Healthy Habits with Hepatitis C

Have you ever felt stuck in unhealthy habits? Albert Einstein once said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”. Forming healthy habits is a proactive step, putting you in control of your choices that can reap health benefits as you fight hepatitis C.

Why are healthy habits important?

Being healthy helps build a strong immune system and fuels your body to work its best while it's fighting hepatitis C. We can help or harm our body and our liver by our habits.

What habits are important in fighting hepatitis C?

These may include...

• Eating a clean, nutritious diet: Eating lots of fresh vegetables, fruits, lean protein, nuts/seeds, whole grains
• Exercise: Regular mild to moderate exercise daily
• Getting 8 hours of sleep
• Drinking 64 oz. water daily
• Regular visits/tests with our liver specialist and primary care
• Annual flu vaccine
• Talk to your physician about what vitamins or supplements that would be safe for your liver condition
• Reduce stress as much as possible: Make consistent time to relax to do something you enjoy that is positive and uplifting
• Find consistent time with a support group, friends, church or community group

Breaking unhealthy habits

Here are some ways to break unhealthy habits that your doctor may recommend:

• Stop eating processed foods
• Stop drinking alcohol
• Do not do any recreational drugs.
• Stop smoking
• Work on getting to bed in order to get 8 hours sleep
• Get enough exercise

Tools for forming healthy habits

Healthy habits are attainable when formed one step at a time. Daily actions help form habits. Here are some tools to help:

• Habit-tracker phone apps: Track daily food, fitness, etc.
• Fitness watches or devices to help track habits
• Make a daily checklist
• Accountability: Support with a friend, group or company
• Health or exercise coach with regular appointments to help you meet your goals

Healthy habits are attainable when formed one step at a time. Daily actions help form habits. Different studies have shown it can take between 21 to 66 days to form a new habit. This is also true of breaking bad habits, depending on the behavior. No matter how long it takes, don’t give up, keep at it. You’ll gain better health and be glad you did.

We either control our habits, or our habits control us. If you desire to move beyond where you’re at into a healthy lifestyle, building healthy habits will get you there. Help your body fight hepatitis C with healthy habits.