Hepatitis B is the most common serious liver infection globally. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This virus attacks and injures the liver.
Basically, the word “hepatitis” actually means “inflammation” of the liver.
According to reports, 2 billion people (or 1 in 3) have been infected and about 300 million people are living with a chronic hepatitis B infection.
Sadly, up to 1 million people die yearly from hepatitis B despite the fact that it is preventable and treatable (1).
Transmission of the HBV is through blood and infected bodily fluids. Also, other means of transmission are direct contact with blood, unprotected sex or use of illegal drugs.
Others are unsterilised or contaminated needles.
A woman can also transfer HBV to her newborn during pregnancy or childbirth.
Unfortunately, most people who have HBV do not have symptoms at the onset of the infection or even at the chronic stage.
As a result, they can unknowingly spread the virus to others and continue the silent spread of hepatitis B.
However, people who are chronically infected but don’t have any symptoms, could come down with serious liver disease such as cirrhosis or liver cancer later in life.
The virus, overtime, damages the liver and then the cancer will develop.
Fortunately, hepatitis B is preventable and treatable.
Hepatitis B Diagnosis
A simple blood test could show if someone has this infection. This is the only way to know for sure if you have the disease.
Symptoms Of Hepatitis B
Some of the common symptoms of the virus infection are muscle or joint pain, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, mild nausea and vomiting.
Others are stomach pain, pale or light colored stools, tea colored urine.
Also it could present more serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention, like severe nausea and vomiting, yellow eyes and skin (called “jaundice”) and bloated or swollen stomach.
Why Your Liver Is Important
Your liver is a very important organ. You can hardly survive one or two days if it completely shuts down.
Sadly, once the liver fails the body will shut down.
The liver is also very unique because it can function even when up to 80% of it is diseased or removed.
Most importantly, the liver has a way of regenerating from healthy liver cells that still exist. This is why it is possible to heal from Hepatitis B.
Here are some of the unique functions of the liver.
- Stores vitamins, sugar and iron to help give your body energy
- Combat infection by producing immune factors and removing bacteria from the bloodstream
- It is in charge of making your blood clot after cuts or injuries to stop excessive bleeding
- Controls the production and removal of cholesterol. This way it stops blood from getting to the arteries. In a way, it protects the heart.
- Clears your blood of waste products, drugs and other poisonous substances
- Releases a substance called “bile” to help digest food and absorb important nutrients
Prevention, Treatment And Management
Fortunately, with a safe vaccine, you can prevent hepatitis B. Also, there are effective drug therapies that can manage a chronic hepatitis B infection. Researches are also on to get a cure for the viral infection.
Bitter Melon As Remedy
While more efforts are on to get a cure for this infection, a number of natural remedies have been examined.
Bitter melon or bitter gourd shows positive capabilities to inhibit the replication of the virus.
Also See How Beneficial Bitter Melon Is To Diabetics
A study says human hepatoma cells exposed to extract from bitter melon showed positive results for different concentrations.
According to the study, exposure of the hepatoma cells to the extract from bitter melon resulted in significant inhibition of HBV DNA replication and HBsAg secretion (2).
As a result, adding bitter gourd to your diet will aid healing.
You can either eat the raw one or use the powder form of it. They are available in some super malls or you can contact us for more information.
While you tale this remedy, it is important that you stay away from alcohol, lower stress level and exposure to toxins.
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