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Hepatitis is a condition that causes inflammation of your liver. Currently, there are an estimated 6 million people living with hepatitis in the United States, and more than 50,000 people are diagnosed with this disease every year. There are three primary types of hepatitis, and while their symptoms can be similar, they vary largely in the ways they're transmitted. Learning more about each type of hepatitis can help you better understand the condition as a whole.
Hepatitis A is the most easily transmitted of the three viruses. It affects approximately 2,500 people every year in the United States. It typically spreads through feces-contaminated food or water and is found in the feces of people who have the virus. Hepatitis A causes a short-term, acute sickness that most people heal from without treatment. However, it can cause serious illness in some people. This virus is more common in places with underdeveloped sanitation systems.
While doctors can't treat hepatitis A with medication, people who get this virus can manage its symptoms with fluids, rest and good nutrition. There's also a safe and effective vaccine available to protect you against hepatitis A.
What Is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B can occur both acutely (meaning it develops quickly and lasts a short time) and chronically (meaning it develops slowly over time and worsens over months or years). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 2 million people in the United States are chronically affected with hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can be transmitted through sexual activity and exposure to infected blood. It can also be passed from a parent to their newborn child during birth.
Hepatitis B usually causes short-term discomfort that many people recover from completely after about four to eight weeks. However, it can turn into a chronic condition that lasts for years; this is more likely in older adults. Doctors can treat severe chronic hepatitis B with antiviral medications. However, in most cases, treatments focus on proper hydration and nutrition. There's a safe vaccine available to protect you against hepatitis B, too.
What Is Hepatitis C?
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Approximately 4 million people in the United States are affected with hepatitis C. This form of hepatitis causes a chronic illness in over 50% of people who get this type of the virus. It's the least transmissible of the three viruses and can spread through contact with infected blood.
Hepatitis C occurs more commonly in people who engage in intravenous drug use. If you received a blood transfusion before 1992, you should also get tested for hepatitis C if you haven't previously. Hepatitis C can spread through unprotected sexual intercourse, but this is a less common way to transmit it. While there's no vaccine for chronic hepatitis C, treatments that are available today offer a 95% cure rate.
Chronic hepatitis C can significantly affect how your liver works. It can cause cirrhosis, which means that your normal liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue. It can also cause liver cancer. However, there are medications that can help keep this disease in check. Making lifestyle changes, such as reducing or eliminating alcohol from your diet, can also decrease your chances of experiencing complications. In severe cases, hepatitis C may require a liver transplant.
The varying forms of viral hepatitis affect millions of people in the United States. Chronic hepatitis often has few symptoms in its early stages, so recognizing the associated dangers and getting tested if you've been exposed may save your life. Although there are five types of viral hepatitis, only A, B and C are the forms commonly found in the United States.
Resource Links:
"Hepatitis A, B, and C: Learn the Differences," Immunization Action Coalition
"What's the Difference Between Hepatitis A, B and C?," UNC Health Talk
"The ABCs of Hepatitis," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
"What's the Difference: Hepatitis B vs Hepatitis C?," Hepatitis B Foundation
For 70 years Vitamin C has been one of the biggest weapons in the skin care industry. It's used to make cleansers, moisturizers, lotions, masks, and serums. So what is this powerful vitamin? How can it benefit you? Why should you use serums that contain Vitamin C? We're here to answer all of those burning questions in this complete guide and reveal the many benefits Vitamin C serums offer for your skin.
What Are Vitamin C Serums?
There are many variations of Vitamin C, but the most popular is ascorbic acid, a common ingredient in skincare products. However, all the variations of Vitamin C have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Vitamin C Serums are products that contain a high level of Vitamin C. They're used to treat wrinkles, sagging skin, lighten dark or red spots, prevent breakouts and even your skin tone. Basically, they battle all of those annoying skin issues. There are loads of products out there that claim they'll save your skin, but some can cause damage. Vitamin C is one of the most revered ingredients and conclusive research has shown how effective it can be.
How Are Vitamin C Serums Made?
