For many people, the liver is rarely something they think about, until a diagnosis like chronic hepatitis changes everything. Suddenly, every meal, every sip, every late night carries more weight. Chronic hepatitis, whether caused by hepatitis B or C, is a long-term inflammation of the liver that often progresses silently, without dramatic symptoms in the early stages. But over time, this hidden strain can lead to serious complications such as liver scarring, failure, or even cancer. While medicines play a key role in managing the disease, the truth is that much of the healing power lies in your own hands, in the small, consistent choices you make each day.
Everyday habits can either protect your liver or push it toward further damage. From the food you eat to how you manage stress, from staying hydrated to avoiding certain medications and alcohol, these simple yet powerful decisions can slow disease progression and help you live well with chronic hepatitis. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr Pavan Reddy Thondapu, HOD – Medical Gastroenterology, Arete Hospitals, shares how simple daily lifestyle choices can protect the liver.
Lifestyle Choices To Protect Liver
Start with your plate. What you eat has a direct bearing on your liver. Meals made at home with fresh vegetables, grains like rice or millets, modest protein like dal or eggs, and seasonal fruits can ease the liver’s burden over time. Dr Pavan Reddy Thondapu states, “On the other hand, ultra-processed snacks, cold drinks, excessive oil, and too much salt only speed up liver damage.” It’s not about giving up everything you love, but about making choices that support your healing.
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Alcohol is a firm no. Many patients ask if “just a little” is okay. The truth is, for an already inflamed liver, even occasional drinking acts like pouring fuel on a fire. Dr Pavan Reddy Thondapu mentions, “Similarly, popping painkillers without your doctor’s advice, or trying random herbal mixes from the internet, can cause more harm than good.”
Water quietly supports liver function. In chronic hepatitis, proper hydration helps the liver clear waste and supports digestion. Even slight dehydration can hinder these processes. Starting your day with warm water and drinking small amounts regularly — while avoiding sugary or caffeinated drinks — can support liver function without much effort.
Simple Daily Habits To Protect Liver (Image Credits: Canva)
What’s often overlooked is how the mind and liver are connected. Dr Pavan Reddy Thondapu says, “Stress, poor sleep, erratic schedules — they all affect how the body copes with chronic illness.” Incorporating a daily rhythm, going to bed at the same time, getting some gentle movement like walking or yoga, and staying emotionally supported can all ease the journey.
Regular follow-ups are not just routine. They’re how we watch for early warning signs and keep your liver one step ahead of the disease. Patients with Hepatitis b and Hepatitis c should get regular evaluation by your doctor to identify and treat complications that arise from chronic hepatitis. Blood tests and ultrasounds, even when you feel “okay,” are part of protecting the future.
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Living with chronic hepatitis doesn’t stop you from leading a normal life, but it does require steady attention. Simple habits — like healthy eating, avoiding alcohol, staying active, managing stress, and regular follow-ups — can significantly slow disease progression and help protect liver function over time.