Exercise for Hepatitis C

#Exercise

Exercise play an important role in Liver Health and boost’s the immune system. Regular exercise will increase energy levels, decrease stress on the Liver, and in many cases even delay the onset of certain complications associated with the Liver Disease. Your energy level can be boosted by even 10 minute walk or other exercise. Start with small blocks of time and continue to add extra minutes when you can. Small changes make big difference.

Exercise for Weight Loss with Hepatitis C

Along with a healthy diet, regular exercise is the best way to maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight puts stress on the entire body, and the liver is no exception. Specifically, extra weight increases the number of fat cells in the liver, which can contribute to fatty liver disease and liver damage. Being overweight also contributes to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, which can speed the progression of liver disease in hepatitis C.

“There is some evidence that having excess fat in the liver, insulin resistance, and being overweight can accelerate the progression of liver damage in those with hepatitis C,”

Exercise to Ease Side Effects of Hepatitis C Treatment

In addition to helping you maintain a healthy weight, regular exercise may help counter some of the side effects commonly associated with hepatitis C treatments, such as fatigue and depression. “In our experience, patients undergoing some therapies who also exercise tend to tolerate therapy much better than individuals who do not exercise,” says Ghany.

For instance, a small 2013 study showed that exercise could improve not only aerobic capacity and strength but also pain and symptoms of depression in people with hepatitis C.

“Overall, exercise probably does help people feel better, but we don’t have data to support whether it helps diminish symptoms of untreated hepatitis C,” Ghany says. So although exercise is beneficial, it doesn't replace medication for hepatitis C.

How to Exercise With Hepatitis C

According to Jensen and Ghany, there are no specific exercise recommendations for people with hepatitis C. But there is some evidence that suggests moderate-intensity exercise may be especially beneficial. For example, a 2011 study showed that people with hepatitis C could safely walk as a form of aerobic exercise, which improved their insulin resistance and reduced body fat.

Overall, exercise recommendations for people with hepatitis C are the same as for the general population: at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity most days of the week, and muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week.

When you're living with hepatitis C, talk with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine. “Exercise potentially has some negative side effects for people with advanced liver disease if they’re doing strenuous or heavy lifting,” says Jensen. "But for those with mild to moderate liver function, there is no reason not to start an exercise program and then increase as tolerated.”

He suggests exercises that use large muscle groups, like walking, running, or swimming. “That’s what we would recommend for people with hepatitis C — or for anyone,” he says.