World Hepatitis Day (WHD) is one of the official worldwide public health days mandated by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is celebrated every year on 28 th July to raise awareness about hepatitis, one of the most fatal and overlooked diseases, claiming a life every 30 seconds. The hepatitis virus affects more than 325 million people worldwide, and hepatitis B and C account for more than 1.1 million deaths per year.
India lacks a monitoring system for HCV (chronic Hepatitis C virus), so there is no in-depth information about the actual number of patients living with or dying from HCV diseases. The WHO estimates that India has an HBV prevalence of 3-4.2%, with over 40 million carriers of HBV. Hepatitis B and C cause over 176,000 deaths per year in India. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established by the United Nations in 2015 in response to the crisis. The liver is the second-largest organ in the body, and it plays a key role in the processing of nutrients, drugs, and toxins. In order to maintain a healthy liver, one should include these food items in their diet:
Blueberries and Cranberries
It has been reported and scientifically proven that blueberries and cranberries can help keep the liver healthy. The antioxidants in blueberries and cranberries, called anthocyanins, can improve your immune system and increase antioxidant enzyme activity.
Garlic
Garlic contains sulphur compounds that support liver function by activating enzymes that remove toxins from the body. Moreover, garlic also contains selenium, which aids in detoxification and also reduces the risk of certain cancers.
Grapefruit
Several studies have found that grapefruit, which is rich in naringenin and naringin, can protect your liver. It reduces inflammation and protects cells. Researchers also found that antioxidants released by grapefruit reduces the development of hepatic fibrosis, a condition associated with liver scarring.
Beetroot juice
As a result of its nitrate content and antioxidants called betalains, beetroot juice aids in reducing inflammation and oxidative damage in the liver. The compounds contained in beetroot have been shown to enhance detoxification enzymes in the body.
Fish
Fishes rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, reduce inflammation. These healthy fats reduce liver disease. Researchers found that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce fat accumulation in the liver, maintain enzyme levels, and combat inflammation as well as improve insulin resistance.
Walnuts
Arginine, an amino acid found in walnuts, is known to cleanse the liver. As well as being rich in glutathione and omega-3 fatty acids, it is known to help the liver detoxify itself.
Lemons
Besides being a good source of Vitamin C, lemons are also known for cleansing the liver and protecting it from oxidative damage. Recent research suggests that lemon juice can treat liver damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption. You will achieve the best results by drinking lemon water every morning as a routine.
Takeaway
Healthy eating is good for the liver, but overcoming certain habits is even more critical. Here are some tips to follow:
- 1. Limit your alcohol consumption.
- 2. Manage medications correctly.
- 3. Keep toxic substances away from your mouth and nose.
- 4. Sugary and salty foods should be limited.
- 5. Limit the intake of saturated fat-containing foods
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is World Hepatitis Day celebrated?
On 28 July, it is the birthday of Nobel-prize winning scientist Baruch Blumberg, the man who discovered Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and developed a vaccine for it.
What is the theme of World Hepatitis Day 2022?
The theme of World Hepatitis Day 2022 is “Bringing hepatitis care closer to you”.
What is the major cause of Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is characterized by the liver inflammation. It may be due to drug use, alcohol consumption, or certain medical conditions. Most of the time, it is caused by a virus. Hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common forms of viral hepatitis.
Does Hepatitis have any vaccines?
The three common types of hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Hepatitis A and B are preventable by vaccination. Hepatitis C does not have a vaccine.
Which type of hepatitis can be cured?
Hepatitis A, B, and C are the three main types of hepatitis. It is possible to treat all types of hepatitis, but only A and C can be cured. Hepatitis A and B infections are usually self-recovering, with no lasting liver damage.
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