Autoimmune hepatitis is a liver disease that causes damage to the liver cells because the immune system of the individual turns against the body. The attack of the immune system on the liver causes it to become inflamed and the inflammation impairs the functions of the liver. The patient suffering from autoimmune hepatitis experiences symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, weakness, weight loss, and edema.



Anyone experiencing these symptoms should become cautious about their condition and get it diagnosed because if left untreated, it can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver failure.

Ayurvedic treatment concept of autoimmune hepatitis: Autoimmune hepatitis is caused when the immune system of the body turns against itself and Ayurveda believes that this happens when there is an imbalance between the three physical energies   vata, pitta, and kapha. In case of autoimmune hepatitis, the pitta becomes vitiated causing the kapha to evaporate, which is a prime component of the immune system. This disrupts the immunity and causes problems in the liver. So, Ayurveda seeks to correct this vitiation and it does so with the help of medicines and cleansing techniques that would strengthen the liver and boosts its functions.

Immunity boosting Ayurveda treatment: The Ayurvedic treatment for autoimmune hepatitis focuses on medicines that have immunity-enhancing and liver-protecting properties. The idea is to increase the immunity of the body and to control and cure the damage done to the liver cells. Specific medicines such as curcumin and giloy have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which restore the liver muscles and give relief from swelling. They also possess detoxification properties which cleanse the toxins built up in the liver as a result of the vitiation of the pitta dosha. The external detox procedures such as swedana and virechana also work by flushing out the toxins so that the body is cleansed of the dosha and feels at ease.

Ayurveda treatment benefits in autoimmune hepatitis: Ayurveda treats autoimmune hepatitis in a comprehensive manner. The remedies work to correct all the causes, that is, the hostile immune system and the damaged liver cells. Unlike allopathic medicines that try to give temporary relief by suppressing the symptoms, Ayurveda aims to bring permanent relief by addressing the causes that have led to the symptoms. With Ayurveda, one can be sure of finding lasting relief and that too without any side effects. The medicines and treatments are conducive to the body and are prescribed after complete diagnosis of the condition by an Ayurveda expert.

This is why one should go to a credible Ayurvedic practitioner for the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis. Based on the patient s condition, a particular type of treatment is prescribed.  Ayurvedic medications work in all types of patients. All one needs is an expert to treat the disease. Last but not the least, Ayurveda places a huge emphasis on diet and lifestyle and the patient must adhere to the do's and don ts prescribed by their doctor.

Know How Ayurveda Can Work For Autoimmune Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver, which may often progress to dangerous complications. There are many types of Hepatitis and each has its own particular set of causes, symptoms, mode of contraction and treatment procedures. Here are the main types of Hepatitis as well as some of the factors which may cause Hepatitis:

Types
1. Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A virus infection causes this condition. The Hepatitis A virus comes from food or water contaminated with the feces of someone contaminated with Hepatitis A. This is not a chronic form of Hepatitis.
2. Hepatitis B: This is a chronic form of Hepatitis. It is spread through body fluid, such as blood, saliva and semen. The possible causes of Hepatitis B include use of drugs through injections, having sex with an infected partner and sharing razors or other intimate articles with someone who is infected.
3.  Hepatitis C: This is also a chronic form of Hepatitis.The most common causes of Hepatitis C are injection drug use or having sex.
4.  Hepatitis D: This is a not a chronic form of Hepatitis and is also very uncommon. It is usually contracted along with Hepatitis B. It is usually caused due to puncture wounds or contact with infected blood.
5. Hepatitis E: This is the most uncommon form of Hepatitis. It is due to poor sanitation and ingesting fecal matter. It is usually found in developing countries.

Causes
1. Virus: This is the usual way of contracting Hepatitis. The virus attacks the liver and causes inflammation leading to the breakdown of a number of body systems.
2. Alcohol and other toxins: Alcohol and certain prescribed medications cause the liver to swell and that is why this form of Hepatitis is known as alcoholic Hepatitis.
3.  Autoimmune disease: This is the rarest cause of Hepatitis. The immune system malfunctions and begins destroying its own tissues. It attacks the liver because it perceives the liver to be a foreign object.

Hepatitis : Types and Their Causes

HepatitisThe problem of hepatitis is related to an inflammatory condition of liver. It occurs mainly due to infection caused by virus but there are other possible causes as well. Hepatitis can be temporary or viral. Temporary hepatitis, which is acute in nature, gets resolved on its own. Viral hepatitis can be of five types, A, B, C, D and E.

Now, let us discuss about the causes behind each type of hepatitis, which results in liver problem.

