The human race is constantly searching to alter the world in which it lives. Sometimes we alter our world in terrible and unintended ways, but other times we seek to alter the world for the better. Scientific advancements have allowed mankind to try and bring to an end the suffering of those afflicted with once incurable diseases. Science has developed cures for smallpox, polio, and other deadly diseases. Now many are curious if mankind is on the verge of curing another troublesome and incurable disease, Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C is a virus that is spread through blood to blood contact in human beings. The disease strikes at the human liver, though few if any people experience any symptoms within the first six months. The disease is characterized by chronic infections, which over time can have a disastrous impact on the liver. Those stricken with Hepatitis C can develop fibrosis of the liver, cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure, or even liver cancer.
Some 180 million people worldwide, including four million Americans, are infected with Hepatitis C. There may be hope for these individuals though in the form of a drug known as Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA).ALAhas been proven time and again to help improve liver circulation and has been used to help those suffering from other liver diseases.
Now, many doctors believe that Alpha Lipoic Acid delivered through an IV can actually help treat Hepatitis C. ALA is currently available over the counter in pill forms in the United States, and is a well-known antioxidant with powerful capabilities allowing it to enhance the effectiveness of vitamins such as C and E. ALA also helps the body turn glucose into energy, providing an extra boost for those fighting Hepatitis C.
While it is apparent thatALAcan be beneficial to those suffering from Hepatitis C, is it actually possible forALAto cure Hepatitis C? The answer according to some natural healers and other doctors is yes!
First it is important to understand exactly howALAworks within the body.ALA’s role as an antioxidant in the body is greater than that of most other antioxidant. For starters,ALAhelps to inhibit free radicals in the body. Free radicals are the byproduct of our bodies breaking down food for energy. When left to roam through the body, free radicals can actually damage organs, tissue, and cells in the body and inhibit your ability to fight off infections. Not only doesALAact as an antioxidant that destroys these free radicals, but it recharges other antioxidants in the body as well.
Next it is important to understand the view point of those who support the use ofALAas a cure for Hepatitis C. Ester Pecker is a professor of molecular biology at theUniversityofCalifornia Berkleyand states thatALAis crucial because it can inhibit the replication of Hepatitis C by bonding to our DNA.
Holistic physician Jesse Stoff M.D. goes further by saying thatALAcan not only treat Hepatitis C, but also help reverse the virus. Dr. Stoff is the director of IntegaMed inTucson,AZand believes thatALAcan actually cure Hepatitis C because it helps the body produce more glutatione. When taken as a supplement to increase its presence in the body,ALAcan produce more glutatione which assists in the process of protecting the body from the harmful effects of free radicals.
The use ofALAdoes have a potential for harmful side effects, though they do not apply to everyone that would useALAto treat Hepatitis C. The following side effects have been noted:
Skin rash Lowered blood sugar levels Dangerous for those who are vitamin B1 deficient Lowered levels of thyroid hormones
Although these side effects have been noted in rare cases, there is little evidence to suggest that the use ofALAto combat Hepatitis C is dangerous.
The current preferred way to treat Hepatitis C, especially for those suffering from advanced cases of cirrhosis and liver cancer, is to have patients undergo a liver transplant. However, it has been shown time and again that Hepatitis C often infects the new healthy liver. Other antiviral IV combinations only have a 30% success rate. The most distressing factor here is the cost involved. Liver transplants cost upwards of $300,000.
ALAnot only has the potential to be a better cure for Hepatitis C, but it is also a more cost effective approach as well.ALA, combined in an IV with silymarin and selenium, costs $2,000 for a yearly treatment. Not only canALAstop the progression of Hepatitis C, it can also reverse its effects on the body.
As proof ofALA’s effectiveness, the Berkinson Clinical Study conducted by Dr. Burton Berkinson followed three patients who were given the ALA IV treatment. All three patients in the study were able to avoid liver transplantation and resume normal lifestyles after a treatment program containingALAand the other two antioxidants.
There is no solid proof that a great cure exists for Hepatitis C, but there is exciting evidence that the triple antioxidant treatment program with Alpha Lipoic Acid at the core can stop and even reverse the effects of Hepatitis C.