Well so far we've talked about how incredible Vitamin C is and it sounds like a dream come true doesn't it? It's not all good. In fact, the mighty vitamin is unstable when it's exposed to air and light. Other ingredients need to be used to stabilize it and allow it to deliver amazing results. The serums are combined with ferulic acid and Vitamin E. According to researchers the perfect mixture is 15% Vitamin C with 1% Vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid. This makes Vitamin C perform to the best of its abilities, without damaging your skin.
What Does Vitamin C Serum Do for Your Face?
Boosts Collagen Production: Collagen keeps your skin firm and prevents sagging. Environmental factors such as lifestyle choices and pollution can increase the elasticity of your skin, so it's important you try to increase your collagen production.
Hydrates Your Skin: Dry skin is a common issue, but Vitamin C can help to give your skin that much-needed moisture boost. Remember, it doesn't work immediately so you need to keep applying the serum to see results.
Brightens Your Complexion: Dark spots on your skin are caused by the overproduction of melanin. Vitamin C decreases the production and lightens the dark spots to even out your complexion.
Reduces Redness and Inflammation: Conditions such as Rosacea leave many people searching for a magic cure. Vitamin C helps facial redness and inflammation by reducing the appearance of broken capillaries.
Why Should You Be Using Vitamin C Serum?
Don't think Vitamin C serums are just beneficial for your face. They can also shield you from sun damage and reduce stretch marks.
Saves You From The Sun: Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause long-term damage to your skin. Luckily, Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that reduces red sports and prevents sunburn from spreading.
Fades Acne Scars: Acne plagues most of us at some point and we look forward to being free. Most of us get stuck with some scars but Vitamin C helps to fade scars and even out any discoloration.
Reduces Stretch Marks: Yes, Vitamin C serum can even help prevent those unsightly stretch marks by tightening your skin.
Are you ready to change your skin? Add a Vitamin C serum to your beauty regimen and enjoy a glowing complexion.
A married couple, who is not looking to start a family soon enough, is likely to look for options to prevent the chances of pregnancy. There are ample options available to a couple for birth control, ranging from barrier methods to IUDs. But if a couple doesn't want to use these methods of contraception and is looking for natural ways, they may have come across the Vitamin C technique in order to prevent pregnancy. Vitamin C is known to act as a natural contraceptive, but does it really work and is it a safe method of contraception? Let's find out!
Does Vitamin C Help Prevent Pregnancy?
Vitamin C is believed to prevent pregnancy but there's no evidence to confirm the same. Vitamin C contains ascorbic acid. Consuming it in more than the required amounts is believed to hamper with progesterone levels, an essential hormone required to carry the pregnancy to the term. This hampering leads to the uterus being unable to support conception – progesterone helps prepare the uterus for the implantation of the egg, and the lack of progesterone can prevent implantation and hence, conception.
However, there is no reliable scientific information to confirm that Vitamin C intake can prevent pregnancy or terminate the chances of pregnancy. Furthermore, too much Vitamin C consumption can cause diarrhoea and stomachache.
Overdose of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is good for health and is often recommended to pregnant women (in limited doses) to support a healthy pregnancy. But what happens when it is consumed in high amounts? It may prevent pregnancy, but it should not be a couple's go-to option, as there is no scientific study to back that Vitamin C acts as a natural contraceptive. But can it lead to a miscarriage if consumed in excess? Read on to find out!
Can an Overdose of Vitamin C Cause a Miscarriage?
Pregnant women must be extremely careful with their vitamin C intake because a high dosage can lead to a hostile environment for the fertilised egg in the uterus. It may loosen the grip of the egg, and the egg may not be able to attach itself to the uterine lining, causing a miscarriage. The acidity present in vitamin C fiddles with estrogen levels in the body, which affect the sex hormones in the body. So the answer is yes, it can lead to a miscarriage. But there are other possible complications that may arise because of the consumption of excess Vitamin C.
