For someone living with hepatitis C, keeping your liver as healthy as possible is very important. Therefore, you need to know what can damage your liver and what can help your liver. At the same time, remember to take care of your health and take steps so you don’t pass on the virus to someone else.
How to live healthy with Hep C:
Good nutrition
- Eat healthy foods, especially food that is low in fat, sugar and salt.
- Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
- Drink plenty of water every day.
- Maintain a healthy weight and try not to become overweight.
- If you’re overweight, try to lose weight.
- Ask your doctor or healthcare provider about taking vitamins.
Exercise
- Light or moderate exercise will keep you fit and give you energy.
- Exercise will help reduce stress and prevent weight gain.
Coffee
- Some studies show that drinking 1-2 cups of coffee per day can help your liver. Drinking more than that can have side effects such as addiction and an increased risk for high blood pressure, especially if you drink it with too much sugar and cream.
More ways to help you live healthy with hepatitis C
- Check with your doctor before taking any kind of medicine, including over-the- counter medications, herbs and ‘natural’ products.
- See your doctor regularly—keep your appointments. If you can’t, call and reschedule.
- Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B.
- Join a support group or talk to other people who have Hep C. Reaching out will help.
What can be harmful to your liver?
Alcohol
- Alcohol harms the liver, so cutting down or stopping drinking alcohol altogether will be good for your liver.
- If you have a hard time trying to cut back or quit, ask for help. Your healthcare provider or community health centre will give you information on where to go for help.
Smoking
- Smoking has been found to harm the liver, especially if you smoke and drink alcohol. If you can, quit smoking or smoke less.
- Smoking also has other risks—it increases your chances of other healthcare problems such as lung cancer and heart disease.
- Most provinces and territories have a smoker’s helpline. They are:
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Province or Territory
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Helpline Phone Numbers
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Alberta
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1-877-513-5333 or 1-866-332-2322
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British Columbia
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1-877-455-2233
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Manitoba
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1-877-513-5333
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New Brunswick
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1-877-513-5333
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Newfoundland and Labrador
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1-800-363-5864
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Northwest Territories
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1-866-286-5099
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Nova Scotia
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1-877-513-5333
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Nunavut
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Coming soon
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Ontario
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1-877-513-5333
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Prince Edward Island
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1-877-513-5333
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Quebec
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1-866-527-7383
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Saskatchewan
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1-877-513-5333
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Yukon
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1-877-513-5333
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Over-the-counter painkillers
- Over-the-counter painkillers such as Tylenol and Advil can be dangerous for your liver if you take more than the recommended dose. Talk to your healthcare worker about the right dose for you and if you’re taking more than the recommended dose, you can also talk to him or her about other safer ways to manage pain.
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