Managing Hepatitis B During Acute Phase to Clear the Virus: A True Story of Hope, Change, and Healing

It was spring 2020, the time of the Holi festival in India. Like many others, I was preparing to travel back home to celebrate with my family. While waiting for confirmation of my train ticket, I stayed at a friend’s room—enjoying holidays filled with music, drinks, smoking, and yes, substance use. Back then, I didn’t think much about my health. I was young, energetic, and felt invincible. Until one night, someone noticed something odd.

A young man smiling with hope during sunset, symbolizing recovery, health, and emotional transformation on his journey with Hepatitis B.

The journey of battling with Hepatitis B that transformed me—mentally, emotionally, and physically. A reminder that healing begins with hope and circumstances make the man.

“Your eyes look too yellow. You should get a blood test.”

That sentence changed everything. I looked in the mirror. They were right—my eyes had turned yellow. I shrugged it off as jaundice. I stopped drinking for a few days, thinking it would clear up. But it didn’t. In fact, it got worse.

The Shocking Diagnosis: Hepatitis B Positive

Out of fear, I turned to Google and typed: “What causes jaundice?” The answers were frightening—viral hepatitis, liver disease, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, even cirrhosis.

On March 16, 2020, I rushed to ILBS, New Delhi, and underwent comprehensive blood tests, including:

Hepatitis B test
Hepatitis C test
Liver function test (LFT)
Ultrasound of the abdomen

Two days later, my report came:
I was Hepatitis B positive and followed up with a viral load of 14,000 IU/mL. after five days.

Other alarming markers:

SGOT (AST) – 360 IU/L
SGPT (ALT) – 662 IU/L
Bilirubin total – 2.3 mg/dl
Conjugated bilirubin – 1.2 mg/dl
Unconjugated bilirubin – 1.1 mg/dl

My doctor said I was in the acute phase of hepatitis B. I was prescribed Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) 25mg, one tablet daily for six months. He scheduled a follow-up liver function test (LFT) after two weeks.

The Emotional Crash: Loneliness, Fear, and Stigma

What followed was tougher than any physical pain. Friends became distant. My utensils were kept separately. I felt like I was being isolated, shunned.

I cried silently in the nights. My mind spiraled with thoughts:

What would happen to my wife and child?
Would people gossip about my health?
Am I dying soon?
Is Hepatitis B curable?

I had never felt more lost in my life.

Finding Light in the Darkness: The Power of Community

A few days later, I discovered Facebook groups called Hepatitis B Survivors and Hepatitis B Foundation.

That group saved me.

It was a vibrant global community where people shared knowledge, hope, and personal experiences. I learned a lot from the groups:

Hepatitis B is not a death sentence.
Many people had lived 20–40 years with it.
Some were born with it.
Some had co-infections like hepatitis D or C.
People discussed the symptoms of hepatitis B, such as bloating of stomach, gastric issues, pale-colored stool, lack of appetite, and low bile production.
Many shared tips on liver-friendly foods, the importance of green leafy vegetables, and what to avoid.

That group educated me more than any textbook.

My New Lifestyle: Self-Discipline and Healing

With the group’s inspiration, I radically changed my lifestyle:

✅ Quit drinking and smoking and all substance
✅ No oil in my meals (Thanks to my sister and wife who supported me with zero-oil curries)
✅ Started drinking 4 liters of water daily
✅ Discovered natural, liver-friendly drinks:

Ginger water in the morning
Black coffee without sugar (Coffee is proven beneficial for the liver)
Jeera (cumin) water, which supports bile flow

The Turning Point: How Support, Self Encouraging and Self Learning Changed Everything

That support group changed everything for me. It was more than just shared stories—it was a mirror. I began recognizing my own symptoms in others and slowly started piecing together how deeply my liver health was tied to the way I felt, inside and out. My energy was low, my digestion sluggish, and even my mood felt off. But as I began making small changes—especially in what I ate—I noticed shifts I hadn’t expected. Green vegetables became my daily go-to. They felt soothing, gentle, and surprisingly powerful. My body felt lighter, my mind clearer, and for the first time in a long while, I didn’t feel weighed down from the inside.