Other Impacts
Vitamin C can have other impacts on a woman's body. For instance, if you take vitamin C, your menstrual cycle may arrive earlier than expected. The cycle in most women goes from 28 to 30 days – increased amounts of vitamin C in your body can reduce the levels of progesterone and increase the levels of estrogen, causing the uterus to relax and begin menstruation.
How Is Vitamin C Used to Prevent Pregnancy
Here are some most common ways in which Vitamin C is used to prevent pregnancy.
1. Vitamin C is present in lemons in high amount. Including lemons in the diet in the form of juice or anything else is known to prevent pregnancy. However, consuming lemon juice in high amounts during pregnancy can lead to a miscarriage.
2. Vitamin C is also taken in the form of emergency contraceptive pills. Pills are also ingested to prevent conception. However, the pills taken should be pure Vitamin C pills and not with additives.
4. Eating fruits rich in Vitamin C such as papaya, pineapple, sugarcane, oranges is another way to prevent unplanned pregnancy.
For couples who are not looking to get pregnant or trying to terminate an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy, there are enough and more contraceptive options available to them. While Vitamin C is believed to be one of the natural ways to prevent and terminate a pregnancy, there are no studies to confirm the same.
In order to prevent pregnancy, there are safer medical options available, which a couple can resort to. Vitamin C intake can lead to heartburn, bloating, cramping, diarrhoea, etc., so it should not be taken over-the-counter (OTC). Speak to your gynaecologist for alternative options and stay safe!
Disclaimer: The information given in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. There's no study that proves that Vitamin C helps prevent pregnancy, so it is best avoided. We urge readers to seek the advice of a physician with regards to methods to prevent pregnancy.
Also Read: How to Avoid Pregnancy: Methods & Home Remedies
Nearly 2 million American adults each year are diagnosed with cancer. If you receive a diagnosis, your schedule can quickly start to fill up with doctor's appointments, medical procedures and pharmacy visits. Creating a checklist of things to do can help keep you busy and feeling more in control. But acknowledging the effects a cancer diagnosis can have on your emotions — and healthily managing those emotions — is almost as important.
Doctors and psychologists now recognize that healing improves after a diagnosis when both our physical and emotional needs are met, says Niki Barr, Ph.D., a psychotherapist at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in Texas, who consults with medical doctors, extended families and caregivers about emotionally coping with a cancer diagnosis.
Learning you have cancer is a stressful experience, and it's important to acknowledge and cope with that stress. Fully understanding how your emotional needs can change after you receive a cancer diagnosis can go a long way in helping you and your family heal. The tips here can help you support your mental health as you navigate your diagnosis and treatment.
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Upon hearing your diagnosis, you might experience grief, fear or even a feeling of denial until some time has passed. "These are all normal and emotionally healthy responses, but it's all too easy to spiral out of control with fear in the beginning," says Barr. Fortunately, these tips can help you manage the anxiety and fear that come along with learning about a cancer diagnosis.
Lessen the Impact of Anxious Thoughts
Start by writing your thoughts down on note cards or in a journal. Identify the first one that's leading you to feel uneasy. For example, you might write down something like "I'm afraid of my hair falling out." Then, move onto the subsequent fear and write it down. That might be something like "People will treat me differently if they see I have cancer."
When you've identified most of your anxious thoughts, go back to the first one and write something new on the card that can help ease your stress. It should be a thought that's confident and empowering. For example, suppose you're worried about your hair falling out. In that case, a positive view could be: "I've been looking forward to getting a new hairstyle anyway." When you're feeling nervous, read the more positive strategies, says Barr.
Work On Your Internal Dialogue
It can also help to defuse all those "What if?" questions you might ask yourself, such as "What if my cancer has spread?" or "What if the treatment doesn't work?" One scary question tends to lead to another and often turns into full-fledged anxiety. Try to focus on those things you have the power to improve on your own. The next time you start asking yourself the what-ifs, substitute the upsetting ideas with this one: "Is this thought helping me or hurting me?" You can also ask, "Is this thought moving me forward or backward?" Your answers might surprise you, and they can help you move away from the thoughts that are holding you back.
