Hepatitis: A and BHelpful Products For the Liver Pathological ConsiderationsAn inflammatory disease of the liver caused by viral or bacterial infections or a variety of toxic agents characterized by jaundice, fever or enlagement of the liver, often resulting in fatty degeneration and cirrhosis of the liver. Physiological ConsiderationsDamage to the liver with fatty degeneration and scar formation may cause accumulation of ammonia in the blood which comes from the breakdown of body proteins and is accelerated by stress. The diet for hepatitis must be designed to build resistance rapidly and destroy any toxic substances to prevent development of jaundice and formation of ammonia. Normally these patients utilize protein well, but at times a high protein diet cannot be given because toxic quantities of ammonia may accumulate. However, ammonia formation from undigested protein in the bowel may be prevented by use of acidophilus milk or yogurt with digestive enzymes. The vitamin B-complex especially vitamin B-6 and choline is also essential in preventing putrefaction and ammonia formation. and choline. When a diet is deficient in choline and high in fat, a fatty liver may develop. In many cases, when this develops, large amounts of vitamin C may produce dramatic recovery. |