New blood test could tell hepatitis risk

In an effort to consistently and more innovatively promote diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases, experts have come up with another medical technology to improve diagnostic tests for alcohol drinkers. Using a color-coded blood test, it is now easier to determine the level of liver damage of people who are highly at risk.

Researchers at the University of Southampton, England call it “traffic light” blood test, simply because the test makes use of clinical markers to indicate the chances of a patient developing cirrhosis or fibrosis, both fatal conditions that lead to liver cancer.

The clinical test basically notes a patient’s condition in color-coded results: red means that the patient already has liver scarring or fibrosis, and that there may be a good chance of cirrhosis; green indicates that the patient does not have any cirrhosis and thus the chance of perishing from liver cancer in the next five years is minimal; finally, amber shows that there is over 50 percent risk of having fibrosis and liver disease—in this case the patient needs further testing and may be encouraged to improve general lifestyle choices that may include eliminating alcohol.

One of the greatest challenges when addressing the global issue of liver diseases is early and accurate diagnosis. Liver diseases rarely have noticeable signs and symptoms. Signs of liver problems commonly become apparent when a person is close to having liver failure, making treatment and recovery practically futile.

With this simple to administer and simple to understand color-coded test, physicians can detect liver distress early on with significant accuracy, and thus encourage patients to take major steps towards taking better care of their liver. The test is also useful for people with diabetes, who, like heavy alcohol drinkers, are at risk of developing liver damage. While the blood test does not substitute actual liver function tests, it serves to make disease assessment accessible, easy and affordable to people all over the world.

Get more sleep to boost hepatitis vaccine power

‘Sleeping in’ is definitely one of those cherished luxuries we all hope for at least once a week.  Nothing rejuvenates a body weary from a heavy work week like comfy, relaxing hours of restorative sleep.  Today, researchers say that the benefits of sleep includes more than easing fatigue, but also boosts the power of hepatitis B vaccines.

Getting a healthy dose of sleep can increase the effectiveness of hepatitis B vaccines.  New research has emphasized the role of sleep duration on the degree of antibody responses to hepatitis B vaccine. According to researchers who observed approximately 125 people who received the series of hepatitis B vaccinations, sleep  time seems to have a significant effect on how the vaccines work in the body.

Standard hepatitis B vaccines are given in three doses. For the participants in this study, the second shot was given one month after the first dose, and the third shot six months after.

In order to get the most credible results, researchers observed the sleeping habits of the participants in their home, to replicate the most natural state of their sleeping environment.  Both sleep quality and sleep duration were monitored in a more authentic setting that could be difficult to achieve in a sleep laboratory.

According to the research findings, people who slept an average of seven hours every night showed more favorable responses to the vaccine. However, those who slept less than six hours every night showed a slower antibody response to the shot. Thus, people with less enthusiastic sleeping habits would be less protected by immunization compared to those who make sure to get at least seven hours of sleep regularly.

So if you’re planning on getting a hepatitis B shot anytime soon, ensure the potency of the vaccine — get a healthy dose of shut eye and the sweetest dreams!

Vitamin E could prevent liver disease

We’ve heard so many great things about vitamin E, from anti-aging benefits, preventing cell damage, and other therapeutic values. Today, there’s another reason to celebrate vitamin E. New studies say vitamin E can help reduce  the risk of liver cancer!

Vitamin E is found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli. Fruits that are rich in vitamin E include mangoes, raspberries and papayas. Unprocessed natural oils also contain vitamin E.  And there is more good news… vitamin E is found many nuts such as almonds as well.

There are many types of vitamin E, each with differing impacts as shown in various other studies. This latest research however focused on finding the general link between vitamin E and liver cancer.According to the National Cancer Institute, taking more vitamin E, either as a supplement or in its natural form from food, can help protect a person from developing liver diseases. These findings result from a study which was done in China, that included over 132,000 respondents.

Researchers evaluated the respondent’s diet, focusing on their intake of vitamin E. Ten years after this initial contact, the researchers followed up with the respondents and found that 267 had developed liver cancer. Looking back at the pattern of vitamin E intake of these respondents, researchers found that those who consumed more vitamin E had the lower risk of developing liver cancer.  The same observation was true among those with family history of liver-related diseases.