Get Grounded
Interrupting periods of anxiety by focusing on small details around you can help you shift your perspective away from negativity and towards the present moment. "Look at the beautiful color of the walls in the room you're in; look at the person you're talking to, the clothes [they're] wearing," Barr suggests. Becoming very present and focused on physical details nearby helps soothe sudden anxious thoughts. Turn your focus towards absorbing the colors, smells, people and each new sound around you. Build those sensations up very clearly in your mind. You can use this technique as a distraction tool the next time you're waiting for a medical procedure or want a diversion from your thoughts.
Meditate to Music
Research shows that 15 to 30 minutes of both guided imagery and soothing tunes can alleviate deep feelings of stress about a cancer diagnosis. The Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) reviewed 30 clinical cancer trials that analyzed more than 1,890 cancer patients. They found that music therapy can have a beneficial effect on anxiety, pain, mood, quality of life, heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure.
The CTCA also offers many classes and therapies to help people relax, reduce stress and improve their quality of life as part of an extensive mind-body medicine program. Many centers provide calming background music during healing therapies.
What Are Your Next Steps?
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You have a cancer diagnosis: Now what? Learning how to clear your mind and focus on positive thoughts is a helpful step in the right direction. Here are other soul-soothing strategies you can try.
Start Journaling and Reflecting
Research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology has shown that expressing your innermost feelings can reduce stress and have a range of other emotional and social benefits. Researchers aren't sure why putting thoughts down on paper is effective. Still, it allows you to process complex emotions and help you chart a way forward, whether you've been diagnosed with cancer or are taking care of someone who has.
Exercise When Possible
Exercising for 2.5 hours per week can help you beat symptoms of depression and fatigue. Among the nation's millions of cancer survivors, there are hints — but not proof yet — that active exercisers may lower their risk of their cancer coming back.
The American College of Sports Medicine hosted a medical panel of cancer specialists to evaluate this exercise evidence. It issued guidelines suggesting that cancer patients and survivors should exercise for about 30 minutes most days of the week. This exercise should be enjoyable to you but also build up a sweat. When patients and their family caregivers exercised together, research found, everyone was more likely to stick with the fitness regimen, boost their physical stamina and experience less emotional strain.
Strengthen Your Social Support System
Connecting with others who've been through this kind of emotional diagnosis already can be a source of comfort and support. Learn more about online communities and your local chapters and support groups that meet up. The American Cancer Society also suggests attending one-on-one professional therapy or its "I Can Cope" online support groups to learn more.
Resource Links:
Find Local Cancer Support Programs | Cancer Support Groups
Strategies Used in Coping With a Cancer Diagnosis Predict Meaning in Life for Survivors
Coping Well with Advanced Cancer: A Serial Qualitative Interview Study with Patients and Family Carers
Coping with cancer
Coping Attitudes of Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers and Quality of Life of Caregivers
If you're seeking a brighter, more even complexion (and aren't we all?), then two of the best active ingredients to try are vitamin C and acids. Both are well-known for giving skin a glow—but fitting them into your skincare routine is where it gets tricky.
Do they have to be applied at different times, or can you use them together? Will one inactivate the other? Which one goes on first? What about wait times?
This tutorial is going to answer all of those questions for you, and more. You will learn what vitamin C and acids can do for your skin, the best ways to incorporate them into your routine, which ingredient to apply first, and how long to wait in between layers.
I've also got a free cheat sheet for you to download at the end of this article!
The Benefits of Vitamin C and Acids for Your Skin
Before we talk about how to apply them, here's why you'd want to use both a vitamin C serum and an acid in the first place.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, so it protects your skin from premature aging by neutralizing free radicals. It also helps to repair existing damage by normalizing collagen production and blocking excess melanin formation—which means your skin will become firmer, more even-toned and more radiant.
There are two types of vitamin C:
L-ascorbic acid is the active form of vitamin C, and the most potent. The downside is that it is quick to oxidize in the presence of heat, light and air.
