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While vaccinations and medical treatments play a key role in managing some types of hepatitis, everyday habits can be equally powerful in protecting your liver for a lifetime. From the way you wash your hands to the food you eat and the precautions you take in daily interactions, small steps can significantly reduce your risk of infection. Practising several habits that can serve as the first line of defence against various forms of hepatitis, including types A, B and C, is vital. By understanding how this virus spreads and what environments increase your risk, you can make informed choices to protect both yourself and those around you. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr. Sreenivasa D, Consultant - Gastroenterology, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, shares everyday habits that people must incorporate to protect themselves from hepatitis for life. What Is Hepatitis? Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver. It is usually detected through a blood test called a liver function test (LFT). This test may show elevated levels of bilirubin, or enzymes like SGOT and SGPT (also called AST and ALT). Why Does Hepatitis Occur? Hepatitis can be caused by many things. The most common cause is infection, and even that comes in two types: Waterborne viruses like Hepatitis A and E usually spread through contaminated water or food. Bloodborne viruses like Hepatitis B, C, and D can spread through infected needles, unsafe transfusions, or unprotected sex. Interestingly, Hepatitis D can only affect people who already have Hepatitis B. It's not a solo player. But hepatitis isn't always about viruses. A big chunk of cases also come from medications or toxins, and not just allopathic ones. Many people assume Ayurvedic, homeopathic, and Unani medicines are always safe. Unfortunately, that's not true. Dr. Sreenivasa D states, "We see a lot of liver damage caused by traditional or over-the-counter remedies, especially when taken without proper supervision." Then there's alcohol, a well-known culprit. Regular or binge drinking is one of the most common causes of liver inflammation and long-term damage. How Do You Know If It's Hepatitis? Some people notice yellowing of the eyes or skin. That's jaundice. Others feel nauseous, lose their appetite or just can't tolerate food. Fever can sometimes tag along, especially when the cause is viral. But not everyone gets obvious symptoms. That's what makes hepatitis tricky - it can go unnoticed for a long time. Habits To Protect From Hepatitis (Image Credits: Canva) What Can It Lead To? In severe cases, hepatitis can lead to acute liver failure. Dr. Sreenivasa D explains, "The person might lose consciousness, fall into a coma, or even need an emergency liver transplant. It's rare, but it happens." The bigger concern is long-term damage. Chronic infections - especially from Hepatitis B, C, or D can scar the liver over time. That's called cirrhosis, and it can cause serious complications later in life. Some medicines can also cause cirrhosis. So it's not just about what you eat or drink - it's also about what you swallow in the name of treatment. How Can You Prevent It? Honestly, a few basic habits can protect you from most forms of hepatitis. Here's what matters: Drink Clean, Safe Water Boil and cool your water at home, or use a proper water purifier. When eating out, avoid raw salads or uncooked food, especially at places you don't trust. Out For Shared Tools Never share needles or razors. At salons, check if blades are fresh and instruments are clean. It's not being fussy - it's being careful. Be Smart About Alcohol No one's saying don't ever touch a drink. But avoid binge drinking, and definitely don't make it a daily habit. Your liver needs space to recover. Don't Self-Medicate Just because something is "natural" doesn't mean it's harmless. Avoid popping pills (allopathic or traditional) without knowing how they affect your liver. And don't treat pharmacists like doctors. Get Vaccinated There are safe, reliable vaccines for Hepatitis A and B. Unfortunately, there isn't one for Hepatitis C yet. But getting the Hepatitis B vaccine also protects you from Hepatitis D, which can only happen alongside B. If you haven't been vaccinated yet, now's a good time to speak to your doctor about it. Hepatitis is preventable, and protecting your liver doesn't require complex routines. Just a few daily lifestyle choices - clean water, safe food, avoiding unnecessary drugs and alcohol, and timely vaccination - can keep your liver healthy for life.