Natural Strategies for Supporting Sufferers with Hepatitis C

by Blair Thomson, DN , CMT, and Mishel Rees, MH, WT , RM , B.Div. Both are

Integrative Therapists using nutritional, herbal and body work therapies.

They are co- owner/operators of Quantum Life Energy Natural Farmacy & Clinic.

Part 1 Diet and Nutrition (cont'd)

Foods to include:

Foods rich in vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, water and plant chemicals, like flavenoids and carotenoids, are imperative for the liver to regenerate itself. Many nutrients help protect the liver from damaging chemicals and aid it in metabolizing and eliminating metabolic toxins. This translates simply into a diet rich in foods, like whole grains, lentils and peas, raw and lightly cooked vegetables, and lots of fruit. Meats. Our culture is very heavily meat oriented. Though consuming adequate amounts of protein is important, large amounts of beef, lamb and pork are not the answer. A couple of portions of dark meats per week is more than adequate. If a non vegetarian diet is preferable, then the light meats like fish and chicken are less demanding on the digestive tract, including the liver. The case for organic is far stronger for our meat sources because of the number of drugs given to animals these days. Many of these substances are fat soluble and therefore tend to be stored in the fatty tissues in animals.

Dairy products.

The best ways to consume dairy is raw, which is virtually unavailable these days, or once it has been cultured into yoghurt or buttermilk. These forms of dairy are very easy to digest, help re-establish natural intestinal flora and are much better sources of nutrients than their pasteurized or homogenized counterparts. As dairy products are rich in fats, the earlier comments about drugs, animals and organic sources applies here.

Vegetable and fruit juices.

Particularly when made from organic sources, juices are wonderfully rich in bioavailable nutrients. Plants are especially rich in potassium and help to re-establish the sodium imbalances produced by high salt diets. Juices also help the body re-establish the slight alkaline state it prefers for optimal health. Metabolic disturbances produced by liver damage tend to push the body toward an acid state; juices will help counter this action. Nutrient rich juices also help cleanse the liver, promote cellular growth and repair and contain many plant chemicals that help protect against cell damage and improve immune function.

Water.

Not usually thought of as a nutrient, water is absolutely essential for elimination and optimal cellular health. The problem with water is deciding which source is best. When all factors are considered, the bottom line is that ordinary tap water is not our best source of drinking water. There are now many companies promoting water purifiers and bottled water. Our research suggests that a two stage filtration system using ceramic and solid block carbon filters to be a good approach. With regard to bottled water, we like water that has gone through several processes including reverse osmosis, ozone and carbon filtration. An important consideration when looking at water purifying is the pH of the end product. This should optimally be neutral or slightly alkaline. Many bottled water and purifying processes leave water slightly acid, which can be a health concern if consumed in large amounts (several glasses) over long periods of time. How much is best? Remembering that water does remove minerals as it flushes out wastes and toxins, it is important to take some form of mineral supplement each day to help off set the losses 5 to 8 glasses of water will remove. Consuming water throughout the day, to the equivalent of 2 to 3 litres, is the best approach. Counting water in herbal teas and in juices is fine.

Essential fatty acids (EFA'S).

As mentioned earlier, EFA's are important for proper liver function and are easily used by the liver. They are necessary for proper immune function and help the body deal with any inflammatory condition. Our best sources of EFA's are nuts, seeds, fish and whole grains. Flax seeds, in particular, are good sources, but do not heat, as this produces toxic substances. Cold pressed flax seed oil is readily available in health food stores, and can be used in salad dressings. All oils, nuts, seeds and grains should be kept in the refrigerator as these are very susceptible to damage from oxygen, and refrigeration slows the processes that lead to rancidity. Rancidity is the result of damaged polyunsaturated oils contained in these foods. Damaged unsaturated oils impact negatively on things like cell membranes and DNA. Industry hydrogenates vegetable oils to prevent rancidity but destroys most of the essential fatty acids in the process, a vicious nutritional cycle! It may seem that the dietary changes needed to deal with hepatitis C are complicated but in actual fact the format is quite easy, and only our habits get in the way of an easy transition. If you remember to eat fresh whole foods as often as possible, and to remove and cut down on as much of the processed, canned, frozen, packaged, fast and convenience foods as possible, you will be well on your way to supporting your liver's need to heal and regenerate from a nutritional point of view. Prepared foods are rich in salt, simple sugars, fats and oils and additives, all of which are a challenge to an already compromised liver. Make your changes one step at a time. Buy some good vegetarian and whole food cook books, read and enjoy the taste sensations this way of food preparation has to offer. Your foods can be either your road to health or your road to serious health problems. The choice is yours.

