Hepatitis C Patients - Drink More Coffee For a Healthier Liver

Most people don't think twice about their morning cup of coffee; it's a normal part of their daily routine. But if you're battling a liver disease, you've probably found yourself questioning whether coffee consumption is a wise choice. Many people with Hepatitis C have likely been given a laundry list of foods and drinks to avoid due to the potentially negative effect they might have on an already weakened liver. This could mean that the number of cups of coffee they drink each day has lessened over time. However, researchers have been studying the effects of coffee on a compromised liver for a while and, while the preliminary results indicate that coffee consumption has more positive effects than negative ones, the evidence is truly inconclusive about whether someone with Hepatitis C should or should not avoid this stimulating beverage.

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Study results show a noticeable decrease in the extent of liver damage in those people who consume coffee regularly, including lower enzyme levels, less severe liver damage and a reduced risk of developing type-2 diabetes. Based on these results, it appears that the progression of liver damage is directly affected, in a positive manner, by coffee consumption.

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It's important not to misinterpret these study results; they certainly don't insinuate that you should rush out and drink ten cups of coffee a day to try and protect your liver. That simply won't work. Keep in mind that very few people drink their coffee black. Most people add heaping amounts of sugar or artificial sweeteners to their daily cup of joe, and this poses its own set of health risks.

The bottom line is that coffee drinkers who have Hepatitis C can breathe a sigh of relief - they need not abandon their favorite morning beverage due to their condition. However, as with many things in life, moderation is the key when it comes to coffee consumption while battling a liver disease.

Learn more about the benefits of coffee drinking with Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C Patients - Drink More Coffee For a Healthier Liver

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How Hepatitis C Can Affect a Patient's Sex Life

Though a direct link has not yet been confirmed, living with Hepatitis C can negatively impact the sex lives of patients. Fatigue and depression, two side effects of chronic Hepatitis C, both play a role in decreasing an individual's interest in sex. Antiviral medications used to treat the virus can also result in reduced libido and sexual dysfunction. In addition to a reduced sex drive, some people experience erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, and lack of sexual satisfaction.

Decreased sexual desire and erectile dysfunction in men can also be attributed to altering levels of hormones caused by advanced liver disease. Men with advanced liver disease may even experience testicular dysfunction, loss of body hair, and an enlargement of their breasts. Many of these ramifications of advanced liver disease occur because of the disease's tendency to decrease the body's level of testosterone while increasing its estrogen level. Testosterone levels can also be affected by the consumption of too much alcohol. Men with Hepatitis C and advanced liver disease who drink large quantities of alcoholic beverages are then highly susceptible to sexual dysfunction.

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A waning interest in sex is not limited to men. Women with Hepatitis C who are on
interferon and ribavirin therapy may experience vaginal dryness, potentially leading to a reduced desire for sexual activity. While topical estrogen and progesterone creams and oral estrogen supplements can ease the dryness, some risks are involved.

As you can see, sexual dysfunction affects both men and women. Whether caused by antiviral medications, advanced liver disease, fatigue or depression, Hepatitis C can severely impact a patient's ability to have a normal and healthy functioning sex life. A sensitive topic for everyone, learning to open up and discuss sexual dysfunction with a physician can help improve a patient's quality of life.

How Hepatitis C Can Affect a Patient's Sex Life

ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS