The word hepatitis merely means an inflammation of the liver without indicating a specific cause. Someone with hepatitis may have one of several disorders, including viral or bacterial infection of the liver, liver injury caused by toxins, liver damage caused by break of the organ's normal blood supply, experiencing shock to the abdomen in the area of the liver.

Hepatitis is mainly caused by one of these three viruses- the hepatitis A virus, the hepatitis B virus or the hepatitis C virus. In some extraordinary cases, the Epstein Barr Virus can also result in hepatitis as it can cause inflammation of the liver. Other viruses and bacteria that also can cause hepatitis include hepatitis D and E and chickenpox.

 

In children, the most frequent form of hepatitis is hepatitis A. This form is caused by the hepatitis A virus, which lives in the stools of contaminated individuals. Infected stool can be present in small amounts in food and on objects. The hepatitis A virus is spread when someone ingests something that's infected with HAV contaminated stool. Since hepatitis A can be a mild infection, mainly in children, it's probable for some people to be uninformed that they have had the illness. Even though the hepatitis A virus can cause extended illness up to 6 months, it usually only causes’ passing illnesses and it does not cause constant liver disease.

 

Hepatitis B is also called serum hepatitis and is caused by the hepatitis B virus. HBV can cause a wide spectrum of symptoms ranging from common malaise to chronic liver disease that can lead to liver cancer. The hepatitis B virus spreads through infected body fluids, such as blood, saliva, semen, vaginal fluids, tears, and urine, a contaminated blood transfusion, shared contaminated needles or syringes for injecting drugs, sexual activity with an infected person, and transmission from HBV infected mothers to their newborn babies.

 

 

The hepatitis C virus is spread by direct contact with an infected person's blood. Infection with the hepatitis C virus can lead to chronic liver disease and is the foremost reason for liver transplant. The hepatitis C virus can be spread by sharing drug needles, getting a tattoo or body piercing with un-sterilized tools, blood transfusions, transmission from mother to newborn and sexual contact. Hepatitis C is also a common threat in kidney dialysis centers.

 

One of the health supplements recommended for everyone irrespective of age is Omega 3 fish oil. It is essential for good health. It mainly contains omega 3 fish oil fatty acids DHA, EPA and DPA which are necessary for healthy conception, pregnancy and lactation. It has been proved that for the production of fertile eggs and sperm, and for the growth and development of the fetus omega 3 is required.

 

Studies have been done by various institutes on the benefits of Omega 3 fish oil. It has been shown that DHA, EPA and DPA lower cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure. It also prevents and reduces the inflammation of arthritis, colitis, bursitis, asthma and emphysema. It seems they also drastically lower the risk of diabetes, certain cancers, heart disease, stroke and sudden cardiac death. DHA, EPA and DPA are not the only omega 3 fatty acids. Although these three are the best known in the health circle, the rest of the fish oil family is important too.

 

Studies are on about the benefits of SDA, ETA, ETA (3) and HPA. These fatty acids are found only in fatty fish like salmon, albacore tuna, sardines, anchovies and herring. They are not found in shellfish, fresh water fish or lean fish like cod or halibut. Researches have shown that flaxseed oil contains very little quantity of EPA. It has been proven that none of the ALA in flax oil can convert into DHA and only 2% gets converted to EPA.

 

Because of that scientists have concluded that flaxseed oil is not a practical source and it should not be considered as a replacement for fish oil in the diet. You can protect yourself from many chronic illnesses by eating more fatty fish along with supplementing your diet. With good quality omega3 supplements you can make sure you're getting all the essential fatty acids that you need everyday.