excessive intake. But other research has shown that even small amounts of alcohol can put a strain on the liver and increase the risk of damage. For advice on what’s right for you, talk to your doctor. If you have a problem with alcohol, or if someone you know needs help, you can find out about local treatment programs in your community by calling the National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Routing Service at 1-800-662-HELP.
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3. If you smoke, make a plan to quit
Tobacco is well known to increase the risk of many cancers, of course. But the toxins in cigarette smoke can also harm the liver. Studies have shown that people with hepatitis who smoke run an increased risk of developing both cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. A study by researchers at the Nagoya City University Medical School in Japan found that habitual smoking more than doubled the risk of liver cancer among people infected with HCV. A study by French researchers showed that smoking also dramatically increases the risk of cirrhosis.
It’s easy to advise someone to quit smoking, of course — it’s much harder to quit. Quitting may be especially difficult for anyone who is being asked to make other lifestyle changes, such as giving up alcohol and other drugs. The stress of dealing with hepatitis C can also make it hard to stop smoking. But many people do successfully quit. Nicotine patches, gum, and other aids can make it easier. Support groups are available in many communities.
4. Stay active
There is no direct evidence that physical activity helps battle hepatitis C viruses. But there is good reason to think that regular moderate exercise keeps the immune system in good working order. Regular exercise also keeps the heart strong and the cardiovascular system robust, which is important to overall good health. What’s more, regular exercise helps many people relieve stress and feel better about themselves. That’s particularly important when you’re dealing with a medical condition like hepatitis C.
Even patients who have received liver transplants, new research shows, can benefit from moderate activity. A study by researchers at the University of California at San Francisco found that liver transplant recipients who participated in regular physical activity enjoyed a higher quality of life.
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5. Relax and recharge
One of the biggest complaints for people with HCV infection is fatigue. When you’re feeling wiped out, it’s important to relax and recharge your energy. It’s not always easy to find time for this if you have a lot of demands on you. But taking just 15 minutes to sit quietly and relax can make a big difference in how you feel. Another useful way to relax is to do something that you love: reading, listening to music, talking to a close friend, pursuing a favorite activity.
Taking time out to relax can also help you ease the inevitable stresses that come from dealing with a health problem like hepatitis C. There is no direct evidence that stress worsens the prognosis for people with HCV, but there is plenty of evidence that stress can weaken the immune system. Stress can also take the joy out of life, so it’s important to find ways to relax and let off steam.
6. Talk to your doctor before starting any pills, including vitamins or supplements.
Many medications and other substances are processed and broken down by the liver. But some of them can be toxic to this hard-working organ. In fact, drug-induced liver injury is now the leading cause of acute liver failure in the United States, more common than all other causes combined. (One of the biggest offenders is acetaminophen, or Tylenol, especially when the people take more than the recommended dose.) Nearly 1,000 drugs are believed to harm the liver, including over-the-counter drugs, some vitamin and mineral supplements, prescription drugs, illicit recreational drugs, and even herbal remedies. The FDA has issued warnings about liver toxicity associated with kava kava, for instance. Ephedra, mistletoe, and comfrey have also been associated with liver toxicity.
All these substances can be especially harmful if you have chronic hepatitis C. Because of the infection, you may have abnormally low levels of certain enzymes that are needed to break down toxins. Or you may have impaired blood flow, which means substances will remain in the liver longer than normal.
The list of potentially harmful drugs, medications, and supplements is long and constantly being updated, so don’t take any pills or potions before talking to your health care provider. Make sure your doctor is aware of all medications, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or herbal remedies you are currently taking.
Living a healthy lifestyle can keep you stronger and better able to deal with the effects of the hepatitis C and treatment. A healthy lifestyle can also improve the overall quality of your life.