Looking after yourself

Diet and exercise

If you have hepatitis D or E you do not have to follow a special diet. Just like anybody else, you should eat a balanced diet. This means eating regular meals, including plenty of fruit and vegetables and avoiding fatty and sugary foods.

Many people with chronic disease experience fatigue and lack of energy. People who have hepatitis E often feel tired and need more rest than usual.

To keep up stamina, most people need two portions of food a day which provide a good source of
protein, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, pulses, beans, cheese, milk and milk products.

If you have a chronic form of hepatitis it is important that you know your limits and plan your activities carefully. Make sure you leave adequate time for relaxation and recovery between both normal and more strenuous activities.

Alcohol

Avoid alcohol altogether if you can, particularly if you have a chronic infection. Drinking alcohol will speed up damage to your liver. Even with a milder infection such as hepatitis E, it is worth approaching alcohol with caution.

If you cannot manage staying away, drink as little as possible and not more than the recommended amount of alcohol (21 units per week for men and 14 for women).

But remember that these guidelines are for people without a liver condition.