Causes

The fact that we have identified five types of Hepatitis, A, B, C, D and E, let s take a look at the causes behind the occurrence of all these types:

Hepatitis A: The most common way through which this type of virus gets transmitted, is through consuming food or water contaminated by wastes from a person infected with hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B: One can suffer from Hepatitis B, if one comes in contact with infectious body fluids like blood, secretions from vagina, semen, taking drugs through injections, containing the virus of Hepatitis B.
Hepatitis C: This is also transmitted when someone comes in direct contact with fluids of an infected person, through injection drugs and sexual contact. As per the reports of Union Health Ministry, about 1.2 crore people of India are suffering from Hepatitis C, with the worst affected region being North India.
Hepatitis D: It is a rare form of hepatitis, also known as delta hepatitis, occurs as a result of coming into direct contact with infected blood. Hepatitis D is rare because it only takes place in conjunction with hepatitis B infection.
Hepatitis E: This virus is mainly caused in areas of poor sanitation.  It is a waterborne disease, resulting from ingesting faecal matter that contaminates water supply. Cases of Hepatitis E have been mainly reported in Middle East, Asia, Central America and Africa.
Symptoms Of Hepatitis

Hepatitis, in its initial phase is called the acute phase. The following symptoms along with mild flu are visible:

Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Joint pains
Pain in the abdomen
Nausea
Weight loss
Jaundice
Though this phase is not really dangerous but for some patients, it can result in liver failure leading to death. 

Treatment for Hepatitis

Treatment options for different types of hepatitis are:

Hepatitis A: This doesn t require treatment as it is short-term in nature. In case the symptoms cause a lot of discomfort, then bed rest is recommended. Vaccine is available to prevent this infection.
Hepatitis B: Acute Hepatitis B doesn t require treatment either. Its chronic form can be treated with antiviral medications. This can be prevented with vaccination.
Hepatitis C: This type of hepatitis, both in its acute and chronic forms, is treated through antiviral medications.
Hepatitis D: According to a study in 2013, a drug known as alpha interferon is used to treat this type of hepatitis but unfortunately this only comes to the rescue of 25-30% people.
Hepatitis E: This acute form of hepatitis gets resolved on its own. Adequate rest, drinking sufficient amount of water and taking enough nutrients in their food are some of the ways to get healed from this disease.

Hepatitis - Know The Types & Their Signs!

Hepatitis Prevention and Protection Tips

Viral Hepatitis can invade the body and attack the liver systems. It has five different types, Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. While hepatitis can be treated, it is best to prevent it in the first place. 
Here are some simple, easy to follow tips that can prevent hepatitis from spreading.
1) Know how it spreads - Hepatitis can pass from individual to individual or through blood, body fluids, infected faeces.  Contaminated food and water can also cause hepatitis. Hepatitis B, C and D in particular spread through contact with infected blood.

2) Get Vaccinations - Immunization can help you protect yourself against Hepatitis A and B. Vaccinations for Hepatitis C, D or E aren’t available. But Hepatitis C can be cured with anti-viral medications. For Hepatitis D, the infected person needs to get Hepatitis B to survive.

3) Avoid Sharing Personal Items - Don’t share as it is a high-risk behaviour for Hepatitis. Be sure that needles for body piercings, acupuncture and tattooing are safe and disposable to avoid the risk of contamination.

4) Avoid Sharing Grooming Items- If you are living with someone who has or is at risk of Hepatitis, make sure that you avoid sharing grooming items as undetectable quantities of blood or other bodily fluids on razors and toothbrushes can lead to spread of virus.

5) Alcohol and Drugs - Hepatitis is a high risk among people who use excessive alcohol and over the counter medications. Liver inflammation and liver damage puts individual at risk of contracting Hepatitis and therefore, alcohol or prescription drugs and herbal supplements must be avoided and taken only after physician’s consultation.

6) When Travelling- Avoid eating raw fruits, vegetables and raw shellfish, avoid eating at unhygienic places, brush teeth and rinse mouth with clean water, avoid iced drinks or adding ice to the drinks while traveling to avoid contracting the condition. 

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Hepatitis Prevention and Protection Guide: World Hepatitis Day

Hepatitis B is a viral infection, resulting in the inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis B is considered to be acute when it lasts up to six months and is tagged as chronic when the timeline exceeds six months. Some of the common symptoms of this disease are dark urine, queasiness, stomach ache, weakness and joint ache. Ayurveda is known to be an effective agent in treating Hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B is diagnosed by presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and IgM antibody to Hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc IgM) which develop in the serum in the early stages of infection at the time symptoms appear. Antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs) develops after active infection and serves as an indicator of immunity. 

Anti-HBs + - individual has been vaccinated, has received immune globulin, is immune, or is an infant who has received antibodies from his/her mother. Anti-HBc + - indicates past or present infection and lasts indefinitely. May be detected in an infant who has received antibodies from its mother. IgM anti-HBc + - indicates recent infection with HBV, usually within 4-6 months. HBeAg + - indicates active viral replication and high infectivity. HBsAg + HBV - acute or chronic HBV; persistence for 6 months after acute infection indicates progression to chronic HBV. 

