
4 Tips to Manage Hepatitis C
As far as hepatitis C goes, you are your most vital ally. The lifestyle changes you make can indeed ensure that the medicines work better. Even minor adjustments can make a remarkable difference. Here, we will discuss some helpful hepatitis C management tips.
1. Quit drinking
When you have hepatitis C, consuming alcohol works like gasoline on a fire. Alcohol can damage the liver and fast-track the infection. The toxins can make it even more challenging for the treatments to kick the virus out of the body. Further, when you consume alcohol, you may find it difficult to take the medicines as recommended. And, if you are waiting for a liver transplant, you must not drink at all. You can speak to your doctor to help you quit. If it does not happen naturally, you can even undergo some counseling.
2. Get adequate sleep
Hepatitis C might often make it challenging for you to sleep, especially while you are undergoing treatment. You may not think of it as a big deal, but the sleep you get plays a vital role in the recovery process. If you do not get adequate sleep, the symptoms might aggravate further. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment or cure for insomnia caused by hepatitis C as such. But there are a few measures that can help. These include:
- Having a fixed schedule
- Dedicating your room exclusively for sleeping
- Ensuring that your room is adequately cool
- Avoiding large meals or exercise about two to three hours before bedtime
- Taking sleep medication (doctors recommend drugs like zolpidem)
3. Cope with fatigue
One of the most prevalent symptoms of hepatitis C is fatigue. So a vital hepatitis C management tip is to take the stress out of your life. You can do this by indulging in small naps during the day, keeping your to-do list short, and spreading strenuous activities across the week instead of putting it all on one day. On tiring workdays, request telecommuting options or flexible hours.
4. Diet and nutrition
Unfortunately, no nutrition or diet rules can help you deal with hepatitis C. However, eating a healthy and balanced diet can significantly lower your hepatitis C risk and help you maintain a healthy body weight. Some tips for eating well with hepatitis C include:
- Consuming a lot of fruits and vegetables
- Picking whole-grain cereals, grains, and bread
- Keeping trans fat and processed foods out
- Not consuming an excessive sugary, salty, or fatty diet
- Following a sustainable diet plan for the long term
- Consuming five smaller meals instead of three giant meals
These were some helpful hepatitis C management tips. It is essential to detect the condition and manage it well because many symptoms are common with other health conditions. If ignored, hepatitis can lead to severe complications and even liver failure.