The 3 P’s Of Managing Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a disease that is caused by a virus that infects the liver and overtime this disease can turn into cirrhosis, liver cancer and even liver failure. While some people develop acute Hep C that clears up after some time, on average those who are diagnosed with the disease develop its chronic version.  This is often the case because it takes many years for people to be diagnosed with the disease due to its silent nature.

People who have Hep c may complain of muscle aches, being tired, having joint pain or itchy skin. These symptoms, however, aren’t often seen when the virus is first contracted and sometimes they never appear.

Currently, there is not a vaccine for Hep C like there is for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, but according to the American Liver Foundation, advances in drug treatments can cure Hep C.

In combination with treatment, it’s important to manage and maintain a healthy life while living with the disease.  Proper eating, exercise and rest are all necessary for sustaining a balanced life.

From our partner

Do you still have gout symptoms even though you're taking medication? You’re not alone. The Kadence study is a clinical research study for adults with uncontrolled gout. Learn More

Proper Diet

A diet low in sugar and fat and high in fiber will facilitate optimum pH balance and help keep the liver healthy. Eating foods and ingesting herbs, spices or teas that are known to promote liver health are excellent options to help with maintaining a healthy lifestyle while living with Hep C.

Add more of the following to your diet:

• Green Tea
• Garlic
• Grapefruit
• Beets
• Leafy Greens
• Cruciferous Vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts)
• Avocado
• Tumeric
• Lemon

Proper Exercise

Just 30 minutes of rigorous activity daily is needed to not only keep the heart healthy but to keep every other bodily system in line.  Again, it’s all about balancing the body out to remain healthy.  The form of exercise is dependent on the person and your level of comfort or range of motion. Aerobics, yoga, brisk walking or a recreational sport are all options to consider for optimal liver health.

From our partner

People 16+ years old struggling with lupus: Find out if the PHOENYCS FLY Study may be for you. Study-related care provided at no cost.

Yoga can be especially helpful for detoxifying the liver. The spine and stomach both protect the liver and Cat Pose stretches and massages those areas. Here’s how to do this simple move:

1. Begin kneeling on all fours in a “table top” flat back position.
2. Place your hands flat on the mat aligned under your shoulders, and your knees directly under your hips.
3. Slowly, round your back up toward the ceiling (like a scared cat).
4. Lower back to the start position.
5. Repeat 10 times.

Proper Rest

Closely related to getting proper exercise is getting proper rest. Conditions like Hep C and fatty liver syndrome that weaken the liver can also cause sleep problems, including daytime fatigue, insomnia and oversleeping. One Brazilian study found that aerobic exercise is the most effective at improving sleep quality. While at rest, the body goes to work regenerating cells and sustaining its natural levels. Make the time to get at least eight hours of quality sleep in a day, possibly adding a couple of naps during day. Give your body the break that it needs.

Visit the BlackDoctor.org Hepatitis C center for more articles.