According to MayoClinc.com, Hepatitis B is a liver infection that is transmitted through bodily fluids. In adults, the acute stage of the infection should only last a few weeks, although it may develop into a chronic disorder. Chronic Hepatitis B can cause scarring of the liver, liver failure and liver cancer. One of the symptoms of Hepatitis B is fatigue and reduced aerobic capacity.
Hepatitis B and Aerobic Capacity
During the acute phase of the Hepatitis B infection, patients should expect to have very low energy levels, muscle aches and joint pain. The low energy levels associated with acute Hepatitis B mean that exercise is not recommended during this phase. Not every patient experiences the same symptoms, so it is important to consult with your doctor to ascertain whether exercise is appropriate for your condition. Researchers at King Saud University in Saudi Arabia developed a test to measure the aerobic capacity of individuals with liver complications. They recorded how far each participant could walk in a six minute period. Their findings concluded that individuals with Hepatitis B consistently walked for shorter distances than healthy individuals due to decreased aerobic capacity.
Exercise Program for Hepatitis B
Dr. Melissa Palmer at LiverDisease.com recommends exercise for patients who have passed the acute phase of Hepatitis B. Palmer argues that exercise is instrumental for patients to recover their energy levels. The fatigue of a Heptatitis B patient is often related to the increased effort required by the heart and liver to circulate filtered blood throughout the body. Exercises that are recommended after the acute phase of Hepatitis B are gentle aerobic exercises, such as walking, swimming, yoga and tai chi.
Staying Hydrated with Hepatitis B
It is important to know what the adequate water consumption is for your body. It is always recommended to stay hydrated during and after exercises, but for Hepatitis B patients, this is especially important. Patients taking the liver medication interferon must drink more water to stay properly hydrated. All individuals with liver disorders who are on a sodium-restricted diet should check the sodium levels present in mineral water.
Considerations
According to the study of liver disorder patients at King Saud University, how far a patient could walk for six minutes was an accurate predictor of overall health and mortality rate. Increasing your aerobic capacity through gentle to moderate aerobic activity and strength training may increase your long-term Hepatitis B prognosis. The Hepatitis B Foundation recommends regular exercise as a way to strengthen your recovery through healthy life choices.
