Hydration
Staying hydrated is very important in treating HCV. Water helps take care of some of the side effects of antiviral drugs. Alexea Gaffney-Adams, MD [3], an infectious disease specialist in New York, advises drinking at least 6 to 8glasses of water per day. She also advises taking 2cups of water for every caffeinated beverage. To make it easier to take more water and commit to it, follow these steps.
- Get a water bottle, fill it with water, and have one everywhere you go.
- You can download apps that remind you to drink water or set an alarm on your phone.
- A slice of cucumber, lemon, or lime in water would give it flavor and make it more refreshing.
- Take fruits that contain a lot of water like oranges and watermelon.
No Alcohol Intake
During the course of treating Hepatitis C infections, alcohol must not be consumed at all. In a healthy body, too much alcohol causes liver damage. Alcohol acts as a catalyst for liver disease, so taking it while treating hepatitis C would only worsen and complicate the condition. Therefore, to treat and cure Hepatitis C infections, you must let go of alcohol completely.