11 Diet And Exercise Tips For Managing And Living With Hepatitis C

With an estimated 71 million people across the planet living with hepatitis C, including over two million in the United States alone, one thing is clear — this viral liver disease is far from rare. Though the virus spontaneously clears up, without any treatment, for a lucky minority, somewhere between 74 and 85 percent of infected people develop a chronic infection. This means that, though it can be treated very successfully in most cases, hepatitis C lasts longer than six months. 

Both diet and physical activity, which are important for everyone's health, can play a role in managing your chronic hepatitis C, helping you feel better if you may the right choices. What do you need to know?

What do you need to know about diet if you have hepatitis C?

No special diet is recommended for most people with hepatitis C, unless they are also suffering from complications such as cirrhosis, or they have coexisting medical conditions — so it is possible that your doctor will simply prescribe medications, and not give you a whole lot of dietary advice. Except for avoiding alcohol, of course, which is very important if you live with hepatitis C. 

That doesn't mean that diet isn't important, however, and we all know that most people could, frankly, be eating better than they are. If you live with hepatitis C and are committed to doing everything you can to improve your overall health, make sure to:

• Include plenty of vegetables and fruits in your diet. Yes, this benefits everyone — viral hepatitis or not. But you might like to know that one of the liver's jobs is to store certain vitamins, and hepatitis C makes this task harder. It is really especially important to get produce that's rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and folic acid. With hepatitis C, your appetite may be reduced, but don't skip this important part of a healthy diet. Consider making smoothies if they are easier to tolerate. 
• Get enough protein. Found in foods like meat, fish, eggs, and beans, including enough protein in your diet will help you fight hepatitis-related fatigue. Beware that your body may not metabolize foods the same way when you have viral hepatitis, however, and do consult your doctor about how much protein to eat each day rather than following standard guidelines for people without liver diseases. 
• Consider drinking coffee. Yes, it will help you combat fatigue. But research has also shown that regular coffee drinkers have a reduced risk of developing liver cancer and cirrhosis, which is welcome for you. 
• Stay away from not just alcohol, but also over-the-counter and herbal remedies, which may harm your already besieged liver. Ask your doctor before taking anything like that. 
• Limit the salt in your diet, in accordance with your doctor's instructions, if you have cirrhosis. This is to reduce edema. 
• In general, try to maintain a healthy weight, or to lose some weight if you are currently overweight or obese. A high body mass index puts extra strain on the liver.

What should you know about exercise and physical activity if you have hepatitis C?

Here's what you need to know:

• Because suddenly starting a new exercise regime can negatively impact your health if you have advanced liver disease, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor about your plans, and to get their green light, before starting. Exercise is generally safe for people with hepatitis C, however, in the same amount as people without hepatitis C. That is, some cardio exercise five days a week, and something to strengthen your muscles twice a week. 
• Exercise plays an important role in weight loss or maintenance. Since your liver won't appreciate it if you are overweight or obese, moving around regularly can be beneficial for you. In fact, getting to or staying at a healthy weight may reduce your risk of developing cirrhosis.
• Working out may seem like a hard task for you if you're suffering from hepatitis-related fatigue, but know that regular exercise can in fact increase your energy levels. 
• Regular physical movement can also boost your mood. This is important for hepatitis C patients, who are more vulnerable to depression. 
• One more thing — improved sleep quality is good for your liver, and exercise can help you get there. 

The bottom line

Most of the time, the same things that benefit the health of people without hepatitis C will also help improve the health of those with hepatitis C — a healthy and balanced diet and regular exercise are good for you. The same things that are bad for everyone else are bad for folks living with hepatitis C, too, meanwhile, but even more so. That means that staying away from alcohol and drugs is key for your health, and a life of junk food and sitting on the couch is a bad idea. Your health always mattered, but with hepatitis C, it's more important than ever to commit to a healthy lifestyle.