World Hepatitis Day: 5 Ways to be kind to your Liver

The World Health Organisation marks World Hepatitis Day on 28 July each year to raise awareness about the disease and eradicate it by 2030. Population with Hepatitis is increasing and also the number of deaths due to Hepatitis has increased. There are different types of Hepatitis – Hepatitis – A, B, C, D, and E.

Hepatitis is an inflammation or swelling of Liver Cells that can be due to viral or non-viral infection reasons. Non-Viral infection includes reasons like high alcohol consumption, fatty liver, certain drugs, and an autoimmune illness. Symptoms of Hepatitis include Jaundice, Fever, Pain in the right upper abdomen, and tiredness.

Here are ways following which you can keep Hepatitis at bay.

• Avoid Junk and Street Food – Street foods are the main reasons for causing bacteria, infection, and viruses due to unhygienic conditions. Since food is in open they are more exposed to invisible germs, pollution, dirt, etc. Chances of spreading infection and viruses increases in this condition. Also, it is necessary to serve and eat with clean hands.
• Consume a Healthy Diet – It is necessary to have a balanced and healthy diet. A diet that incorporates fruits, lots of vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, lean protein, and low or non-fat dairy products. Cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, and kale, are known to have protective factors to promote a healthy liver.
• Foods To Avoid – Foods with high fat and sugar promotes fatty liver. This impacts organ functioning. High fat-containing foods like saturated and trans fat, baked products, packaged and processed foods. Foods high in sugar and salt should also be avoided. Alcohol is also the main reason for fatty liver, hence should be avoided.
• Maintaining Adequate Vitamin D – Vitamin D deficiency is often noticed in patients with chronic liver diseases because of its inability to convert vitamin D into its most active form. Hence one should ensure to either take Vitamin D supplements, take Sun Bath, or Vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish or mushrooms.
• Never Share Needles and Razors – There are high chances of the spread of infection through sharing needles and razors. Ensure needles used during injections are new and never share your razors with others.

Over To You
Hepatitis is spread through viral and non-viral infections and it is better to prevent it by taking precautionary steps. Apart from eating clean and healthy, it is also important to stay in clean, hygienic conditions.