Hepatitis A is a highly contagious infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). While hepatitis A is not as dangerous as other types of viral hepatitis, it does cause inflammation which affects the ability of the liver to function properly.

In taking contaminated food or water or close contact with an infected person are probably the most common ways in which a person becomes infected with hepatitis A. Signs and symptoms vary from person to person. Some people never develop signs and symptoms, while others may feel as if they have a severe flu.

Mild cases of hepatitis A don't require treatment, and in most cases, people who are infected recover completely with no permanent damage to the liver. The same is not true for people with hepatitis B and C, which can develop into potentially fatal conditions such as chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis.

Some people may have hepatitis A and never develop signs or symptoms. Typically, a person will be infected for about a month before problems start to surface. When signs and symptoms appear, they often come on suddenly, and you may mistake them for intestinal flu (gastroenteritis). They include:

- Fatigue

- Nausea and vomiting

- Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the area of the liver on your right side beneath the lower ribs

- Loss of appetite

- Low-grade fever

- Dark urine

- Muscle pain

- Itching

Some people may experience yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice), but this does not happen in all cases.

Once the signs and symptoms disappear, people tend to feel more energized. The liver may heal completely within one or two months. Some people with hepatitis A have relapses over a six to nine-month period.

The liver, which is located on the right side of the abdomen, is responsible for more than 500 functions .

Some of which include processing most of the nutrients which the intestines absorb, filtering drugs, alcohol and other harmful substances from the bloodstream, and manufacturing the greenish fluid stored in the gallbladder that helps digest fats known as bile. In addition, the liver also produces cholesterol, blood-clotting factors and certain other proteins.

Because of the exposure to so many potentially toxic substances, one would think the liver is especially vulnerable to disease. But in fact, it can heal itself by replacing or repairing injured cells. However, in spite of this, the liver is prone to a number of diseases, including viral hepatitis.

Hepatitis A virus is one of six currently identified strains of viral hepatitis. The others include B, C, D, E and G. The strains differ in severity and in the way they spread.

HAV is usually transmitted via the fecal-oral route. A person can contract the infection by eating food that an infected person handled first. The infection can also be contracted by drinking contaminated water, eating raw shellfish from water polluted with sewage or being in close contact with a person who's infected. This is true even if that person has no signs or symptoms. In fact, the disease is most contagious before signs and symptoms ever begin to surface.

A vaccine is available, which is recommended for people suffering from liver disease and for those traveling abroad.

The regimen outlined below includes a natural approach to treating & preventing hepatitis A:

Most people find the best way to prevent hepatitis is to practice good hygiene.

Avoid exposure to the blood of anyone infected with hepatitis A.

Never share razors, nail files, toothbrushes or needles with anyone who has hepatitis.

Avoid alcohol, fats, sugar and processed foods.

Consume raw fruits and vegetables.

All food should be cooked well, boil water that may be contaminated and wash hands often.

Supplementing with the following may also be beneficial:

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (take as directed on label) - Shields the liver.

Free-Form Amino Acid Complex (take as directed on label) - Supplies necessary protein to the liver.

Glutathione (500 mg twice daily on an empty stomach) - Protects the liver.

SAMe (take as directed on label) - Promotes the health of the liver.

Selenium (take as directed on label) - Shields against liver cancer.

Coenzyme Q10 (60 mg daily) - Enhances tissue oxygenation.

Dimethylglycine (DMG) (take as directed on label) - Improves cellular oxygen concentration.

High-Potency Multivitamin Complex (take as directed on label) - Provides all necessary nutrients including B vitamins, which are essential for normal liver function.

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids (5,000 10,000 mg daily & up) - Powerful antiviral agent.

Artichoke - Increases liver function.

Burdock and Dandelion - Help cleanse the liver and bloodstream.

Olive Leaf Extract - Potent antifungal agent.

Turmeric - Potent anti-inflammatory.

* Important note: The recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.

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