Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. In many causes, the disease is life-threatening. It can lead to acute or chronic liver disease, or even death. Causes of hepatitis B include sharing needles and having multiple sexual partners. Being exposed to infected blood and perinatal transmission are also causes of hepatitis B. (1) Hepatitis B symptoms include extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, jaundice, nausea and vomiting. Conventional hepatitis B treatment involves medications that are used to suppress the virus. While there is no cure for the disease, hepatitis B prevention and treatment methods can help naturally manage hepatitis B symptoms.
Hepatitis B Causes and Risk Factors
- Perinatal transmission
- Exposure to infected blood
- Sexual transmission
- Needle sharing
- Living in close contact with someone who has chronic hepatitis B
- Being exposed to blood at work
- Traveling to a country with a high rate of hepatitis B
- Having multiple sex partners
Hepatitis B Symptoms
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Extreme fatigue
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Joint pain
- Muscle soreness
- Dark urine
- Light-colored stools
- Jaundice (2)
Hepatitis B Treatment
1. Eat a Healthy Diet
An anti-inflammatory diet can help strengthen the immune system and reduce oxidative stress and liver damage caused by hepatitis B. (3) Some of the most beneficial liver-cleansing foods include:- Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale, arugula, collard greens and romaine lettuce
- Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts
- Root vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, beets and butternut squash
- Fresh fruit including blueberries, strawberries, goji berries and citrus fruits
- Fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, oregano and ginger
- Probiotic foods such as kefir, apple cider vinegar and kombucha
- Nuts and seeds including walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds
- Unrefined oils such as coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil
2. Avoid Inflammatory Foods and Drinks
Hepatitis B prevention and treatment includes avoiding inflammatory foods that cause the virus to spread. This includes sugar, refined oils, refined carbohydrates and conventional dairy products. It's also important to avoid drinking alcohol or using drugs, including over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen. Alcohol and drugs can worsen liver damage. (4)3. Stay Hydrated
Hepatitis B symptoms often include vomiting, which can cause dehydration. Hepatitis B treatment includes drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables can also help hydrate the body while boosting the immune system. Ditch the sports drinks full of sugar and stick to water or coconut water.4. Lower Stress Levels
While lowering your stress levels cannot change the causes of hepatitis B, it can help prevent the virus from spreading. If you are feeling fatigued, give your body the rest it needs. Try low-impact stress-relieving activities such as reading, walking outside or meditating.
