Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver and hepatitis B carriers are at an increased risk of liver disease such as cirrhosis and liver failure. Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus and can be spread through blood and body fluids of an infected person. Therefore, as a carrier, you should practice safe lifestyle habits that will prevent the passing of virus on to others. These include:
• Practice protected sex
• Never share syringes or needles
• Avoid unnecessary blood transfusions
• Cover all cuts, blisters, and open sores with a bandage
• Do not share cigarettes, nail clipper, scissors and other personal items such as toothbrush and razor with close
  contacts

Reduce the frequency of eating out and at the same time, avoid alcohol and cigarette smoking as it can cause further damage to the liver. Liver is an important organ that plays major functions in the body and milk thistle is believed to have protective effects on the liver. This herb is best combined with dandelion for synergistic effect and acts as a liver tonic that improves liver health.

Hepatitis B carriers usually do not feel sick and with proper lifestyle modifications and supplementations, it can help prevent further complication as well as protect your close contacts from being infected.

Cigarette smoking is addictive and a majority of us find it hard to stop smoking. Quitting smoking requires determination, commitment as well as support from your family and friends. Below are some suggestions that may be helpful:
• Reduce the amount of cigarettes gradually.
• Get some exercise every day. It is a great way to reduce stress and improve general well-being which will make you feel
  more confident.
• Identify and avoid your smoking triggers. Whenever you crave for a cigarette, eat your favourite foods or snacks. It can
  help reduce cravings by fulfilling the oral desires that you may have.
• Keep reminding yourself the reasons for quitting and think of all the benefits to your health, finances and family.

Smoking causes oxidative stress due to increased cumulative exposure to harmful substances. As such, smokers need antioxidant nutrients to scavenge the free radicals formed, which in turn will help prevent damage to the elements of bloodstream and protect body tissues. Vitamins C and E as well as minerals, zinc and selenium are potent antioxidants which are essential. The herbs, milk thistle and dandelion may also help reduce toxic loads by promoting detoxification and cleansing the liver of harmful substances.

Fatty liver refers to excessive accumulation of fat in liver cells and it is the most common alcohol-induced liver disorder. A fatty liver disorder produces no symptoms on its own and treatment is often aimed at correcting the underlying condition that causes it and nutritional support. If left untreated, this disorder may progress to more severe disease such as alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis.

In fatty liver caused by alcoholism, it is highly advisable to stop alcohol consumption altogether and eat a well-balanced diet. Increase your fruits and vegetables intake. Manage your weight by doing exercise or physical activity such as brisk walking or cycling daily.

Lecithin is one of the best supplements to support liver functions. The main constituent of lecithin, phosphatidyl choline (PC) increases the solubility of cholesterol and break down the fatty deposits in the blood stream. Regular intake of high PC-lecithin may reduce liver damage and speeds up liver recovery. Besides lecithin, herbs like milk thistle are also beneficial for liver health by improving liver detoxification. A milk thistle supplement that is standardised to 80% silybin (most active constituent in milk thistle) contains potent liver-protective substances that are known to benefit liver damage due to alcohol abuse.