What Is Hepatitis C?

• Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and can be acute or chronic. HCV is a blood borne virus. The incubation time frame varies from 2 weeks to 6 weeks. After the initial infection, most of the people don’t show any symptoms for many years. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Hepatitis C?

• The symptoms visible acutely are: fever, fatigue, reduced appetite, nausea, vomits, dark urine, grey faeces, jaundice or joint pain.  

What Are The Causes Of Hepatitis C?

• It is commonly transmitted by: sharing the injecting equipment, improper sterilization of medical equipment (syringes, needles), transfusion of the unscreened blood and blood products, sex, and from infected mother to the baby.
• The disease is not communicated through breastfeeding, food, water or casual contacts (hugs, kisses, sharing food). 

What Are The Things One Should Do To Manage Hepatitis C?

To handle hepatitis C effectively, follow:

• There are 6 types of Hepatitis C and they respond differently to different medicines. Hence, get thorough tests done to determine the genotype. Some patients may also need biopsy of liver, after blood tests.
• Start treatment early and be watchful of symptoms. Many symptoms you might be experiencing may not be due to Hepatitis C. Discuss with your doctor every time you experience any of the symptoms.
• Don’t get tattoo or piercing. 

What Are The Things One Should Avoid To Manage Hepatitis C?

• Avoid sharing sharp items like razors, needles.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Don’t do unprotected sex. 

What Are The Best Foods For Hepatitis C?

To reduce or prevent Hepatitis C, eat the following:

• Fruits and Vegetables: Low fat and calorie content reduces liver fatty diseases.
• Drink lots of water.
• Whole grains (wheat bread, barley, brown rice, quinoa, oats): These strengthen the immunity.
• Protein: Fish, Skinless chicken, turkey, non-fat dairy products and lean meat will improve liver health and reduce fatty liver diseases.
• Coffee

Foods that must be consumed if suffering from ulcers in the stomach:

• Flavonoids are very effective to treat ulcers as they keep the stomach lining intact and are found in: soy, legumes, red grapes, kale, broccoli, apple, berries and tea (more in green tea)
• Deglycyrrhizinated licorice: The old plain herb, licorice helps in the healing of ulcers.
• Probiotics are very good for the digestive health. Common foods are: yogurt, buttermilk, miso(fermented soybeans with salt and koji)
• Honey, Garlic, cranberry decreases the growth of Helicobacter pylori(bacterium that commonly causes ulcers)

What Are The Worst Foods For Hepatitis C?

To reduce or prevent Hepatitis C, don’t eat the following:

• Raw Seafood: The risk to develop fungal infection will badly affect Hepatitis C.
• Unpasteurized dairy products: Avoid these to enhance any more infections.
• Liver: The high iron content can lead to increased risk to liver enlargement, liver cancer when suffering from Hepatitis C
• Salt: It leads to fluid retention

Foods to avoid if suffering from the ulcers:

• Coffee(not even the decaf)
• Chilis and hot peppers
• Salty red food
• Carbonated beverages and processed foods. 

What Are The Medicines For Hepatitis C?

What Are The Tips To Manage Hepatitis C?

To prevent Hepatitis C, take care of the following:

• Handle the sharp objects and waste carefully
• Use condom
• Strengthening immunity using hepatitis B and C vaccines.