Hepatitis

What is hepatitis?

Hepatitis is when the liver is inflamed.

Types of hepatitis

There are 5 types of viral hepatitis: A, B, C, D, and E.

  • Hepatitis A is caused by Hepatitis A virus. The virus is in the poop and blood of infected people.
  • Hepatitis B is caused by Hepatitis B virus. The virus is in the body fluids of infected people.
  • Hepatitis C is caused by Hepatitis C virus. The virus is in the blood of infected people.
  • Hepatitis D is caused by Hepatitis D virus. Only people with Hepatitis B can get Hepatitis D. The virus is in the body fluid of infected people.
  • Hepatitis E is caused by Hepatitis E virus. The virus is in the poop of infected people.
What are causes?
  • Hepatitis virus
What are some symptoms?
  • Skin and whites of eyes turn yellow (jaundice)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Joint pain
  • Dark urine
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Fever
What to do?
  • Limit salt
  • Limit fatty foods
  • Limit sugary food
  • Choose a variety of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein
  • Drink at least 8 cups of water
  • Consult a doctor or dietitian before making big changes
  1. Hepatitis. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/hepatitis. Published September 1, 2019. Accessed December 5, 2020.
  2. What is Viral Hepatitis? Center for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/abc/index.htm. Updated July 28, 2020. Accessed December 9, 2020.
  3. VA.gov: Veterans Affairs. U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. https://www.hepatitis.va.gov/hcv/patient/diet/single-page.asp. Published October 18, 2018. Accessed January 19, 2021.
  4. Viral Hepatitis: Nutrition Guide for Clinicians. PCRM's Nutrition Guide for Clinicians. https://nutritionguide.pcrm.org/nutritionguide/view/Nutrition_Guide_for_Clinicians/1342052/all/Viral_Hepatitis. Accessed January 20, 2021.