Cirrhosis is the final stage of chronic liver disease. It can become a fatal condition if it progresses to the liver’s failure or cirrhosis becomes irreversible. Cirrhosis also brings with it some unpleasant symptoms such as jaundice and encephalopathy. There is no cure for cirrhosis, but it can be treated and managed. In San Antonio, Texas, you’ll find specialists willing to control cirrhosis symptoms. In some cases, the progression of cirrhosis can even vanish. Book an appointment with a San Antonio Cirrhosis specialist. Here are ways to help prevent cirrhosis from worsening.
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Take Healthy Meals
Eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential for everyone, especially for those with cirrhosis. A healthy diet can help prevent the progression of liver disease and help manage some of the symptoms. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy.
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Limit Alcohol Intake
Alcohol consumption is a significant cause of cirrhosis. If you drink alcohol, it is vital to limit your intake. The recommended limit for men is no more than two drinks per day, and for women, no more than one drink per day.
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Exercise Regularly
Exercise has many benefits, including helping to prevent the progression of chronic diseases such as cirrhosis. Exercise can help improve liver function and also helps to reduce obesity, which is a risk factor for cirrhosis.
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Reduce Your Risk of Infection
If you have cirrhosis, it is essential to reduce your risk of infection. This means avoiding close contact with sick people and washing your hands often. It is also vital to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, as these viruses can worsen liver damage.
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Monitor Your Liver Function
If you have cirrhosis, it is crucial to monitor your liver function. This can be done with blood tests that measure the levels of enzymes in your liver. These tests can help detect early signs of liver damage and allow for early treatment.
It is paramount to have regular check-ups with your doctor if you have cirrhosis. This includes routine blood tests and scans, and other tests to evaluate the health of your liver.
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Get Vaccinated
If you have cirrhosis, getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. These viruses can cause liver damage and worsen. It’s crucial to vaccinate against flu and pneumonia as well. People with cirrhosis are at a higher risk for these respiratory infections, which can be very serious.
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Be Careful With Medications
Some medications can be harmful to those with cirrhosis. It is pivotal to discuss your medications with your doctor and be especially careful when taking over-the-counter medications.
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Stay Hydrated
It is beneficial to drink plenty of fluids if you have cirrhosis. This helps keep the liver functioning well and helps prevent dehydration, which can be dangerous. Drink eight to ten glasses of water or other fluids every day.
If you or someone you know has cirrhosis, it is vital to be aware of the ways to help prevent the condition from worsening. You can do many things to keep your liver healthy and reduce the risk of further damage. Follow these tips and talk to your doctor about any concerns.