In our next contribution to this major health concern, we will cover supportive strategies through nutritional and herbal supplements. 'Till then, eat well and get well.

HepC BC

Vancouver Chapter Updates

Hi Everyone,

We saw a lot of new faces at the meeting this month!! Welcome, and we hope

we are able to provide information and support to all those who are newly

diagnosed, and to our regular members, as well. I have been very busy with

my mother who is visiting, so there is not much else new to report at this

time. See you all at the next meeting.

Take care.

Darlene

HepC BC

FROM THE OKANAGAN

Hello from the Sunny Okanagan. The summer went by too quickly for words.

I, along with all other transfused heppers, have been anxiously awaiting

the verdict of the final RED CROSS appeal, and that of the nine Supreme

Court of Canada judges, as to whether Krever would be allowed to name names

in his final report. As you know, I have suggested heppers across the

country contact their local MP's / MLA's regarding air miles to travel to

Ottawa/Toronto to be there when Krever hands down his final report. Now we

have two fabulous reasons to be there. On September 26th, 1997, the judges

rule on naming names. Eight weeks later, that would be Friday, November

21st, 1997 , Justice Krever must hand over his final report. Our AGM has

just been switched to November 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, 1997 in Toronto from

the previously announced 7th, 8th and 9th of November. God truly works in

mysterious ways. Wow! That means we can all be there, at the AGM, and at

the handing over of the Krever Inquiry report; to be there to celebrate the

conclusion of three years of investigations, as we f i n a l l y see what

went so terribly wrong with the blood supply and the recommendations to

clean it up once and for all! The, "Horizon of Hope" will be bring together

a weekend of information and interaction for all who can be there. It is an

experience not to be missed.

Please make your plans to be there, to celebrate with us the end of this

very long journey. Contact your MP's / MLA's and ask for Air Miles. Tell

them you have the date now: November 21st, 22nd and 23rd. You will not

want to miss these TWO events! Our Hepatitis C quilt will finally make

it's debut! Join us in body and spirit as we celebrate a future of "hope".

Welcome aboard, Castlegar. Robin, great work! Castlegar members met for the

first time, Sunday the 21st of September, and they hope to keep it going

into regular meetings. I look forward to including your squares in the quilt.

Until next month... stay positive, stay well.

Love, Leslie

HepC BC

MEMBERSHIP DESK

Reminder:- Any change of address, phone number or Postal Code, please let

me, your phone contact (in Victoria), or your Chapter Secretary (B.C), know

at your earliest. It saves our meagre funds. Thanks. We still need you to

consider becoming members of the Society, as this gives us much more

clout. Complete the Application for Membership Form today (if you have

mislaid it, phone for one) and mail it off to the Toronto Address with

your cheque for $20.00, also please don't forget to renew your membership

when due. (A portion of your dues are returned to the Chapter). The expiry

dates for both your National Membership (N/Exp:) and your BC Newsletter

subscription (BC/Exp:) are the two small boxes above your name and address

on your mailing label of the Newsletter. If the boxes are blank, it simply

means you have not made application yet for membership or it has expired

nor have you subscribed to the newsletter. If either are highlighted with

an orange mark, it's a reminder it is time or it is about time to expire.

Please renew promptly. Again, many thanks.

Jim Lodge: 1-250- 386-8227

e-mail:- ut301@freenet.victoria.bc.ca

Vice-chairperson & Membership Victoria Chapter

HeCSC acknowledges the personal donations, donations in kind and memorial

donations received to date, and the following for discounts, donations of

services, or equipment: Monk Office Supply. CFAX 1070 Radio, and Apple

Canada..

