Healthy living

Tips for living with hepatitis B

Chronic (long-term) hepatitis B is a serious liver condition that can stay with you for a lifetime. So if you're living with hepatitis B, it's important to pay special attention to your diet and lifestyle. Choices you make in your daily life can have a big impact on your health and how you feel.

Here are some tips for living with hepatitis B:

• Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages including wine, beer, champagne, and liquor. Drinking alcohol can make your liver disease worse.
• Do not smoke. Smoking can be extremely harmful to your liver, especially if you're living with hepatitis B.
• Do not use illegal drugs.
• Get regular exercise. Talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program.
• Reduce stress at work and at home as much as possible.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Ask your doctor about getting vaccinated for hepatitis A

Living with hepatitis B: Chronic hepatitis B and your diet

There is no specific diet for chronic hepatitis B. But if you are currently living with hepatitis B, there are steps you can take to help protect your liver.

• Eat a balanced diet rich in low-fat, low-cholesterol, and high-fiber food, and watch your calorie intake.
• Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Minimize the amount of deep-fried and fatty foods in your diet.
• Reduce your intake of smoked, cured, and salted foods.
• Avoid eating raw shellfish. These can contain bacteria that may be harmful to your liver.