According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Han Anh, Vice President of the China Liver and Gallbladder Association, Head of the Department of Gastroenterology, Tay Kinh Hospital under the University of Military Medicine and Air Force (China), when mentioning hepatitis, many people often immediately think of hepatitis A, B or C viruses.
However, in reality, the liver can also be damaged by many other causes such as alcohol, metabolic disorders, autoimmune diseases, drugs, toxic chemicals or parasites.
Experts recommend that people should simultaneously implement many measures to protect the liver and prevent hepatitis.
Proactive screening and periodic health check-ups
People diagnosed with viral hepatitis need early treatment to reduce the risk of transmission to relatives. People living together should also be tested to detect the disease if any. In addition, personal items such as toothbrushes, razors or tools that may be stained with blood should be used separately.
Full vaccination
Vaccines are the most effective measure to prevent hepatitis B - the leading cause of chronic liver disease. There is currently no hepatitis C vaccine, so it is necessary to avoid contact with blood at risk of infection, do not share needles, tattooing tools or sharp objects, and practice safe sex.
Maintain a healthy diet and control weight
The liver is the metabolic center of the body. Overweight, obesity and a diet high in fat and sugar will increase the risk of fatty liver disease and many other chronic liver diseases.
Limit alcohol
Drinking a lot of alcohol and beer for a long time can damage liver cells, leading to alcoholic hepatitis, fatty liver, cirrhosis and increasing the risk of liver cancer.
Do not arbitrarily use drugs or functional foods
Many drugs and products of unknown origin can be toxic to the liver. Patients should only use drugs as prescribed by a doctor. For drugs that may affect the liver, such as statin-type blood lipid reduction drugs, liver function should be monitored periodically during treatment.
Experts also recommend not to trust "family remedies", "panaceas" or traditional medicines, functional foods of unknown ingredients because they can increase the risk of liver damage.