HepC BC

VICTORIA SECRETARY STEPS DOWN

Victoria Chapter's secretary, Priscilla Ekman, has had to step down due to

ill health. Jim Lodge has kindly taken over in her place until the

position can be filled. Priscilla will still be in charge of the phone

committee, and will be involved as much as she can be by phone. We will

miss her contribution as secretary. She has done a fine job in keeping us

organized, and she will continue to attend meetings when possible. Take

care, Priscilla! We hope you feel better soon.

HepC BC

COMING UP:

Victoria Chapter Meetings: Last Wednesday of each month 1 - 3 PM, and again at 7-9 PM, St. John the Divine Church Lounge,1611 Quadra St. (Entrance through the rear, marked Annex)

NEXT MEETING: Oct. 29th.

Speaker: Arnie Lade, Acupuncturist, Oriental Medicine.

Vancouver Chapter Meetings: Second Thursday of every month, 7:30pm, 5745 Wales Street, at the First Lutheran Church, Vancouver. (between Nanaimo & 42nd on Wales Street)

NEXT MEETING : Oct. 9th

Penticton Chapter Meetings: Third Thursday of every month, 7-9 PM, Penticton Health Unit - Board rooms.

NEXT MEETING: Oct. 16th

Kelowna Chapter Meetings: Last Saturday of every month, 1-3 PM, Rose Avenue Education Room in Kelowna General Hospital.

NEXT MEETING: Oct. 25th.

Vernon Chapter Meetings: 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at the People Place, Room #107, 3402-27 Avenue, Vernon, BC from 10:00am-1:00pm.

NEXT MEETING: Oct. 9^th.

Nanaimo Chapter Meetings: Second Thursday of every month, 7 PM, Health Unit-Central Vancouver Island, 1665 Grant St.

NEXT MEETING: Oct. 16th.

HepC BC

HOW TO REACH US:

CO-EDITORS

Joan Diemecke TEL&FAX: (250) 479-5290 pdiemecke@compuserve.com

Darlene Morrow FAX: (604) 987-7396 darmorr@uniserve.com

VICTORIA CHAPTER OFFICE:

TEL: 388-4311 email: xx204@freenet.victoria.bc.ca

VANCOUVER CHAPTER

HERB MOELLER TEL: 241-7766

email: darmorr@uniserve.com

PENTICTON CHAPTER:

LESLIE GIBBENHUCK TEL: 490-9054

email: bchepc@bc.sympatico.ca

KELOWNA CHAPTER:

ELAINE RISELY TEL. 768-3573

email: eriseley@bcinternet.com

VERNON CHAPTER:

SHARON GRANT TEL: 542-3092

CASTLEGAR/GRAND FORKS/TRAIL:

ROBIN TOMLIN TEL. 365 - 6137

NANAIMO CHAPTER:

RIA KLOMP TEL 248-6072 (Parksville)

email: gjones@qb.island.net (Gary)

HepC BC

The deadline for any contributions to the next issue of hepc.bull is October 22nd. Please contact :

Joan Diemecke at Tel/FAX (250) 479-5290 or

Darlene Morrow at FAX (604) 987-7396

email: pdiemecke@compuserve.com or darmorr@uniserve.com

The editors reserve the right to edit and cut articles in the interest of space.

HepC BC

CANADIAN LIVER FOUNDATION

Chapters of the Canadian Liver Foundation in your area are located in

Kamloops and Vancouver. Residents of Vancouver and surrounding areas can

reach the local chapter at 681-4588. Fax: 681-6067. The chapter president

is Mark Quirk. The address: #545-1130 W. Pender Street, Vancouver, BC,

V6E 4A4. Call toll free (B.C. only): 1- (800)- 856-7266

CLF Update

The CLF has just finished a successful first annual 100 Hole Challenge Golf

Tournament and are on to the next set of events. A Variety Show will be

held on October 4, 1997 at the Norman Rothstein Theater in the Jewish

Community Center (Oak and West 41st) to benefit liver disease research.

