Tips to Prevent Hepatitis and Keep Your Liver Healthy

Christopher Christensen, M.D.

Board Certified Gastroenterologist

Gastroenterology Associates of Baton Rouge

Despite playing a vital role in nearly every aspect of our health, the liver rarely gets the attention it deserves until something goes wrong. For many Americans, liver disease can be a silent threat, especially when it comes to hepatitis, a condition that often progresses without symptoms until serious damage has occurred.

As a gastroenterologist, I see firsthand how easily liver health can slip under the radar. Many patients are surprised to learn that the liver performs over 500 vital functions, including processing nutrients, filtering toxins, regulating blood sugar and supporting immune function. It even produces bile to help digest fats and stores important vitamins and minerals. Yet for all its critical roles, the liver is surprisingly vulnerable to damage from viruses, lifestyle habits and environmental toxins.

Understanding Hepatitis and Its Impact

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver. While there are several types of hepatitis, ranging from viral to alcohol- or medication-induced, the most common forms in the U.S. are viral hepatitis A, B and C. Each is caused by a different virus and spreads in different ways, but all can interfere with the liver’s ability to function.

Hepatitis A is typically contracted through contaminated food or water and usually causes an acute, short-term illness. Hepatitis B and C, on the other hand, are often spread through blood and bodily fluids, such as during unprotected sex, shared needles or exposure to contaminated medical equipment. These infections can linger for years without noticeable symptoms, slowly causing inflammation and scarring that may eventually lead to liver failure, cirrhosis or even liver cancer.

It’s important to note that not all hepatitis is viral. Excessive alcohol use, certain medications, exposure to toxins and autoimmune disorders can also lead to liver inflammation and long-term damage. Conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is linked to obesity and poor diet, are becoming increasingly common in the U.S. and can progress to cirrhosis just like viral hepatitis if left untreated.

Risk Factors and Symptoms

While anyone can develop hepatitis, certain populations face higher risks. Individuals who inject drugs, health care workers, people with HIV and those living in communities with limited access to sanitation are all more likely to encounter hepatitis. Even people with no known exposure risks can carry the virus unknowingly.

One of the biggest challenges in treating hepatitis is its ability to remain hidden for so long. Many people live with the virus for decades without experiencing symptoms. When signs do appear, they may include persistent fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, pale stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) or unexplained weight loss. These symptoms are often misattributed to less serious causes, which is why regular screening is so important, particularly for people in higher-risk groups.

The Case for Screening and Early Detection

Routine screening can be a lifesaving tool. Because hepatitis can be asymptomatic for years, many people discover they have the virus only after bloodwork reveals abnormal liver enzyme levels. The good news is that testing is simple. A standard hepatitis panel can detect the presence of the virus, and additional tests like liver function panels or imaging scans such as a FibroScan can help assess the extent of liver damage.

National health guidelines now recommend universal hepatitis B and C screening for all adults over the age of 18. Pregnant women are also advised to be screened during each pregnancy. These recommendations reflect a growing understanding that early detection leads to better outcomes, and in the case of hepatitis C, even a cure.

Steps to Protect Your Liver

Fortunately, there are several effective ways to prevent hepatitis and promote long-term liver health. Vaccination is one of the most important tools available. Safe and effective vaccines exist for both hepatitis A and B, and they are especially important for children, health care workers and individuals at higher risk of infection.

Beyond vaccines, healthy lifestyle choices can significantly reduce your risk of liver disease. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in whole foods like leafy greens, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins supports liver function and helps prevent conditions like fatty liver disease. Staying physically active, managing blood sugar and cholesterol, and limiting processed foods and sugary drinks are all essential habits for liver health.

Alcohol should be consumed in moderation, if at all. It remains one of the leading causes of liver damage in the U.S. Likewise, it’s crucial to use medications, especially acetaminophen, with care. Many over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements can strain the liver, particularly when combined with alcohol or taken in large doses.

Practicing safe hygiene and personal habits also matters. Avoiding the sharing of personal items such as razors, toothbrushes or needles can reduce your risk of exposure. If you’re considering a tattoo or piercing, be sure the facility follows proper sterilization protocols to avoid contact with infected blood.

Taking Control of Your Liver Health

The liver is one of the few organs in the body that can regenerate itself, but only if the damage is caught early and the root causes are addressed. That’s why awareness, prevention and early intervention are so vital.

Take the opportunity to learn about your own liver health. If you haven’t been screened for hepatitis or if you’re unsure whether you’ve been vaccinated, talk to your health care provider. Small actions like scheduling a routine blood test or improving your diet can have a lifelong impact.

Your liver works tirelessly for you every single day. Take the steps now to return the favor.

Christopher Christensen, M.D., is fascinated by the digestive system and enjoys the diversity within the system and the diversity of splitting his days between procedures and clinic. He specializes in hepatology and enjoys travel and golf in his spare time. Christensen received his undergraduate degree from Nicholls State University, his medical degree from LSU Health Sciences Center, and completed his internship, residency and fellowship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Christensen is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology, the Louisiana Gastroenterology Society and the American Gastroenterology Association.