Autoimmune hepatitis is one of those chronic conditions that can quietly take a toll on your energy, your digestion, and your peace of mind. It happens when the immune system, meant to protect, turns around and targets the liver. Over time, this can lead to inflammation, fatigue, discomfort, and even liver damage if left unmanaged. While medications are often used to suppress the immune system, many people are looking into gentler, more natural approaches to support their health alongside conventional care.
At Avena Natural Health, a big part of the philosophy is centered around tapping into the body’s own healing ability. The focus isn’t just on symptoms but on supporting the whole person—mind, body, and lifestyle. For someone navigating autoimmune hepatitis, a blend of nutrition, herbs, stress management, and holistic care can go a long way. These methods are often better tolerated and can complement traditional treatments beautifully.
Let’s look at some of the most talked-about and promising natural strategies being used today.
Food As Medicine: The Liver’s Best Friend
When it comes to autoimmune hepatitis, what goes on your plate matters more than most people realize. The liver has to process every bite, every sip, every supplement—and when it’s already under stress, giving it a break through your diet can make a real difference. Anti-inflammatory eating patterns tend to be the most beneficial. That doesn’t mean just cutting out processed foods—it’s about what you’re adding in, too.
Think of colorful vegetables, leafy greens, healthy fats like olive oil and avocado, and gut-friendly fermented foods. These all help reduce immune system overactivity while also feeding the liver the nutrients it needs to repair and function properly. Omega-3s, found in walnuts, flaxseeds, and fatty fish, are especially supportive. At the same time, it’s a good idea to go easy on red meat, refined sugar, and anything artificial.
Avena Natural Health often recommends working with one of their practitioners to tailor dietary changes based on individual needs. Food sensitivities, digestive patterns, and even emotional eating habits all play a role. Personalized support during naturopathic consultations in San Diego can help identify what’s actually helpful for each person instead of relying on broad advice that may or may not apply.
Herbal Allies That Support Liver Health
Plants have been used for centuries to support liver function. In autoimmune hepatitis, it’s not just about detox—though that’s a piece of it—it’s about calming immune reactivity while giving the liver some backup. Herbs like milk thistle, turmeric, and licorice root are often included in natural protocols for these reasons.
Milk thistle in particular is one of the best-researched herbs when it comes to liver protection. It contains silymarin, a compound that supports liver cell regeneration and protects against damage. Turmeric, with its active ingredient curcumin, is known for helping lower inflammation and supporting the immune system in a more balanced way. And licorice, when used correctly, can help reduce fatigue and support adrenal health, which is often depleted in chronic conditions.
These herbs should always be used with guidance. Avena’s approach includes customized herbal formulas designed to support each unique case, especially when the liver is involved. This is where a naturopathic consultation in San Diego becomes especially helpful, making sure that herbal support fits the body’s needs without overdoing it.
Stress, Hormones, and the Autoimmune Connection
The relationship between stress and autoimmune issues is often underestimated. Chronic stress alters hormone balance, raises inflammation levels, and triggers immune flares that can worsen symptoms. People with autoimmune hepatitis frequently report fatigue, mood swings, and even trouble sleeping—all signs that the stress response is off-kilter.
Addressing stress in a meaningful way can be a game changer. This goes beyond bubble baths and deep breathing, though those have their place. It’s about figuring out the underlying stressors—whether emotional, physical, or environmental—and working through them. Avena Natural Health offers lifestyle counseling, nervous system support, and adaptogenic herbs that help restore balance gently over time.
Practices like acupuncture, meditation, and consistent routines help retrain the nervous system so it stops treating everything like an emergency. Naturopathic doctors in San Diego often take this into account when building treatment plans. They know that managing an autoimmune condition isn’t just about lab numbers—it’s about feeling better day to day, emotionally and physically.
Detox That Doesn’t Drain You
When people hear “detox,” they often think of juice cleanses and extreme fasting. But for those with autoimmune hepatitis, detox needs to be approached carefully and intentionally. The liver is already doing extra work, and harsh methods can actually backfire. The goal is to support natural detoxification pathways—not force them.
This is where IV therapy in San Diego becomes a helpful tool. Nutrient IVs can deliver antioxidants like glutathione directly into the bloodstream, bypassing digestion and giving the liver a much-needed boost. Glutathione, sometimes called the body’s master antioxidant, helps protect liver cells from damage and supports regeneration. When paired with gentle lifestyle changes, IV therapy can help bring energy levels up and reduce symptoms of inflammation.
Avena’s IV therapies are offered with oversight from experienced practitioners, ensuring that the treatment fits safely into a broader plan. They can also be used alongside herbal protocols and dietary changes, making them a well-rounded option for those wanting natural support without feeling overwhelmed.
Personalized Support Makes the Difference
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to autoimmune hepatitis. Each body is different, each immune system has its own triggers, and each person’s story matters. That’s why working with professionals who understand both the science and the person behind the condition can make such a difference.
Avena Natural Health provides personalized care that’s rooted in deep listening and whole-body understanding. Whether someone is new to natural healing or has tried everything, the practitioners help guide next steps in a thoughtful, supportive way. They often recommend naturopathic consultations in San Diego for anyone struggling with ongoing symptoms or looking to explore integrative options.
Taking care of the liver, calming the immune system, and supporting overall health doesn’t have to be confusing or overwhelming. With the right support and a clear plan, it becomes something people can feel empowered about. And when that happens, healing becomes more than just a possibility—it becomes a path people can walk with confidence.
Let healing be slow, steady, and guided by nature.
Media Credit: All photos licensed from Adobe.
Dr. Laura Kostrzewski, a San Diego native, completed her undergraduate degree at California Polytechnic State University, earning a BS in animal science with minors in Spanish and Psychology. She then earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and taught fifth grade in the central coast of California for two years. After being extremely involved in her grandfather’s journey with Parkinson’s disease and end-of-life care, Dr. Kostrzewski decided to move back to San Diego and enroll at Bastyr University California. Dr. Kostrzewski received her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University California in June of 2019, and then went on to complete her residency at Bastyr. Before AVENA Wellness, DR. K started her own private practice, focusing on management of neurodegenerative conditions, and continued teaching at Bastyr as adjunct faculty, until founding Avena Health.