Researchers have also found that the vitamin E found in canola oil, corn and soybean called gamma-tocopherol and delta-tocopherol could hinder the growth of cancer cells, as based on laboratory studies on mice.

Another important revelation of the study is the effect of taking vitamin C supplements. Those who indicated the highest vitamin C intake were found to be at a greater risk of developing liver problems.

Foods with vitamin E as well as supplements are affordable and accessible to most of us. For those of us who do not have access to healthful foods or nutritional support, please visit our Resource page to get connected to local services in your community.  Eating well and supporting your body’s health holistically is ALWAYS a good thing.  The research on vitamin E is more proof on that.

Health care reform could significantly affect insurance coverage for hepatitis patients (Photo Credit: Creative Commons)

Even after its Supreme Court ruling, the Affordable Care Act is still a subject of much heated debate across the nation. One major concern about the language in the Act is that a positive hepatitis C test may mean not getting insurance application approval. This is a serious issue for everyone but particularly for those with hepatitis.

People who test positive for hepatitis will have greater difficulties getting insurance coverage, or may be required to get alternative and more expensive insurance plans.

The rationale behind this is that hepatitis C is regarded as a pre-existing condition. With the new law, the concern of many is that it may allow insurance companies to deny coverage of treatment for all pre-existing conditions.

The Health Care Reform Law under President Obama mandates that insurance companies would not be able to reject people with pre-existing conditions, including hepatitis C by the year 2014.  But this mandate is still under debate and scrutiny.

Screening for hepatitis is the most basic means for individuals to go for preventive treatment. In the recent months, the CDC has embarked on serious campaigns for hepatitis testing for ALL at- risk persona as well as ALL baby boomers.   There is much evidence charting the serious consequences of  baby boomers, migrants, homeless persons and the uninsured as they suffer from advanced complications of hepatitis because they failed to get tested.

According to the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, about thirty percent of hepatitis C patients do not have insurance. The clause on pre-existing conditions is creating a lot of tension, especially among baby boomers who are torn between getting tested now as soon as possible or delaying tests until they get a reasonable insurance deal. The value of a healthy life should not dissuade people from getting tested but rather ENCOURAGE TESTING, and prevent a potentially more medically, financially and emotionally exhaustive condition.

Control salt intake for a healthy liver (Photo Credit: Creative Commons)

Who doesn’t LOVE to eat, especially those delicious guilty pleasures! One of the most treasured conveniences of our generation other than technology and the internet is easy access to a diverse array of specialty foods and ethnic cuisines, and of course, fast food. But if you are one of the many people living with a health condition like cirrhosis, it may NOT be in your best interest to indulge ALL of those fast food cravings.  It is believed that the diet best for you is a diet containing minimal salt.

Maintaining a low-salt diet helps people dealing with cirrhosis decrease. A low-salt diet minimizes a person’s chances of developing complications such as having severe edema (a buildup of fluid) in the abdomen and legs. Excess dietary sodium or a sodium imbalance plays a significant role in causing edema. The fluid buildup makes it difficult to breath and can cause infection.

Maintaining a low-salt diet is not as difficult as it sounds. There are various ways to follow a simple diet plan that minimizes dietary sodium intake. The recommended dietary daily sodium intake is 2000mg. Please note that the guidelines are evolving; the recommendation by 2020 is a mere 1500mg per day of sodium.  It is important to keep track of your salt intake by knowing just how much sodium is actually in the foods you are eating. Take note that in the United States, a typical one day diet has approximately 4,000 mg of sodium. A teaspoon of salt alone contains 2,000 mg of sodium.  Start reading food labels and evaluate how each dish you plan to eat could affect your day’s diet. If you need additional guidance and/or support, consult a health professional to assess your current diet and help you plan a low-sodium regimen.

Cook your food with less salt. Packaged foods as well as those foods from restaurants are typically higher in sodium than fresh foods we prepare ourselves in our own kitchens. The best option is to use fresh or frozen meats and vegetables. If you must use canned, rinse canned vegetables very well and flavor your dish with spices other than salt or soy sauce.