Vitamin C derivatives—such as sodium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl glucoside and ethyl ascorbic acid—need to be converted into active vitamin C within the skin. While that makes them milder than L-ascorbic acid, they tend to be more stable.
Acids
Acids are chemical exfoliants that loosen and peel away dead skin cells. This gives an immediate brightening effect, since dead cell build-up absorbs light instead of reflecting it. Over time, acids also help to remove dark spots, reduce fine lines and acne, and even increase firmness.
There are two main types of acids:
AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) exfoliate the surface layer of the skin. Glycolic acid and lactic acid are the most common and effective AHAs.
BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids) exfoliate the skin surface as well as deep inside the pores. Salicylic acid is the most common and strongest BHA, while betaine salicylate is an increasingly popular gentle alternative.
Both vitamin C and acids are superior ingredients for addressing dullness and discolourations, but they work differently. So pairing them together can give you better results versus using either one on its own.
The only catch? You need to apply your products at the right time, in the right order.
How to Use Vitamin C and Acids in Your Skincare Routine
Option 1: Apply Them at Different Times of Day
The simplest way to incorporate vitamin C and acids in your routine is to apply them away from each other, at different times of day.
This is a good approach for beginners and sensitive types, since AHAs, BHAs and L-ascorbic acid are all acidic ingredients. By separating them, you're less likely to irritate your skin.
As for which active you put on when, it's up to you.
In the past, most dermatologists have recommended using vitamin C serums in the morning. Dr. Neal Schultz, however, believes that a nighttime application is even more beneficial. Away from UV light, the vitamin C "gets fully absorbed into your cells where it's really needed," he told Vogue.
Acids can also be used at any time, as long as you're protecting your skin with a good sunscreen during the day. BHAs have some photoprotective properties, so they're ideal for mornings, while AHAs make your skin more sun-sensitive, so they're your best bet at bedtime.
Option 2: Apply Them on Alternate Mornings or Nights
Another easy option is to alternate between a vitamin C serum and an acid at the same time of day. So, for example, one morning you could apply your L-ascorbic acid, and the next morning, your favourite BHA.
An advantage of this approach is that you're taking it slow, so your skin will be able to gradually adjust to the two active ingredients. It's also a good idea if you have sensitive skin and can't tolerate using acid exfoliants on a daily basis.
But is it enough to be effective? According to celebrity facialist Kate Somerville, yes. "I've seen some amazing results with clients who've added vitamin C into their regimen at three times a week and worked up to daily use," she told Vogue.
Option 3: Apply Them at the Same Time
You might be surprised to know that it's also possible to apply your vitamin C serum and acid together, at the same time.
In fact, using an acid right before vitamin C could actually ENHANCE your results.
That's because the active form of vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid, has been found to penetrate best at a low pH, under 3.5. (See studies here and here.)
We know that AHAs and BHAs—which are typically between pH 3.0 and 4.0—make the skin more acidic by lowering its pH. So by applying an acid first, it will create the optimal conditions for the L-ascorbic acid to be effective.
Acids may even improve the conversion of vitamin C derivatives into L-ascorbic acid.
"Non-acidic forms of vitamin C are almost always of a higher pH than AHAs, so be sure that you acidify the skin first so that the THD [tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate], MAP [magnesium ascorbyl phosphate], or ascorbyl glucoside (AG) can actually be broken down or transformed/activated into L-ascorbic acid to begin with," suggests FutureDerm founder Nicki Zevola Benvenuti.
Option 4: Apply Them 30 Minutes Apart
Your final alternative is to apply your vitamin C serum and acid 30 minutes apart.
Personally, I always take this approach whenever I'm using products that have a gap of more than about 1.0 to 2.0 in pH levels.
So while I wouldn't wait in between an AHA and L-ascorbic acid, for example, I'd do so with a higher-pH vitamin C derivative, such as:
Ascorbyl glucoside: pH 5.0-7.0
Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate: pH 4.0-6.0
Ethyl ascorbic acid: pH 4.0-5.5
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate: pH 6.0-7.0
Sodium ascorbyl phosphate: pH 6.0-7.0
The same goes for vitamin C formulas that are anhydrous (water-free), which don't have a pH level at all.
