & Gish, R.S.). Because the disease is often asymptomatic in its early stages, there may be more people who have Hepatitis C than the numbers known.

While it is a frightening diagnosis to receive, there are treatments, both through allopathic medicine and alternative medicines that have shown promise in helping those with HCV not only cope with the disease, but also successfully sero-convert, that is, blood tests no longer show the presence of the virus in the body.

As with any illness, it is important for those who are diagnosed with Hepatitis C, and their friends and family members, to become as educated as possible about treatments in traditional and alternative medicines, lifestyle changes, and the disease itself so they can regain control of their lives instead of living in fear.

To that end, I would like to recommend three books that I have found to be great resources in the search for information on Hepatitis C:

Herbs for Hepatitis C and the Liver

Written by Stephen Harrod Buhner and published in 2000, this book offers in-depth, yet easily understood explanations of HCV and possible herbs and supplements the reader might consider adding to their medical regimen. Included are suggestions for dietary changes that will aid the liver in working less hard.

This was the first book I read on the topic and found it gave good, basic information. I recommend it for just that reason, with the caution that one should never self-medicate with herbs or anything else without discussing it with their medical practitioner, whether that be the family physician, an herbalist, or other person. And always share all of your information about herbs, supplements, vitamins, etc. with your primary care physician and specialists.

This book may be purchased at barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.

The Hepatitis C Help Book Revised Edition

This revised edition of the original Hepatitis C Help Bookwas published in 2007 and written by Misha Ruth Cohen, O.M.D., L.Ac., and Robert G. Gish, M.D. with Kalia Doner. Because much research and improvements in treatment and detection of HCV, the original Help Book was updated.

Authors Cohen and Gish have assembled the latest information in both Western and Chinese medicine in regards to HCV. The book begins by the authors explaining that they believe the best treatment option for those with HCV is "combining the healing powers of Western and Chinese medicines" (p.1).

The reader begins to feel empowered from the first page and that feeling continues throughout the book. The authors are simply giving forth information and their opinions; the reader is free to act on what s/he chooses, cautioned to do so always with the guidance of a health practitioner.

This book may be purchased at barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.

The First Year Hepatitis C: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed

This book, written by Cara Bruce and Lisa Montanarelli, offers a suggested step-by step process for which the newly diagnosed person with HCV (and even the non-newly diagnosed) can proceed for successfully living with and treating their disease, from not only the physical aspects, but also the emotional, social and sexual aspects of life.

Each of these women have been diagnosed with Hepatitis C, so the process they are suggesting is a road they themselves have traveled.

As with the former book, The First Year Hepatitis C empowers the reader from the very first pages. As with the diagnosis of many diseases that initially can feel like a death sentence, doing something to begin taking back control of your life is invigorating and a positive step in the right direction.

This book contains many resources such as internet resources, support groups, etc.

The book may be purchased at barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.

None of these books, or all of them in combination, is a substitute for medical care. Each is intended to augment what your health care practitioner is doing/saying. Instead of purchasing the books before you've had a chance to examine them for yourself, check with your local public library.

Resources:

Buhner, S.H. (2000). Herbs for Hepatitis C and the Liver. Storey Publishing. North Adams, MA.

Bruce, C. & Montanarelli, L. (2002). The First Year Hepatitis C: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed. Marlowe & Company. NY.

Cohen, M.R. & Gish, R.S. (2007). The Hepatitis C Help Book Revised Edition. St. Martin's Griffin. NY, NY.