Finally, move that saltshaker off of your dining table! Out of sight out of mind! Limit your salt use to during cooking only. This gesture of putting away the saltshaker could be a vital step towards keeping your liver health in check.

One in every 12 people across the globe lives with hepatitis B or C.

World Hepatitis Day on July 28 (Photo Credit: www.worldhepatitisday.org)

Today, hepatitis has become much more prevalent than cancer or HIV,  one reason for its alarming spread is an incredibly low level of awareness about the diseases.

On July 28, we recognize World Hepatitis Day to raise much needed awareness in the worldwide battle against hepatitis. It is critical to start educating ALL people that the risk of Liver Disease is NOT someone else’s problem; we are all at risk as long as hepatitis is an unknown risk or a danger to THOSE other people.   This year the battle cry fro World Hepatitis Day is “It’s closer than you think.” This concise tag-line hits the mark in describing a growing drive in the global liver health community to raise awareness of the hepatitis risk to EVERYONE – EVERYWHERE.

The campaign encourages us to think about both prevention and treatment in a proactive way. Emphasizing the growing number of hepatitis B and C cases, more people can understand the asymptomatic nature of disease and the necessity of screening.  As importantly, this message also hopes to clear out the stigma and misconceptions associated with hepatitis.

Since  launching in 2008,  World Hepatitis Day has been actively celebrated around the world, attracting  media and public attention.

World Hepatitis Day is organized by the World Hepatitis Alliance. The Alliance prides itself on representing ALL at-risk groups with hepatitis B or C (and sees ALL persons as an at-risk population). The non-government group organized this event to serve as an opportunity to create an international campaign that could result in real changes in hepatitis prevention and treatment.  The annual success of this initiative is thanks to the collaboration and support of world governments, supranational organizations and other high-profile non-profit groups.

World Hepatitis Day  prompts people all over the world recognize the real and pressing danger of hepatitis by promoting voluntary testing and educating us about new treatments.  Their  long-term vision is to prevent new infections and to see tangible developments in treatment.

Support the activities at your local health clinics and community centers on July 28 and join the fight to raise global awareness of hepatitis risk.  Lets work to WIPE OUT hepatitis!

It was a fabulous gala!  The Al D. Rodriguez Liver Foundation (ADRLF), was honored to receive the 2012 William F. Ryan Community Health Network Community Health Advocate Award at the Ryan Network’s 45^th Anniversary Gala on June 7, 2012 at Guastavino’s in NYC. Here are more photos from the event.

Learn more about the risks of your arthritis medication to prevent liver damage

Arthritis is one mean condition that can affect people of any age. For many who are in their 40s and 50s and living with arthritis, they know all too well that it is a painful condition that impairs daily activities. For years, the drug flavocoxid has helped ease the pain of people suffering from arthritis. It is alarming to learn, however, that a new study revealed how flavacoxid may pose a danger to the liver.

Arthritis is a common disease that is caused by the breakdown of cartilage and inflammation of the joints over years of wear, tear and use. There are various treatments to address different kinds of arthritis.

Flavocoxid comes as a medical food. The pure medicinal component is mixed with elements found in healthy green teas such as catechins and flavonoids. It also comes with other healthy ingredients such as peanuts, apples, soy and cauliflower. It’s a prescription drug that is given to patients with osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis.

As a medical food, however, flavocoxid remains an object of concern of many researchers and pharmaceutical companies.
In a study recently published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, over 800 patients were observed. Researchers believe that liver injury found in some patients was caused by the use of this medical food flavocoxid. Cases of hepatitis, elevated liver enzymes, and jaundice were found in some patients. After discontinuing the use of this “drug” (medical food flavocoxid), the patients’ conditions gradually improved.

The research findings are definitely a blow to the reputable name that flavocoxid has stood for to arthritis patients. It is important to note however that in spite of its popularity, it is ranked as a nutritional supplement and not a drug. This means that more clinical trials are still needed to prove the safety and effectiveness of flavocoxid. The final say lies in the Food and Drug Administration. We are waiting word from the FDA for its approval to endorse the “drug” as safe for consumers. In the meantime, people with arthritis are advised to look for other alternatives to treat their arthritis without the liver risk. Talk with your doctor if you are living with arthritis and want to know more about your medical and holistic options.