Tickets are $15.00 in advance or $20.00 at the door. Comedians, singers,

dance groups and classical artists are all taking the stage for this

benefit. We are hosting a one day seminar on October 16, 1997 at the

Heather Pavilion. The seminar will commence at 9:00am and finish at

4:30pm. The agenda is soon to be finalized and individuals wanting to

attend can register at the CLF office by calling 681-4588. The Living with

Liver Disease Program is being planned and is set to commence in late

January.

HepC BC

? Hepatitis C Society U ASK

Natalie Rock, RN, BSN -Hepatology Clinical Research Nurse, Dept. of Medicine U.B.C., Vancouver Hospital Div. Gastroenterology

1. How long does the Hepatitis C Virus live outside the body?

This is a difficult question to answer due to the fact that testing for the

virus in dried blood (outside the body) and then determining whether or not

it can actually be transmitted is next to impossible. We are able to test

for hepatitis B and HIV in contaminated blood that has been exposed to air

by taking that specimen and injecting it into an animal model (woodchucks

and chimpanzees). In the case of hepatitis C there is no animal model. A

small study by Borgia et al. (1994) using PCR, found that "HCV RNA is

resistant to drying at room temperature for at least 48 hours." The PCR

doesn't necessarily tell whether the virus is alive or still infectious.

However, the question still remains: Can the virus be transmitted to

someone after being exposed to air (and for how long)? So, the question

must be looked at in a different way. If we look at the rate of

transmission from an HCV positive mother to her fetus during the birthing

process (keep in mind that the baby has swallowed a large amount of blood

and is completely covered with blood) we know that between 8-10% will be

anti-HCV positive. Secondly, the risk of transmission via accidental needle

stick injury from an HCV positive source is between 4-10%. We also know

that there are many factors that influence the rate of transmission such as

viral load, and the type of needle used (hollow or solid). Thirdly, when

we look at household transmission of HCV through casual, non invasive

contact, the incidence of HCV is rare. Fourthly, we know that the risk of

transmitting HCV via other body fluids such as saliva, breastmilk, semen or

vaginal secretions is extremely low. Therefore, one may conclude that the

risk of transmitting HCV to another person via infected blood spilled on an

inanimate object would be low and would also require an open source like a

wound and thus blood to blood contact.

2. Does bleach kill the Hepatitis C virus?

There is no adequate answer to this question since there is no experimental

model. As mentioned above, there is no animal model for hepatitis C, so

one cannot take the virus, expose it to bleach, and then inject it into a

recipient who will or will not then contract hepatitis C. All one can say

is that bleach kills most other viruses including hepatitis B and HIV and

is thus assumed to kill hepatitis C. The British Columbia Center for

Disease Control (November 1996) recommendation is that spills of blood

should be cleaned up with detergent and water, and surfaces wiped with

freshly diluted bleach (one part bleach, nine parts water) and left for ten

minutes before wiping off.

HepC BC

EDITORIAL

As some of you may have noticed, I have received a number of comments about

the article "Pat" in our last issue. It should be clarified that "Pat" was

written by an American, who gave his permission to print this article.

This article was chosen because of the beautiful writing and the emotional

content, and the fact that it seemed to fit in well with the general tone

of that particular issue. I did cut a great deal of the original letter,

since it was quite politically directed, but some people still felt it was

offensive. May everyone please be assured that this article was not in

any way meant to reflect upon our BC transplant team, to which some of our

members, including ex-IVDUs, owe their lives. At the same time, I want to

make sure this newsletter can freely reflect the needs, opinions, and

experiences of all our members, as a part of an international hepatitis C

community.

HepC BC

This issue of our newsletter is dedicated to the transmission of hepatitis

C. I hope everyone by now is aware of the dangers of contracting hepatitis

C through nonsterile tattoos or body piercing, sharing needles, used

acupuncture needles, etc., and I'm sure all of you have checked with your

dentists to make sure an auto-clave is used to sterilize the equipment. But

how many of you have had manicures or pedicures, or have been shaved by a

barber? How many of you have been tested for glaucoma by your eye doctor?

Have you asked how these practitioners sterilize their equipment?

The Victoria Chapter is presently involved in starting a telephone/mail

campaign to make information available to certain professions about the

risks of Hep C transmission, and we hope that you will consider talking to

the professionals with whom you have contact, to alert them of those risks.

