Living with hepatitis can be both physically demanding and emotionally taxing,but with the right lifestyle choices, it needn’t feel overwhelming. Beyond prescribed treatments, factors like sleep quality, stress levels, and nutritional support play a vital role in managing this liver condition holistically. Whether you're newly diagnosed or navigating the long-term effects, understanding how to maintain a steady sleep rhythm, reduce daily stress, and select supplements that support liver function can make a world of difference. Here areexpert-backed strategies to help you feel more balanced, energised, and in control of your wellbeing.
This article is authored by DrRajesh Upadhyay, Principal Director & Head: Gastroenterology and Hepatology: Yashoda Medicity, Indirapuram (Ghaziabad).
Living well with hepatitis: A doctor’s advice on sleep, stress & supplements
Hepatitis is merely inflammation of the liver. Depending on how long it lasts, it is either acute (lasting less than six months) or chronic (lasting longer than six months). The cause of hepatitis is multifarious, ranging from viral infection such as Hepatitis A and E (transmitted by contaminated food and water), to chronic infection such as Hepatitis B and C, transmitted by blood. Other etiologies are alcohol consumption, autoimmune conditions, genetic disorders, and drug-induced hepatotoxicity. In India, certain drugs employed in the treatment of tuberculosis are the causative agents for hepatitis of the liver, while paracetamol intoxication is a common cause of liver injury worldwide.
Although treatment with medicine is inevitable, lifestyle modification is also as much to blame for causing hepatitis and liver health. One of the primary pillars is good quality sleep. Adults require 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep daily. Regular sleep cycles facilitate the surveillance of the body's biological clock, facilitates the process of healing, and maintains the immune system in place, which is vital in the management of liver ailments.
Stress control is also an important consideration. Chronic stress accumulates cortisol, a hormone that, with long-term excess, can weaken the immune system and worsen liver disease. Reducing stress through mindfulness, some type of mild exercise, or counseling can help.
Where supplements are concerned, care is needed. There is an overload of products touting liver health benefits, but few have scientific support. Black coffee, specifically (2–3 cups a day, unsweetened and unadorned) has been observed in various studies to have liver-protective effects. Curcumin, which is the active component of turmeric, has also demonstrated promising benefits in controlling inflammation, but more studies are required.
On the other hand, many herbal and native treatments profess liver detoxification or rejuvenation but are not evidence-supported and can even be hazardous. It is always best to speak with a healthcare professional before taking any supplement, especially in the case of individuals who are already diagnosed with hepatitis.
Well-managed hepatitis requires an interdisciplinary strategy, bringing into balance medical therapy with good sleeping patterns, stress reduction, and soundly informed decisions about supplements.
If you liked this story, then please share it. To read more such stories, stay connected to HerZindagi.
Image Credits: Canva
Take charge of your wellness journey—download the HerZindagi app for daily updates on fitness, beauty, and a healthy lifestyle!
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation