Fatigue and Hepatitis C
By: Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
Nearly three out of four patients infected with the
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) suffer from chronic fatigue. Of all of the
infectious diseases symptoms, including fever, flu-like symptoms,
itching, and nausea, excessive tiredness is one of the most common.
While researchers have yet to identify the specific reason causing
the fatigue experienced by individuals with HCV, there are many
contributing factors as well as a number of very likely causes.
Deficient sleep, stress, poor dietary habits, and lack of exercise
can all negatively impact ones level of energy, especially someone
with HCV. Adjusting ones lifestyle to incorporate healthier
choices, such as exercising regularly or consuming more water, is
important for people who want to manage their fatigue.
In addition to some of the above factors, there are more closely
linked reasons related to fatigue and Hepatitis C. Some HCV drug
treatments, including Interferon and Ribavirin (which can cause
anemia), can result in substantial fatigue. An unhealthy liver
marked by advanced disease, offers little help in preventing
fatigue. The difficulty for a compromised liver to produce and
store the bodys source for energy, glucose, is a primary reason for
diminished energy.
Patients with HCV can also adjust their daily activities to better
deal with fatigue. Regularly taking breaks, eating several small
meals as opposed to three large ones, and prioritizing your day are
all small steps that can cumulatively influence and manage fatigue.
Another viable option to reduce excessive tiredness is nutritional
supplements, such as Fatigue Relief Plus, a natural energy
enhancer. However, incorporating nutritional supplements into your
fight against fatigue should first be discussed with a
physician.
The majority of people who have HCV are fatigued. To learn more
about factors that contribute to fatigue, as well as helpful tips
on managing this common Hepatitis C symptom, read this article in
its entirety at
http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2007/04/fatigue_and_hep.html
This article was prepared for Hepatitis-Central.com. Visit us to
learn more about liver health.
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