Hepatitis C is a blood-borne infectious disease of the liver caused by the Hepatitis C virus. It is the leading cause of liver transplants in the United States.

Symptoms of Hepatitis C (HCV)

Within the first six months of infection with HCV, 60 to 70 percent of people show no signs of the disease.

Symptoms related to Heptatis C (HCV) include the following:

  • Decreased appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal pain
  • Jaundice
  • Itching
  • Flu-like symptoms

When the infection lasts for more than six months, the infected person is now said to have developed Chronic Hepatitis C.

Symptoms of Chronic HCV include the following:

  • Weight loss
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Low grade fever
  • Muscle pain
  • Joint pain
  • Itching
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea

Causes of Hepatitis C (HCV)

HCV is contracted through:

  • Contact with infected blood
  • IV drug use
  • Transfusions with unscreened blood
  • Occupational exposure to blood
  • Recreational exposure to drugs
  • Shared personal items such as razors
  • Sexual contact with an infected person
  • From mother to infant in childbirth

Supplements to treat Hepatitis C (HCV)

The following supplements can help treat the symptoms of Hepatitis C (HCV):

Supplement Dosage Precautions
Alpha-Lipolic Acid 600 to 800 mg once a day Use caution as high doses can cause hypothyroidism.
Astragalus 1 to 3 ml of tincture or capsule extract once a day
B-Complex Vitamins 25 mg once a day
Carnitine 500 to 3,000 mg once a day. The most effective form of this is Acetly-L-Carnitine (ALCAR).
Coenzyme Q10 100 to 400 mg once a day CoQ10 may reduce the effects of blood thinners and/or cause diarrhea in dosages over 100mg.
Lysine 1,000 to 3,000 mg once a day Taking for more tan six months can cause an imbalance of arginine. Do not take if you have diabetes or are allergic to eggs, milk, or wheat.
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) 1,000 mcg once a day When taking NAC supplements, also take extra Vitamin C, Copper, and Zinc.
Olive Leave Extract 1 capsule one to three times daily Take with food.
Phosphatidylcholine(Lecithin) 2,000 to 10,000 mg once a day Use with caution if you have malabsorption problems, as this could exacerbate them.
Probiotics 20 billion units once a day If taking an antibiotic, wait three hours before taking probiotics.
Selenium (as Selenomethione) 300 to 500 mcg once a day Avoid Selenium as Selenium Yeast because it is not absorbed by the body well.
Silymarin 100 to 300 mg once a day Found in milk thistle.
Taurine 1,000 to 3,000 mg once a day Take between meals. Discontinue use if you have chest or throat tightness or if you greak out in hives. DO NOT TAKE WITH ASPIRIN.
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) 500 mcg twice a day High doses can deplete our body of other vitamins in the B complex.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) 500 to 1,000 mcg twice a day High doses can deplete your body of other vitamins in the B complex
Vitamin C 500 to 2,500 mg twice a day Do not take high doses if you are prone to kidney stones or gout. Take Vitamin C as Magnesium Ascorbate. Never take Ascorbic Acid because it causes the body to become acidic and Vitamin C is not stored in the body as Ascorbic Acid.
Vitamin E 400 IU once a day Take mixed tocopherols, which is the more active type of Vitamin E. If you are taking a blood thinner, consult your doctor first.