But wait—didn't I just mention that acidifying the skin could enhance the conversion of vitamin C derivatives into active vitamin C?
Yes, but here's something else to consider. If you layer one right on top of the other, the vitamin C derivative (or anhydrous L-ascorbic acid) is likely to dilute or raise the pH of the acid—which would reduce its effectiveness. This study looked at the absorption of AHAs at pH 3.0 versus pH 7.0, and found that the higher the pH, the less the skin absorbs.
In other words, if getting the most out of your acid exfoliant is important to you, incorporate a waiting period to give it time to work, before applying your vitamin C derivative on top.
Recommended Vitamin C Serums and Acids (and Their pH Levels)
So let's finish with a few product examples, shall we?
Here are a few of my favourite vitamin C serums and acid exfoliants, in a range of strengths—and how I'd pair them together based on pH levels.
Lotion P50 + C E Ferulic
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 and SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
As any skincare aficionado knows, these are two of the most coveted and high-quality formulations for maximum results. The acid has 12.85% AHAs, while the vitamin C serum has 15% L-ascorbic acid. No waiting period is required.
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50: pH 3.5
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic: pH 2.0-3.5
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant + C-Firma Day Serum
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant and Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum
This is one of the stronger BHA treatments on the market, with 2% salicylic acid to clear and prevent breakouts. As such, it's a good match for this 15% L-ascorbic acid serum infused with marula oil. And you don't need to wait in between them.
Tarte Knockout Tingling Treatment and Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster
This toner with a 10% AHA and BHA blend will prep your skin to receive the 15% L-ascorbic acid serum. Again, since they are close in pH, no waiting period is necessary.
Tarte Knockout Tingling Treatment: pH 3.3-3.7
Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster: pH 3.0
Lactic Acid 10% + HA + Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA and Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
For sensitive skin, this 10% lactic acid and 12% ascorbyl glucoside (a vitamin C derivative) are a good match. Due to the gap in pH levels, space them out at least 30 minutes apart.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA: pH 3.6-3.8
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%: pH 6.0-7.0
BHA Blackhead Power Liquid + Vitamin C Serum
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid and Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
This 4% betaine salicylate treatment is unusual in that it has a higher pH than most acids, but as per my review, that doesn't diminish its effectiveness. I'd wait 30 minutes before layering the sodium ascorbyl phosphate formula (a vitamin C derivative) on top.
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid: pH 4.5-5.5
Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum: pH 6.5-7.5
AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid + Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution
CORSX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid and The Ordinary Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution
Here's another acid with a slightly higher pH level, and 7% glycolic acid. That makes it less irritating than other glycolic acid formulas. Leave it on 30 minutes before you put on the vitamin C derivative, ethyl ascorbic acid. (Since the latter is anhydrous or water-free, you don't want to apply it too soon and dilute the acid.)
COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid: pH 4.0-5.0
The Ordinary Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution: Water-free
Conclusion + Free Cheat Sheet
Now you know how to use vitamin C serum and an AHA or BHA in your skincare routine.
The idea that acids inactivate or destabilize vitamin C seems to be one of those things that gets repeated all the time, but isn't exactly true. As I've shown you here, acids and vitamin C can actually be very compatible!
You just need to know the pH of your products to decide whether or not to incorporate the 30-minute waiting period.
That's why I created the Types of Vitamin C Cheat Sheet. Just click below to download it so you have a guide to all the different forms of vitamin C, including pH levels, and how they benefit your skin. (It's FREE!)
Of course, if you want to take a slower, gentler approach—or if you can't be bothered worrying about this whole pH business—feel free to simplify your life and apply these ingredients at different times of day or on alternate days.
And remember, results take time. While you should start seeing the brightening benefits from your acid within mere days, it can take at least a month or two for dark spots to start fading. The same goes for vitamin C, which needs to be used regularly for at least a couple months to tackle stubborn pigmentation.
