A recent article published in Alternative Medicine Review (2000;5(4):355-370) proposed a naturopathic protocol for hepatitis C. Rather than test one component, 41 subjects followed a nutritional regimen and took several supplements. The recommended diet included: The lifestyle program included four ounces of muesli daily for breakfast, adequate protein (between ½ to 1g/kg body weight per day), regular consumption of fish and marine oils, low intake of refined sugars and fruit juices, 2 liters of water daily, and daily consumption of fruit and raw and steamed vegetables. Each subject was to consume at least 1 serving of raw, unprocessed foods at each meal. There was no smoking or alcohol allowed and the subjects were to get adequate sleep.
Supplementation included: silymarin, colchicine, DHEA, vitamin E, glycrrhiza glabra extract, sho-saiko, ursodexycholic acid, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, selenium, cod liver oil thymus extract, an Ayurvedic herbal formula for the liver (known as LV-52), lipoic acid, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and melatonin at night. In one month, seven of the 41 (17%) subjects who followed this diet and supplement regimen had a 25% or greater decrease in serum alanine aminotransferase (an enzyme used to measure liver damage).