Treatment for Hepatitis B - 

While there is no approved treatment for acute hepatitis B, few herbs which works as anti viral to HBV DNA and few as antioxident and heaptocytes protector from antigen now give the name of herbs you have given Infected individuals should practice safe sex. Avoiding contact with infected blood or other body fluids directly or on objects such as needles, razors, toothbrushes, etc., may reduce the risk of transmission. Sores and rashes should be covered with bandages and blood on any surface should be cleaned up with household bleach.

Listed below are some of the natural herbs that help in fighting Hepatitis B:

Katuki: The scientific name of the herb is picrorhiza kurroa. Studies have shown that katuki increases gall bladder shrinkage. It helps in digestion by curing liver ailments. It can be consumed every alternate day to fetch fast recovery.
Kalmegh: This Indian herb is better known as andrographis paniculata in the scientific community. It helps in raising the level of serum and the globulin component of protein.
Poerhavin diffusa: This is part of the actual plant and is better by the name of Punarnava. It addresses blandness and dyspepsia.
Tamarix gallica: Owing to its sugary taste, this herb is easily accepted by children. They have a cleansing effect on the intestine and assist in smooth blood flow of a patient suffering from hepatitis B.
Terminalia chebula: This is also known as Haritaki in the Indian subcontinent and helps in decreasing the level of liver spleen. This herb should be consumed with honey on alternate days.
Eclipta Alba: This herb is more commonly known as bhringraj. It helps in reviving the liver cells and clears toxins from the body. This herb has a certain rejuvenating effect on patients suffering from hepatitis B.
Chicory: This is considered to be a miraculous drug, owing to its ability of revitalising the liver and kidney. It cleanses the blood and speeds up the recovery of hepatitis B.
Solanum indicum: This herb has the ability to counter alkaline phosphate that damages the liver. They also have the capability to renovate the liver cells in a very quick time.
Capparis spinosa: This herb has the ability to address viral hepatitis. Apart from addressing liver problems, they are also known to be extremely effective in countering anxiety and itching. It suits elderly persons. They can be consumed 2  3 times a week in the form of an extract.
Echinacea purpurea: This herb is more commonly known as the echinacia. They have the unique ability of eradicating liver ailments in a short span of time. Apart from being a favourable liver agent, echinacia can bring down swelling of the liver and also safeguard a person from getting the flu. This can be consumed as extract or mixed with fruit juice.

Best Ayurvedic Medicines for Hepatitis Treatment - Effective Remedies

Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease of the liver that attacks a person when their immune system turns against their liver cells. This condition leads to a dysfunctional liver, which may cause disorders related to the organ. It is not known as to what causes this disease but specific genes are believed to be the reason behind autoimmune hepatitis. Autoimmune hepatitis manifests in the form of necrosis (death of living cells of the liver), hepatocellular inflammation, and later on also culminates in cirrhosis (scarring of the liver). 

A number of women than men are affected by autoimmune hepatitis. The signs and symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis include weakness, weight loss, fever, belly pain, diarrhea, skin rashes, edema, and yellowing of skin or eyes. There is no permanent cure for autoimmune hepatitis and it can be only managed with medicines. There are allopathic medicines to keep the disease under control but they have been found to have side effects. These side effects are not gentle on the body and if one wants to avoid them then Ayurvedic remedies come forward as the ideal option.

Swedana: A natural detoxification treatment, swedana refers to sweat generation therapy. In this therapy, the patient is made to sit in a closed steam chamber and is warmed with the help of steam that carries the aroma of several Ayurvedic herbs. These herbs induce sweating in the patient, thereby, removing the toxins sitting inside the body. Later, the patient is given a gentle massage to relax the body.
Apple cider vinegar: This gives relief in the case of autoimmune hepatitis by reducing the ammonia levels in the blood. High ammonia in blood is believed to cause an imbalance in the body and this imbalance disturbs the immune system, causing it to turn against the body.
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum): Milk thistle has properties that strengthen the immunity of the body. It also contains a flavonoid called silymarin that protects the liver from toxins. It has antioxidant properties that keep the liver damage in check and the anti-inflammatory agents that bring relief in swelling.
Giloy: This is a very potent herb that boosts the immune system of the body by increasing the fighting power of a particular type of white blood cells. It also balances the pH level of the body. It is a natural diuretic and thus, increases secretion of urine, helping to flush out the toxins from the body. Being anti-inflammatory and analgesic in nature, giloy controls swelling and also gives relief from pain.
Haldi (Turmeric): Turmeric is a natural immunity booster that is known to carry a compound called curcumin. This compound is a cleanser and a purifier. It removes the toxins and impurities from the body and the blood. This relaxes the liver and also restores its normal functions.
Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease that can be managed with Ayurvedic remedies but one also needs to make lifestyle changes to keep body s immunity in good shape. Abstinence from alcohol, smoking, and spicy foods are beneficial and so is regular exercise and plenty of water intake. These steps automatically increase the immunity of the body and thus, keeps the disease in check.

Ayurvedic Remedies For Autoimmune Hepatitis!

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