If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. See our Disclosure for more information.
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Hepatitis is a condition that causes inflammation of your liver. Currently, there are an estimated 6 million people living with hepatitis in the United States, and more than 50,000 people are diagnosed with this disease every year. There are three primary types of hepatitis, and while their symptoms can be similar, they vary largely in the ways they're transmitted. Learning more about each type of hepatitis can help you better understand the condition as a whole.
Hepatitis A is the most easily transmitted of the three viruses. It affects approximately 2,500 people every year in the United States. It typically spreads through feces-contaminated food or water and is found in the feces of people who have the virus. Hepatitis A causes a short-term, acute sickness that most people heal from without treatment. However, it can cause serious illness in some people. This virus is more common in places with underdeveloped sanitation systems.
While doctors can't treat hepatitis A with medication, people who get this virus can manage its symptoms with fluids, rest and good nutrition. There's also a safe and effective vaccine available to protect you against hepatitis A.
What Is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B can occur both acutely (meaning it develops quickly and lasts a short time) and chronically (meaning it develops slowly over time and worsens over months or years). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 2 million people in the United States are chronically affected with hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can be transmitted through sexual activity and exposure to infected blood. It can also be passed from a parent to their newborn child during birth.
Hepatitis B usually causes short-term discomfort that many people recover from completely after about four to eight weeks. However, it can turn into a chronic condition that lasts for years; this is more likely in older adults. Doctors can treat severe chronic hepatitis B with antiviral medications. However, in most cases, treatments focus on proper hydration and nutrition. There's a safe vaccine available to protect you against hepatitis B, too.
What Is Hepatitis C?
Photo Courtesy: BSIP/Getty Images
Approximately 4 million people in the United States are affected with hepatitis C. This form of hepatitis causes a chronic illness in over 50% of people who get this type of the virus. It's the least transmissible of the three viruses and can spread through contact with infected blood.
Hepatitis C occurs more commonly in people who engage in intravenous drug use. If you received a blood transfusion before 1992, you should also get tested for hepatitis C if you haven't previously. Hepatitis C can spread through unprotected sexual intercourse, but this is a less common way to transmit it. While there's no vaccine for chronic hepatitis C, treatments that are available today offer a 95% cure rate.
Chronic hepatitis C can significantly affect how your liver works. It can cause cirrhosis, which means that your normal liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue. It can also cause liver cancer. However, there are medications that can help keep this disease in check. Making lifestyle changes, such as reducing or eliminating alcohol from your diet, can also decrease your chances of experiencing complications. In severe cases, hepatitis C may require a liver transplant.
The varying forms of viral hepatitis affect millions of people in the United States. Chronic hepatitis often has few symptoms in its early stages, so recognizing the associated dangers and getting tested if you've been exposed may save your life. Although there are five types of viral hepatitis, only A, B and C are the forms commonly found in the United States.
Resource Links:
"Hepatitis A, B, and C: Learn the Differences," Immunization Action Coalition
"What's the Difference Between Hepatitis A, B and C?," UNC Health Talk
"The ABCs of Hepatitis," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
"What's the Difference: Hepatitis B vs Hepatitis C?," Hepatitis B Foundation
3 Mistakes of Vitamin C Consumption that Can Stomach Stomach
Have you experienced stomach aches when taking vitamin C supplements? In fact, seeing other friends seems to be no problem when taking these vitamins. In these conditions, vitamin C is needed to increase the body's immune system so it does not get sick easily.
Actually, there are some things you need to know why vitamin C can make your stomach hurt.
Why does vitamin C can make the stomach so sore? There are many benefits of consuming vitamin C. Behind the benefits of increasing the immune system, it turns out that vitamin C also has a positive impact on body health. For example, managing blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart problems, preventing anemia, and maintaining the strength of human memory.
You definitely want to get all these benefits. However, when taking vitamin C the stomach becomes sore. Well, for that to know a few mistakes that you might not realize when taking vitamin C so that it makes your stomach hurt.