Even small meals used to leave me bloated and uncomfortable. That’s when I began splitting my portions—eating half now, half later—and it made a real difference. My mornings became sacred. I would start the day with a glass of warm ginger water or cumin water, and sometimes black pepper water, all on an empty stomach. These simple drinks weren’t just soothing; they became a kind of quiet morning ritual that helped me reconnect with my body. They eased the heaviness in my belly, reduced the bloating, and somehow brought a sense of balance I hadn’t felt in years. It wasn’t about strict rules—it was about listening to what felt right.

Over time, I became more intentional and careful with every bite I took. No fried food, no alcohol, no processed junk—only clean, nourishing meals. This discipline began to reflect in more than just my digestion. My mind felt sharper, my mood more stable, and I started noticing my own habits and thoughts in a way I never had before. When the more obvious symptoms of hepatitis B began to fade, something deeper started to heal too. I was no longer just recovering—I was rebuilding. I valued my body, respected its limits, and felt a sense of pride in the small wins that added up each day. This journey didn’t just restore my health; it reshaped how I lived.

Foods I Recommend: Best Foods and Drinks for Hepatitis Patients

One of the biggest turning points in my recovery journey was realizing how much food influences healing—especially when dealing with liver conditions like hepatitis. A healthy liver needs support from the gut, bile duct, and overall digestive system, and the right foods can make a huge difference in how you feel every single day.

When your liver is under stress, it may struggle with low bile production, which can affect digestion and result in symptoms like oily stool, light yellow or pale yellow stool, bloating of the stomach, and a constant heavy tummy feeling after meals. To support bile duct health and promote better gut health, I began focusing on liver-friendly meals and natural drinks that are easy to digest and rich in nutrients.

Here are the best foods and drinks I recommend for anyone managing hepatitis or working on improving liver health:

🌿 Vegetables That Support a Healthy Liver

Green vegetables (like spinach, kale, and broccoli): These are rich in chlorophyll and fiber, great for detoxifying the liver and improving gut function.

Cabbage and beetroot: Known for their cleansing properties and their ability to support bile flow.

Carrots: High in beta-carotene and antioxidants that nourish the liver.

Milk Thistle: While not a vegetable, this herb is a powerhouse for liver health, often consumed as a supplement or tea. Its active compound, silymarin, has been shown to protect liver cells, promote regeneration, and enhance detoxification by boosting antioxidant activity.

Moringa (Moringa oleifera): This nutrient-dense superfood, distinct from typical vegetables, is rich in antioxidants like quercetin and chlorogenic acid. Moringa supports liver health by protecting liver cells from oxidative stress and enhancing detoxification processes.

A plate of fresh salad daily—lightly seasoned, oil-free—became a staple in my diet. It not only kept my digestion smooth but made me feel energized and clean inside.

Incorporating a daily fresh salad—lightly seasoned and oil-free—with these ingredients can keep digestion smooth, boost energy, and promote a clean, healthy feeling inside.

🍋 Morning Drinks That Reset the Gut

Jeera water (cumin water): A powerful drink for bloating and digestion. I drank it warm on an empty stomach, and it helped reduce stomach discomfort and kick-started my digestion.

Warm lemon water: A gentle cleanser for the liver, this helped support bile production and relieved the heavy feeling in my tummy.

Ginger water: Great for nausea, digestion, and boosting metabolism while being kind to the liver.

Black pepper water: This surprisingly effective drink reduced bloating and helped me feel lighter through the day.

Sometimes I added a teaspoon of honey to warm water for natural sweetness and its soothing effects on my gut.

