Hepatitis

Introduction: Why Hepatitis Needs a New Approach

Hepatitis is a condition that involves inflammation of the liver and can be caused by a variety of factors, including viral infections, autoimmune responses, and excessive alcohol consumption. Hepatitis B and C are the most common viral forms that can lead to chronic liver damage, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. At Patients Medical in New York City, we go beyond conventional treatment. We adopt an integrative approach to not only treat the hepatitis infection but also to optimize liver function, improve immune health, and address the root causes of the condition.

We treat the whole person—not just the virus.

What Is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver, which can be caused by various factors. Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E are the primary viral types, with Hepatitis B and C being the most common causes of chronic liver disease.

  • Hepatitis A: Usually transmitted through contaminated food and water, often resulting in a mild form of the disease.
  • Hepatitis B: A chronic viral infection that can lead to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer, transmitted through blood or bodily fluids.
  • Hepatitis C: Primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, often leading to chronic infection and long-term liver damage.
  • Hepatitis D: Occurs only in people infected with Hepatitis B, making the treatment of Hepatitis B crucial.
  • Hepatitis E: Typically spread through contaminated water and often self-limiting, though it can be dangerous in pregnant women.

Chronic hepatitis can lead to progressive liver damage, including scarring (cirrhosis) and liver cancer if not managed appropriately.

What Is Hepatitis?

Common Symptoms of Hepatitis

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop Hepatitis?

Functional medicine focuses on understanding the root causes behind chronic hepatitis. For Hepatitis B and C, the root causes and contributing factors include:

  • Chronic viral infections: Hepatitis B and C are caused by viral infections that can become chronic if not properly managed.
  • Weakened immune system: An impaired immune system can cause the virus to proliferate and increase the risk of liver damage.
  • Poor diet: Diets high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats can stress the liver, making it more vulnerable to infection and inflammation.
  • Toxin overload: Exposure to environmental toxins, alcohol, and drugs can overwhelm the liver and impair its detoxification function.
  • Chronic stress: Stress can suppress immune function and increase inflammation, potentially triggering or worsening hepatitis symptoms.
  • Genetic predisposition: A family history of liver disease or viral hepatitis can increase the likelihood of developing chronic hepatitis.
  • Underlying health conditions: Conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol can exacerbate liver problems.

Diagnostic Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we offer advanced diagnostic testing to fully understand your liver health and the factors influencing the progression of Hepatitis C. Tests may include:

HCV RNA test (for Hepatitis C viral load)

HBV DNA test (for Hepatitis B viral load)

Liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin, albumin)

Hepatitis B and C genotyping (to determine the type and strain of the virus)

Liver biopsy or elastography (to assess liver damage and fibrosis)

Comprehensive immune system testing (to evaluate immune function)

Nutrient testing (to identify deficiencies that may affect liver health)

Heavy metal testing (to check for toxins affecting liver function)

Genetic testing (for genetic predispositions to liver disease)

Integrative Treatments for Hepatitis

Nutritional Therapy

  • Anti-inflammatory foods (like turmeric, leafy greens, and omega-3-rich foods)
  • Liver-supportive foods (such as beets, carrots, and cruciferous vegetables)
  • Antioxidant-rich foods (such as berries and vitamin C-rich foods to protect the liver from oxidative damage)
  • Low-sugar, low-processed food diets (to reduce stress on the liver)
  • Nutrient-dense meals (to ensure your body gets the vitamins and minerals needed for optimal liver health)

IV Vitamin Therapy

  • Vitamin C (boosts the immune system and detoxifies the liver)
  • Glutathione (a powerful antioxidant that supports detoxification)
  • B vitamins (important for liver function and energy metabolism)
  • Magnesium (supports cellular health and detoxification)

Herbal & Nutraceuticals

  • Milk thistle (supports liver regeneration and detoxification)
  • Turmeric/Curcumin (reduces inflammation and protects liver cells)
  • Dandelion root (supports detoxification and bile production)
  • N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) (helps detoxify the liver and replenish glutathione)
  • Vitamin D (supports immune health and liver function)

Stress Management

  • Acupuncture (to promote balance and reduce inflammation)
  • Mindfulness and meditation (to reduce cortisol levels and promote relaxation)
  • Adaptogenic herbs (such as Rhodiola to reduce the body’s stress response)

Hormone Balancing

  • Herbal liver detoxes (using herbs like milk thistle and dandelion root)
  • Glutathione IVs (to support detoxification)
  • Sauna therapy (to eliminate toxins via sweating)

Weight Management

  • Probiotics (to support gut health, which plays a critical role in immune function)
  • Zinc and selenium (essential for immune cell function)
  • Vitamin C and E (antioxidants that support liver detoxification and immune health)

Real Case Study: Sarah’s Hepatitis Recovery Journey

Sarah, 45, came to us after being diagnosed with chronic Hepatitis C. She was experiencing fatigue, abdominal discomfort, and liver inflammation. She had been on antiviral medication but still felt unwell.

After testing, we found that Sarah had low liver function, poor immune health, and a nutrient deficiency that was impairing her recovery.

Her integrative treatment plan included:

  • Anti-inflammatory nutrition (rich in antioxidants and liver-supportive foods)
  • IV vitamin therapy (vitamin C, magnesium, and glutathione)
  • Herbal supplements (milk thistle, turmeric)
  • Mindfulness meditation (to reduce stress and improve immune function)

Three months later, Sarah reported increased energy, reduced symptoms, and improved liver function tests. She was feeling more empowered in managing her Hepatitis C naturally.

Real Case Study: Sarah’s Hepatitis Recovery Journey

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, usually caused by viral infections (Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E), alcohol use, or autoimmune diseases.

Treatment varies depending on the type of Hepatitis, but options include antiviral medications, lifestyle changes, dietary support, and integrative therapies like herbal supplements, IV therapy, and stress reduction techniques.

While there is no cure for Hepatitis, natural treatments can help manage symptoms, support liver function, and reduce inflammation.

Hepatitis can be caused by viral infections (Hepatitis A, B, C), excessive alcohol use, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications or toxins.

Common symptoms include fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, and light-colored stool.

A nutrient-dense, liver-supportive diet, regular detoxification, immune system support, and stress management can all help improve liver health.

Yes, chronic Hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer if not properly managed.

Yes, we offer comprehensive testing, including blood tests to measure viral load, liver function tests, and genetic testing to assess liver health.

Most patients see improvement in liver function within 3-6 months of starting integrative care, depending on the severity of the condition.

We are an out-of-network provider but offer superbills for reimbursement. Lab tests may be partially covered by insurance.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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