6 Natural Remedies For Hepatitis B

It is estimated that over 300 million people are living with hepatitis B. In 2015, it resulted in 887,000 deaths worldwide. Although many people with hepatitis B don’t experience any symptoms, it’s a chronic infection that can lead to severe liver conditions like cirrhosis and liver cancer. The scary part is that it is 50–100 times more infectious than HIV. It’s also more infectious than hepatitis C. Both hepatitis B and C are transmitted through infected blood, but hepatitis A is transmitted through infected fecal matter. The virus can live outside of the body for many days and infect you unknowingly. That’s why people at risk of acquiring hepatitis B should be screened. That way those infected can limit the spread of the virus.

* Eat a Healthy & Well Balanced Diet

One of the most important ways for a person with hepatitis B to live a longer, healthier life is to focus on maintaining an adequate nutritional balance with a whole foods and anti-inflammatory diet. Eating foods that contain chlorophyll can also be beneficial for reducing oxidative stress and liver damage.

* Avoid Inflammatory Foods and Drinks

To help prevent the spread of the hepatitis B virus and ease the symptoms of an acute infection, avoid consuming foods and drinks that increase inflammation. This includes sugar, refined oils, refined carbohydrates, conventional dairy products and farm-raised meats. Try not to eat processed foods that typically contain refined ingredients and additives. It’s also very important to avoid drinking alcohol or using over-the-counter drugs, especially acetaminophen. They can worsen liver damage, which is a concern for people with hepatitis B.

* Stay Hydrated

Vomiting is a common symptom of hepatitis B, which can cause dehydration. You need to make sure you’re drinking enough fluids throughout the day so that you don’t become dehydrated. Drink plenty of water. Have at least an 8-ounce glass with every meal and water between meals, too. Drinking fresh fruit and veggie juices can be helpful. So can consuming bone broth, which is full of essential nutrients that will boost your immune system and help you to fight the virus. Instead of turning to sports drinks that are full of sugar and artificial flavors, drink coconut water, which will help you to avoid an electrolyte imbalance.

* Try Milk Thistle

Milk thistle benefits and supports the liver. It’s a powerful detoxifier. It helps rebuild liver cells while removing bodily toxins that are processed through the liver. The silymarin found in milk thistle acts as an antioxidant by reducing free radical production and oxidative stress. It even acts as a toxin blockade agent that inhibits the binding of toxins in liver cells. Research on milk thistle shows it can be used to treat acute and chronic viral hepatitis and liver disease.

* Reduce Stress

To help relieve hepatitis B symptoms and prevent the spread of the virus, you have to reduce stress levels and take it easy. Don’t engage in strenuous activities, especially if you are feeling tired and low energy. Allow your body to rest. Try some natural stress relievers, like taking a short walk outside, doing some gentle yoga. Take a warm bath or read an uplifting book. Another easy way to reduce stress and bring on feelings of peace is to diffuse lavender essential oil at home or work. If you don’t have a diffuser, just tub 1–2 drops of lavender oil into your temples or inhale it directly from the bottle.

* Boost your Glutathione Levels

Scientific research shows there’s a direct correlation between glutathione levels and viral activity for both hepatitis B and C. Glutathione is a peptide that consists of three amino acids, L-cysteine, L-glutamic acid and glycine. It is known as the “mother of all antioxidants” because it supports vital body functions, including liver detoxification. The liver uses glutathione to break down toxins. This is why glutathione levels decrease when the viral load increases. If you have chronic hepatitis B for more than 90 days, ask your healthcare provider to check your glutathione levels. If they are low, you can take L-cysteine (NAC), a-Lipoic acid and L-glutamine to help restore your glutathione levels.