🍎 Fruits: Nature’s Medicine for the Liver

Eating lots of fruits was another game-changer. They provided hydration, fiber, and healing nutrients without putting pressure on my liver. I focused on fruits that were naturally detoxifying, such as:

Apples

Papaya

Pomegranate

Watermelon

Berries (especially blueberries and strawberries)

📝 My Golden Rule for Liver Recovery

Keep it light. Keep it clean. Keep it simple. Avoid greasy foods, fried items, and anything that slows digestion. The less burden you place on your liver, the more energy it has to heal. Drink lots of water. Bye-bye junk foods. The liver normally takes two to three weeks to cleanse itself, and it can regenerate on its own. Just watch your foods and give it time. In the meantime, do exercises. Do not worry—your liver will come back to normal. Just correct your diet and be patient.

These foods and drinks weren’t just part of a diet—they became a lifestyle. Together, they supported gut health, reduced bloating, encouraged bile flow, and helped ease the symptoms that come with hepatitis. Over time, I felt my body respond with clarity, lightness, and real strength.

Hope Tested Again: A Time of Financial Struggles

Despite improvements, life wasn’t easy. The COVID-19 pandemic shut down workplaces. I had no income to even revisit my doctor. I couldn’t afford hepatitis B medication anymore.

But I believed in my healing.

More than two years passed. In May 2022, I finally managed to visit JNIMS Hospital, a government facility. I got a viral load test and repeated my LFT.

The results?

🧪 Viral Load: Undetectable
🧪 Liver Function Test: Normal
🧪 AST, ALT, ALP: Within normal range

Some Very Frequently Asked Questions About Hepatitis and Digestion

Q1: Does hepatitis affect bile production?

Yes, it can. The liver produces bile, which helps your body digest fats. When the liver is inflamed due to hepatitis, bile production may decrease, leading to digestive issues like oily stools or bloating.

Q2: Why is my stool pale yellow or clay-colored during hepatitis?

Pale yellow or light-colored stools often indicate that not enough bile is reaching your intestines. This can happen when the bile ducts are inflamed or blocked, which is common during active hepatitis.

Q3: What’s the connection between bile and digestion?

Bile breaks down fats into smaller pieces so your gut can absorb them easily. Without enough bile, fat digestion suffers — you may feel full, heavy, or bloated after eating, and your stool may look oily or float.

Q4: Does hepatitis cause dull pain under the right rib?

Yes, many people with hepatitis B or C report a dull ache or pressure under the right rib cage. That’s where your liver is located, and inflammation or swelling can cause discomfort there.

Essential Facts About Hepatitis You Should Know

Hepatitis B is a viral hepatitis that can be managed and possibly cleared in the acute phase.
Can hepatitis B be cured?
– It depends. Chronic cases may require lifelong meds, but acute cases, like mine, can achieve seroconversion and undetectable viral load.
Does hepatitis B have a vaccine?
– Yes. It’s highly effective and is the best prevention.
How is hepatitis B transmitted?
– Through infected blood, semen, childbirth, and sharing contaminated needles.
Which hepatitis causes jaundice?
– All types (A, B, C, D, E) can cause jaundice, but it’s especially visible in acute hepatitis A and B.
Is hepatitis A contagious?
– Yes. It's spread through contaminated food or water but usually self-limiting.
Which hepatitis is more dangerous? Which is the worst?

Chronic hepatitis B and C are considered most dangerous due to long-term risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Hepatitis B Treatment and Prevention FAQs

1. What is the best antiviral medicine for hepatitis B?

Entecavir (Baraclude) and tenofovir are preferred due to high potency and low resistance rates. Lamivudine (Epivir) and adefovir (Hepsera) are less favored due to higher resistance risks. A liver specialist should determine the best option based on viral load and liver health.

2. Can hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) protect against hepatitis B if given within 24 hours of exposure?
Yes, HBIG can prevent infection if given within 24 hours of HBV exposure, often with the hepatitis B vaccine for optimal protection.

3. What is the use of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG)?
HBIG provides temporary antibodies to prevent HBV infection in cases like post-exposure prophylaxis, mother-to-child transmission, or liver transplantation.

4. Can HBIG prevent hepatitis B transmission from mother to child during birth?

Yes, HBIG, given with the hepatitis B vaccine within 12–24 hours of birth, reduces transmission risk by up to 90% in infants of HBV-positive mothers.

