Hepatitis refers to the inflammation of the liver. It is commonly caused by a viral infection, and the other causes of hepatitis are substance abuse such as alcohol and certain drugs, and autoimmune diseases.
Hepatitis viral infection is classified into five (5) types, namely: Hepatitis A (HAV), B (HBV), C (HCV), D (HDV) and E (HEV). Among these 5 viruses, HBV and HCV cause most of liver cirrhosis and cancer cases, which affect millions of lives globally. HAV and HEV are transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food and water, while HBV, HCV and HDV are caused by direct contact to infected blood and body fluids, and contaminated medical paraphernalia like a syringe. Every year, the World Health Organization (WHO) records 1.1 million deaths and 1.3 million new HBV and HCV infections.
For the liver to cope with any hepatitis viral infection, a patient must take the following nutritional considerations:
- Hygiene and sanitation. It is a must to consume only clean and safe drinking water. Proper handwashing before and after meals and every after use of the comfort room must be observed to avoid ingestion of any bacteria and viruses. Likewise, it is important to wash your vegetables and fruits thoroughly, and eat well-cooked food. All of these are emphasized in the Kumainment No. 6: “Tiyaking malinis at ligtas ang ating pagkain o tubig.”
- Fill up your plate with more fruits and veggies. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that are essential in building strong immunity. It also contains antioxidants that can protect the liver by reducing inflammation. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, nuts and legumes can improve the liver’s natural detoxification enzymes that will help protect the said organ. The fiber in fruits and vegetables also help reduce liver fats.
- Limit fatty foods. Intake of fatty food increases blood cholesterol which can contribute to the progression of hepatic liver disease.
- Avoid salty and sweet foods. Salty foods increase fluid buildup and worsen liver inflammation. Sweet foods like pastries, candies and sweetened beverages can take a toll on the liver since excess sugar is converted to fat, which may later cause fatty buildup in the liver.
- Say no to shellfish. Shellfishes like clams and oysters may put you at risk to HAV. Shellfishes filter the water from their surroundings, so it may be easily contaminated.
- Abstain from alcohol. Alcohol drinking can escalate liver damage and increase developing cirrhosis.
Being healthy is the most effective way to guard yourself against any disease and illness. Eating the right kind and the right amount of food is a game-changer. Likewise, the best way to protect yourself against hepatitis viruses, especially HBV, and their consequences is through vaccination. Hepatitis B vaccine should be administered to newborn babies at birth.
This year, the campaign against hepatitis is intensified in the World Hepatitis Day celebration with the theme “Hepatitis Can’t Wait”. This celebration is observed every 28th of July of every year and spearheaded by the Department of Health.
WHO reports that every 30 seconds, a person dies from hepatitis-related illnesses. Thus, it requires unified efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis. Individually we can do our part by getting tested, vaccinated and treated. Together, we can achieve a hepatitis-free future. (NO II Arlie Joy O. Damiles)
References:
World Health Organization. 1 September 2019. Hepatitis Q&A. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/hepatitis
World Health Organization. World Hepatitis Day 2021. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-hepatitis-day/2021
Department of the Interior and Local Government. 2021. World Hepatitis Day. Retrieved from: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/events/World-Hepatitis-Day/595/
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Nutrition Guide for Clinician. Viral Hepatitis. Retrieved from: https://nutritionguide.pcrm.org/nutritionguide/view/Nutrition_Guide_for_Clinicians/1342052/all/Viral_Hepatitis
Seong-Ah Kim and Sangah Shin. 13 August 2020. Fruit and vegetable consumption and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among Korean adults: a prospective cohort study. Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32796047/
