Scleroderma/hepatitis C
Last Updated Sep 2007
Q: I have a dear friend who was recently diagnosed with scleroderma. She is suffering from gastroparesis and having difficulty keeping food down. She also just found out she is positive for hep. C. Will your diet or fish oil help her?
A: Scleroderma is an auto-immune disorder attacking the connective tissue and leading to internal scar formation. Since it is an auto-immune disorder, high-dose fish oil will be useful in reducing the inflammatory driving force for this condition. An appropriate starting dose would be 7.5 grams of EPA and DHA per day. Gastroparesis is due to paralysis of the stomach muscles. The most common cause is diabetes or pre-diabetes. In this case strict adherence to the Zone Diet would be the most appropriate approach. Finally, hepatitis C comes from the inability of the body's own anti-viral agents (PGA1) to prevent the replication of the virus. The combination of high-dose fish and the Zone Diet should increase PGA1 levels.