5. Can the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of a child’s birth protect against hepatitis B?

Yes, the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, given within 24 hours of birth, significantly reduces the risk of hepatitis B infection, especially in infants born to HBV-positive mothers. When combined with hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG), it provides up to 90% protection against mother-to-child transmission. Completing the full vaccine series (typically 3 doses) is essential for long-term immunity. Due to this effectiveness, many countries, including the United States, mandate the hepatitis B vaccine at birth for all infants.

Final Thoughts: Hepatitis B Is Not the End—It’s a New Beginning

If you’ve been diagnosed with hepatitis B, don’t panic. I know the fear, confusion, and isolation that hits you right after hearing those words. But believe me—you’re not alone.

In 2022, an estimated 254 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B worldwide—and each year, about 1.5 million new infections are reported. But there’s hope: 90–95% of adults who contract acute hepatitis B recover fully and do not develop chronic infection. Even among chronic cases, the annual risk of developing liver cancer is relatively low—less than 1% in people without cirrhosis, and around 2–4% in those with cirrhosis. This is a silent pandemic, and we need to raise our voices to encourage the World Health Organization and big pharmaceutical companies to speed up development of a complete cure. Some are already in Phase III trials, and the future looks promising. But until those drugs are available in stores, we must protect ourselves, manage our health and protect our loved ones.

Here’s what helped me, and what can help you too:

✅ Follow your hepatitis B treatment plan (like taking medications such as Tenofovir alafenamide – TAF regularly)
✅ Know your LFT, AST, ALT, ALP, and bilirubin levels—and monitor them periodically
✅ Choose liver-friendly foods and cut down on processed oils, alcohol, and junk
✅ Maintain a healthy immune system through sleep, hydration, and stress management
✅ Watch for liver disease symptoms like low appetite, bloating, pale-colored stool, and fatigue—these are signs your liver is asking for help
✅ Remember: Alcoholic hepatitis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease can both damage your liver silently
✅ Learn to manage gastric issues, and pay attention to your gut health

Protecting Others Is Just as Important

One of the things I’m most proud of is that I vaccinated all my family members against hepatitis B. That simple act gave me peace of mind. I also started using separate personal hygiene kits—my own nail cutter, razor, toothbrush, and tongue cleaner—and I keep them isolated, just to be safe. Even though they may never use mine, it’s a simple and loving way to reduce hepatitis B transmission risk, since the virus can spread through blood-contaminated tools like those.

So, if you haven't already, please—encourage your loved ones to get vaccinated. The hepatitis B vaccine is safe, effective, and the best prevention.

Don’t Fall for False Promises

Please don’t believe every claim you see on social media about miracle hepatitis B cures. Many of them are misleading, untested, and can waste your money—or worse, harm your health. You don’t need secret potions or expensive schemes. What you really need is self-discipline, a supportive routine, the right food, and self-love.

Live Fully, Don’t Fearfully

Hepatitis B is not a death sentence. In fact, it can be a wake-up call—a reminder to treat your body with respect, to cherish your time, and to live intentionally. Don’t think too much or let fear consume you. Sometimes, overthinking makes the illness feel bigger than it actually is. Stress can weaken your immune system, so stay positive and avoid unnecessary worry, as it can steal your happiness. Value your health. Laugh often—enjoy a comedy show or listen to your favorite music to lift your spirits. This makes your immune system stronger. Eat well, focusing on liver-supporting foods. Spend time with friends as you did before, maintaining those connections that bring joy.

Talk to your doctor sometimes to monitor your condition and follow their guidance. By taking care of yourself—eating well, resting, and staying positive—you strengthen your immune system. A strong immune system can make your body less hospitable to the virus, encouraging it to weaken or clear over time. Live fully, love yourself, and let your body’s resilience shine. You are not broken but you are healing!

And life, even with hepatitis B, is still absolutely worth living to the fullest, just follow your dream.

BetterLifeVibes