1. Take vitamin C which is acidic and sugary There are various forms of vitamin C, for example in the form of soft drinks in bottles or effervescent form (the form of tablets that are soluble in water). This drink makes people enjoy the sensation of drinking vitamin C.
Usually vitamin C in liquid form has an acidic and fizzy taste. Consumption of soda and acidic drinks can trigger an increase in stomach acid and cause stomach pain.
An increase in stomach acid occurs when a portion of the stomach acid content rises into the esophagus. This is also caused by the muscle ring that is responsible for preventing food and stomach acid from rising into the esophagus not working optimally.
When hydrochloric acid (stomach acid liquid) rises into the esophagus because the muscular ring cannot hold up, you will feel a burning and burning sensation in the stomach area.
2. Take large doses You definitely want to do your activities freely without worrying about getting sick. However, that does not mean you have to take vitamin C in large doses. This is one of the common mistakes that can cause stomach aches.
According to the Mayo Clinic , adults need enough 65 mg to 90 mg of vitamin C every day. The upper limit that the body can tolerate is only up to 2000 mg. The rest, can cause heartburn or pain in the stomach accompanied by other symptoms.
If vitamin C is consumed in excess, this can trigger stomach upset and an increase in stomach acid, the same as in the previous explanation.
3. Simultaneous consumption of acidic foods Consumption of vitamin C would be nice if it is not accompanied by foods that are acidic or spicy. Eating both foods that are acidic actually triggers an increase in stomach acid.
Even though you have already taken vitamin C, it's a good idea to limit your intake of fruits that are acidic and contain vitamin C such as kiwi, guava, papaya, strawberry, orange, and lemon. It would be better to consume foods that contain low acids, such as mangoes, avocados, broccoli, cauliflower, and bananas.
In addition, spicy foods with vitamin C supplements can trigger stomach aches. Because the content of capcaisin, a substance found in spicy foods, can also trigger and worsen heartburn due to heartburn.
Therefore, for those of you who really like to eat spicy or sour food, it's better not to be accompanied by supplementation of vitamin C.
What if the stomach is already sore?
Maybe among you have or are experiencing stomach ache because of the consumption of vitamin C. If the stomach is sore, it must be very disturbing activity, especially if you are hunted for work deadlines . It must be uncomfortable, right?
Immediately treat stomach pain with ulcer drugs containing multiple antacids and acid blockers.
Calcium content of Calcium Carbonate and Magnesium Hydroxide works by relieving the sensation of heartburn , overcoming digestive disorders, and stomach cramps. Meanwhile, the acid blockers contained in Famotidine work by lowering gastric acid production.
In the journal Gastroenterology , Famotidine also has a therapeutic effect (reduces symptoms) for patients who experience gastric discomfort, especially those who have gastritis problems (inflammation of the stomach wall).
All of these ingredients can be obtained from Promag Double Action. So, whenever you experience heartburn because of the side effects of consuming vitamin C, you can immediately take this ulcer medicine.
Promag Double Action is always available in anticipation of a stomach ache anytime and anywhere. Now, there is no need to be afraid anymore of consuming vitamin C. Come on, always remember for those of you who have heartburn to pay attention to what foods are consumed. This is to minimize the risk of an increase in stomach acid, when taking vitamin C.
Source:
Does Too Much Vitamin C Cause Side Effects?. (2020). Retrieved 13 April 2020, fromhttps://www.healthline.com/nutrition/side-effects-of-too-much-vitamin-c
Vitamin C & Acid Reflux | Livestrong.com. (2020). Retrieved 13 April 2020, fromhttps://www.livestrong.com/article/454432-vitamin-c-acid-reflux/
7 Impressive Benefits of Vitamin C Supplements. (2020). Retrieved 13 April 2020, fromhttps://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-c-benefits
Acid reflux: Causes, treatment, and symptoms. (2020). Retrieved 13 April 2020, fromhttps://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146619
How much vitamin C is too much?. (2020). Retrieved 13 April 2020, fromhttps://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/vitamin-c/faq-20058030
