Hepatitis C Information

With the summer season in full swing, it is likely that you will want to spend time outdoors enjoying the nice weather. For most people, throwing on some sunscreen before heading outdoors would be your only concern, but for those who suffer from Hepatitis C, photosensitivity (increased risk of burning from the sun’s rays) is all too common.

Having Hepatitis C and being exposed to sunlight can be a very difficult thing to contend with, as some medications can cause an increased risk – resulting in hives or rashes – as well as put you at a much higher risk for sunburn. While these are all valid reasons to be cautious, it is also important to realize that sun exposure can actually help you.

Much of the research that has been done on people with chronic liver disease as well as those with chronic Hepatitis C has shown that their bodies lack the proper amount of vitamin D needed. Vitamin D is important because it aids in the absorption of calcium, which is essential for normal development of healthy teeth and bones. And it also helps your body to keep healthy levels of the minerals calcium and phosphorus in the blood.

Your body’s unique ability to produce vitamin D naturally from sunlight exposure is a tool that you can use as another way to keep your body healthy. There are numerous medications, both prescriptions as well as over the counter, that can cause an increased risk of burning when exposed to the sun. However, you should know that there are precautions you can take that will allow you to get the sun your body needs without causing additional harm.

Getting just a few minutes of sun per day while protecting yourself will help you feel better and is beneficial for your long-term health. Learn more on how to protect yourself from the sun.

This article was prepared for Hepatitis-Central.com, where you’ll find more than 2,750 pages of in-depth information for Hepatitis C patients and their families, caregivers and health professionals. To read the latest hepatitis research and liver support news, sign up for our FREE Research & Treatment News updates.

For many people, the thought of using a public bathroom can be distressing and uncomfortable – and with good reason. Public bathrooms have a reputation for being one of the easiest places to pick up unwanted germs and viruses, and viral hepatitis is just one of many viruses to be aware of. Although there are valid reasons for concern, understanding how the virus is transmitted as well as learning how to take preventative measures may help ease your worries.

The three most common types of hepatitis are A, B and C. Fortunately there are vaccines to help prevent the transmission of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. But a vaccine for Hepatitis C has yet to be discovered. Hepatitis A is spread through the fecal/oral route. This can be relatively easy to avoid by making sure you wash your hands thoroughly and properly with soap and warm water. Hepatitis B, for the most part, is transmitted through blood contact but has been found in other bodily fluids like sweat and saliva. The odds of contracting Hepatitis B while using a public bathroom are very slim considering that you would have to have open cuts on your body that were exposed directly to the virus from the toilet seat, door handles, etc. Lastly, Hepatitis C is only transmitted from blood to blood contact. It is next to impossible to contract or spread HCV by using public bathroom facilities.

Making a point to wash your hands after using the restroom as well as before you eat are always good habits to keep. This will help to prevent the spread of many illnesses as well as viral hepatitis. The more we know about the transmission of the virus the more we realize that there is very little reason to be concerned about transmitting the virus in a public bathroom. Learn more about viral hepatitis today.

This article was prepared for Hepatitis-Central.com, where you’ll find more than 2,750 pages of in-depth information for Hepatitis C patients and their families, caregivers and health professionals. To read the latest hepatitis research and liver support news, sign up for our free Research & Treatment News updates.

Most people have no trouble choosing what food to eat on a daily basis, taking them very little effort to plan a meal. However, for those who suffer from Hepatitis C, it can be a completely different story; a simple task like eating, can cause great challenges. Just having Hepatitis C has the ability to cause a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms from fatigue to nausea. For others, these symptoms are caused by the treatments or medications they are using.

Trying to figure out what foods are healthy and will not aggravate already troublesome symptoms can be frustrating, and can take a toll on the body. Many Hepatitis C patients experience a lack of appetite and, unfortunately, the medications they are on can end up making the foods they once loved, taste different. Additionally, many of those suffering from chronic liver disease experience such severe fatigue that going to the grocery store or cooking a meal is just not an option.

Those with chronic health conditions can benefit a great deal from consuming a balanced diet consisting of healthy food. If you have lost your appetite, one alternative to eating a full meal three times per day would be to try eating several small portions throughout the day. Also, you might want to try doing some mild exercise to stimulate your appetite. However, if fatigue is a big problem for you, you could prepare extra food and freeze it on the days you have energy to cook. If you are plagued by nausea, try drinking ginger ale or ginger tea to help settle your stomach.

Although it may be difficult at times, making an effort to support a healthy lifestyle is beneficial to helping get back on your way to recovery. It is important to not lose hope and realize that there are other options available to help you get through these difficult times. Learn more about minimizing the obstacles related to food preparation, hunger and digestion.

This article was prepared for Hepatitis-Central.com, where you’ll find more than 2,750 pages of in-depth information for Hepatitis C patients and their families, caregivers and health professionals. To read the latest hepatitis research and liver support news, sign up for our free Research & Treatment News updates.

For those living with Hepatitis C, much of the focus for staying healthy is based on traditional Western medicine. Unfortunately, these medications don’t always effectively support the needs of a large population of the hepatitis community, and can even cause more discomfort or illness than before. For those seeking alternative, natural ways to stay healthy, it can be overwhelming with all of the options available today.

One simple option that is available to everyone, and is often overlooked, is making healthy food choices. Many people do not realize, or even forget in this fast paced culture that we live in, how much of an effect our food choices have on our bodies. Getting back to basics with healthy nutrition can be a great way to start feeling better.

If you have Hepatitis C, you may have been warned about the many foods that can harm your liver, but then are often left in the dark about what foods may help. There are many ideal foods out there that provide lots of antioxidants and vitamins and can help to remove toxins, as well as help support the immune system. To name a few, whey protein helps to build antioxidants, mung beans provide vitamins and can help flush toxins and shitake mushrooms have been shown to strengthen the immune system. Artichokes, dandelion greens and foods rich in selenium such as Brazil nuts and broccoli are also beneficial to your liver.

Understanding the positive effect that healthy food choices can provide is just one more way to keep your body healthy. Making the choice to consume foods that benefit your body rather than harm your body is another valuable tool that is readily available and can make a big difference in how you feel.

Learn more about these six foods and how they can help you.

This article was prepared for Hepatitis-Central.com, where you’ll find more than 2,750 pages of in-depth information for Hepatitis C patients and their families, caregivers and health professionals. To read the latest hepatitis research and liver support news, sign up for our free Research & Treatment News updates.