Liver Disease

Prevention

In many cases, liver disease can be prevented. The following recommendations can be helpful to maintain good liver health:

• Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. Talk with a physician about:
• Adopting an exercise routine
• Having cholesterol levels tested
• Meeting with a dietician or nutritionist
• Talk to a physician about being vaccinated for hepatitis A and B.
• Avoid skin contact and inhalation of chemicals in:
• Cleaning products
• Paints
• Pesticides, herbicides
• Other chemicals
• Reduce exposure to toxins and chemicals by taking safety precautions:
• Wear protective gloves to reduce skin absorption.
• Use safety glasses or goggles to protect eyes.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants to protect skin.
• Use a mask or respirator around fumes.
• Ensure there is proper ventilation.
• Understand the risks associated with prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Avoid alcohol use when taking any prescription medications.
• Avoid excessive use of over-the-counter medications such as:
• Pain relievers
• Flu or cold remedies
• Megavitamins
• Herbal supplements
• Do not smoke. Take steps to quit if you do smoke.
• Avoid excessive alcohol and all illegal drugs.
• Use condoms and practice safer sex.

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Untreated, chronic hepatitis B and C infections are the most common causes for liver disease. The following recommendations can help reduce the risk for hepatitis:

• Hepatitis A
• Wash your hands after using the restroom or changing a diaper.
• Talk with a physician about getting vaccinated.
• Avoid potentially contaminated food and water.
• Avoid sexual behaviors that carry a risk of exposure to fecal matter (stool).
• Hepatitis B
• Talk with a physician about getting vaccinated.
• Do not share razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers, earrings, or body rings.
• If you are pregnant, get tested for hepatitis B.
• Avoid sex without a condom.
• Make sure all inks and instruments are sterile when getting a tattoo or piercing.
• Do not inject illegal drugs or share needles.
• Hepatitis C
• Avoid sex without a condom.
• Make sure all inks and instruments are sterile when getting a tattoo or piercing.
• Do not inject illegal drugs or share needles.

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