Lifestyle Changes To Make To Manage Hepatitis C Naturally
A hepatitis C diagnosis can be scary, but with the right care and disease management plan in place, you don't have to face as many negative consequences. There are many lifestyle changes that may negate some of the complications of hepatitis C. Take a look below at a few changes to consider making.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Work on eliminating processed, sugary foods from your diet and instead focus on eating foods that are rich in nutrients. One specifically valuable nutrient, if you have any type of hepatitis, is protein. Protein is used by the body to repair the damaged cells in the liver and help with cellular regeneration. However, other nutrients can be just as important, so be sure to build your everyday diet around foods that give you the most nutrients with each meal.
Adjust Your Sleep Schedule
Sleep deprivation can impede hepatitis C care. Lack of sleep negatively affects various organs and processes in the body, including the liver and the immune system. If you are working on hepatitis C management, be sure you make adjustments where needed so you are getting a good night of sleep nightly.
Be More Active
Research has shown that being active is key to hepatitis C management. When you exercise or move around more, fat and harmful enzymes in the liver can decrease. Exercise is also important during hepatitis C care because:
- It can help you manage your weight
- It can fight the typical fatigue that comes along with the illness
- It can help give your mental state a boost
Avoid Alcohol
Because hepatitis C affects your liver, it will be important to avoid alcohol as much as possible. Keep in mind, any hepatitis C management strategies you and your doctor try will be most effective without alcohol intake. Something as simple as having a few beers or glasses of wine may seem like no issue. However, even this small amount of alcohol intake could put your liver at risk.
Support Your Mental Health
Stress is never good when you are going through hepatitis C treatment. Many studies have shown that emotional stress can actually have physical consequences. You may be feeling stressed already about the diagnosis or the associated stigma already. Therefore, it will be important to take some time out every day for your mental health. Take a walk, and set aside some time to do something you enjoy. And, consider talking to a therapist if you are truly struggling.
For more information about hepatitis C management, contact a doctor.