5 Tips on Living with Hepatitis

Hepatitis is mainly an infection of the Liver. The condition of a person suffering from hepatitis can either be self-limiting, progressing to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis, or liver cancer. hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis, but other causes spreading the same infection may include intake of toxic substances like alcohol, certain drugs, and other auto immune diseases. There are five types of hepatitis referred to as types A, B, C, D, and E. If you have hepatitis, it is important to find out which type it is. Each of these five types of this virus has a different cause. All of the types of hepatitis mentioned have one thing in common, they infect the liver. This causes inflammation of the liver and in some of the more serious cases can even lead to cancer or liver failure. When an individual becomes infected it is important to take the infection seriously. Initiating the medication at the correct time, along with proper treatment can ensure that you live a better and healthier life. The tips mentioned below are some of the ways that an individual with hepatitis can improve their lifestyle for the better.

Listen to Your Body

Reduce your work according to your energy. This does not mean that you have to stay in bed all day long. But you need to pay attention to what your body is telling you. When you feel tired, stop working and get some rest. You must always remember to maintain a balance and give your body its required resting period so that it may function properly. If you feel tired when performing the regular activities that you have performed before, reduce workload and give your body time to relax itself naturally.

Avoid hard exercise. An individual suffering from hepatitis must always avoid exercising with heavy lifting and weights. If required, they can indulge in healthy workouts correlated to yoga and meditation.

Eat Properly

Nausea and loss of appetite are common for those suffering with hepatitis. It is important to try and consume at least one considerable meal in the morning, and light food throughout the remainder of the day. Consuming heavy meals in this situation may worsen the infection.

Try to maintain a balanced diet. High calorie or protein rich food must be eaten. Eat whole-grain cereals, breads, and grains to maintain a healthy calorie intake. Also, get adequate protein by consuming fruits and vegetables with plenty of fluids. avoid any type of fatty, salty, or sugary food.

Do not consume the following:

• Alcohol – completely eliminate this from your life.
• Junk foods – they provide no nutritional value.
• Processed foods – contain many unnatural substances and are high in unhealthy fats.
• Artificial sweeteners – it is extremely difficult for the liver to process these kind of unrefined foods.
• Dairy products – they are hard to digest.
• Hydrogenated oils – these oils contain fat that is harder to digest.
• Fruit juice – fruit juices contain concentrated sugar which feeds the Hepatitis virus.

Instead of the unhealthy foods listed above, try to eat healthy food items including:

• Wheat bread, organic unbleached flour, organic flour tortillas, cream of wheat.
• Grain cereals, oatmeal, brown rice.
• All kinds of beans, homemade refried beans.
• Vegetables, vegetable juice, homemade vegetable soup.
• Fresh fruits, lemonade.
• Olive oil, flax seed oil.
• Soy milk, soy cheeses.
• Canned tuna.
• Baked chips, yogurt, nayonaise (not mayonnaise).
• Salsa.
• Organic whole wheat pasta.
• Corn tortillas.
• Herbal teas.
• Spices and herbs.

Avoid Alcohols

Alcohol should not be taken with other drugs – especially acetaminophen and a number of other headache and cold remedies. This combination of alcohol and medication may damage the liver that is already trying to fight off the virus. To process drugs and alcohols is very hard on the liver. Do not take any drug without prescription as it may cause liver damage. The proper length of time medication is taken should be determined by your doctor. Avoid alcohol for at least 3 to 4 months as long as your doctor says your liver is completely cured.

Drink Plenty of Water

For hepatitis patients it is very important that the body is always thoroughly hydrated. Ensure that you drink a lot of water if you are vomiting frequently. Instead of water you may also try certain juices or sports drinks. Sports drinks contain some essential minerals and extra calories that are lost because of vomiting. Also, you can make a rehydration drink at your home based upon your own choices.

Stay Away From Heat

Hepatitis patient’s sometimes experience itchy skin. To avoid this itchiness, the patient should stay away from the sun and keep their body surrounded in a comfortable and normal room temperature. To reduce the side effects caused by the hepatitis infection, the patient may even adhere to the following pointers:

• Try to wear light weight loose fitting cotton clothes.
• Use sunglasses and hat.
• Avoid any place where there is a possibility of exposure to heat.
• During workout sessions take frequent breaks, drink water, and mist yourself.
• Maintain a healthy balanced diet that is rich in fibers and minerals.
• Avoid going out during hot summer days as it may increase the chances of aggravating the infection and leaving the body restless.

An individual suffering from the hepatitis infection must always ensure to diagnose the infection as soon as possible. This can be done by consulting a specialist who can guide the individual on how to treat the disease in the best possible way. Starting a treatment at the right time proves to do wonders for the affected soul. Stay positive. Do not be afraid to meet any challenge. Your suffering from hepatitis doesn’t mean that you’ve become a disabled person or that your life cannot be lead as it was previous to the virus. Just follow some basic rules to keep yourself healthy and fit. Do not hesitate to hang out with your friends and family. Most importantly, never avoid or hide the fact that you’re suffering from Hepatitis. You need to understand that in accordance with medical help, someone to confide in is also necessary.