As hepatitis C-infected individuals, we have an obligation to see that our

virus doesn't spread, and conversely, we should attempt to see that we

don't contract other viruses that could worsen our health.

What can we do? Well, one possibility is to ask the salon operators what

they use to disinfect their equipment. (Studies seem to indicate that only

heat can kill the Hep C virus.) If we are not convinced that the methods

used are sufficient, we might want to bring our own tools: scissors,

razors, etc., to our appointments.

Another thing we can do is to call our local support group, and have them

send educational materials to the business in question.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, if we find people who do stick to

strict sterilization methods, we can let our local chapters of HeCSC know

who those professionals are, so that we can start collecting a list of

"safe" businesses and medical offices to patronize.

Joan Diemecke

HepC BC

DISCLAIMER: HeCSS cannot endorse any physician, product or treatment.

The guests invited to our group to speak, do so to add to our information

only. What they say should not necessarily be considered medical advice,

unless they are medical doctors. The information you receive may help you

make an informed decision. Please consult with your health practitioner

before considering any therapy or therapy protocol. The opinions expressed

in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the organization.

HepC BC

HAPPENINGS

The HeCSC "Horizon of Hope" Annual General Meeting and Conference: The

meeting was originally scheduled for November 7, 8, and 9. This date has

conflicted with the Study of Liver Diseases Conference. NEW TIME:

November 21, 22, and 23. A conference information package will be mailed

in the week of October 6.

The 1997 Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemo-

therapy: September 28 - October 1, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, "37th Annual

Meeting of the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and

Chemotherapy (ICAAC)." Contact: American Society for Microbiology (ASM),

Meetings Dept., 1325 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005-4171,

Phone 202-942-9297 or 202-942-9206, Fax 202-942-9267. This conference

will attract the world's largest gathering of Infectious Disease experts.

Medscape's Conference News Online (CNO) : Clinical summaries will be

available world-wide via the Internet within hours of each presentation.

Medscape < http://www.medscape.com/>

HepC BC

PLEASE ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT HAVING A FLU AND/OR PNEUMONIA VACCINE

HepC BC

Ministry of Health offers free hepatitis B vaccine to hepatitis C infected individuals

As of May, 1997, the B.C. Ministry of Health is providing hepatitis B

vaccine free of charge to people with hepatitis C. Individuals with

hepatitis C who do not have past or current hepatitis B infection are

eligible for free vaccine through their local public health departments.

Unlike hepatitis C, hepatitis B is easily transmitted through sexual

contact. The hepatitis B virus is also easily transmitted through

blood-to-blood contact via such routes as sharing needles or needle stick

injury. The hepatitis B virus is very hardy and can live for up to 7 days

in dried blood. People who get hepatitis B can also become chronic

carriers. Your chance of getting hepatitis B depends mainly on the risk

behaviours or practices in your life. If you have more than one sex

partner or ever share needles, you are at high risk for hepatitis B

infection. Babies born to mothers who have hepatitis B are also likely to

be infected. More than 30% of people who get hepatitis B have no risk

factors for infection.

Discuss whether you should be vaccinated against hepatitis B with your

physician or specialist. The hepatitis B vaccine, called Engerix or

Recombivax, is a safe, genetically engineered vaccine that is administered

in 3 doses at 0, 1 month and 6 months

The hepatitis A vaccine is not available free from the Ministry of Health.

Hepatitis A is a virus that is only transmitted through the faeces of

someone who has an acute infection with hepatitis A. Hepatitis A is most

often transmitted through food or drink contaminated with infected human

faeces and through oral or anal contact. Common in many parts of the

developing world, this vaccine is often given as a pre- travel injection to

travellers. There is not a chronic carrier state with hepatitis A. The

killed viral vaccine against hepatitis A, called Havrix or Vaqta, involves

getting 2 doses of killed viral vaccine, 6 to 12 months apart. There are

very few side effects. The hepatitis A vaccine can be purchased at your

local pharmacy without a prescription and administered by your doctor, or

it can be purchased at your local adult or travel immunization clinic

Editors' note: Save your receipt for the Hep A vaccine. You may possibly be reimbursed in the future.

HepC BC