How to care for your liver and protect yourself from Hepatitis.
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is a disease characterised by inflammation of the liver.
Hepatitis can be a viral or non-viral infection. Depending on the type, it is transmitted through contact with infected blood, bodily fluid or contaminated food.
There are five types of viral hepatitis named according to the alphabet – A, B, C, D and E
Non-viral Hepatitis can be gotten from excessive alcohol intake, and abuse or misuse of drugs like paracetamol.
Hepatitis B and C are the major causes of life-long (chronic) liver disease which can significantly damage the liver and lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer.
How can you tell that it is Hepatitis?
Symptoms of hepatitis can include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Here are four things you can do to care for your liver and protect yourself from Hepatitis.
1. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
- Eat a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables, whole grains like oats, lean proteins like chicken, fish, beans, and legumes and healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
- Avoid toxins and don’t overuse drugs like paracetamol.
- Exercise regularly and engage in only safe sex practices.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help the liver function optimally and flush out toxins from your body.
2. Limit Alcohol Intake
If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For women, this means up to one drink per day, and for men, up to two drinks per day. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage, including fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
Use this guide to quantify your drinks.
3. Get Vaccinated
Protect yourself from Hepatitis A and B by getting vaccinated. These infections can cause serious liver damage- cirrhosis and liver cancer.
4. Carry Out Regular Health Checks
Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor the liver’s health and catch any potential issues early. If you have risk factors for liver disease, such as a family history or chronic conditions, discuss appropriate screenings with your doctor.
Your liver is vital to your health. By making these small, manageable changes, you can protect yourself from hepatitis and support your liver’s health.
Share this information with family and friends to spread awareness about the importance of liver health.
Get tested, get vaccinated, and if you already live with hepatitis, explore our comprehensive myHealth plan to support and manage your life with hepatitis.
Click here to get started.