Hepatitis B and alcohol

[LittleShrew]

I was wondering what are your views on alcohol use for people with hepatitis B. I am feeling a bit disappointed that my Dr never has discussed this with me. I try not to drink at most of the times. However, I would have a few drinks on special occasions, such as birthdays or holidays. Should I go tea total or a few drinks is OK? What guidance you have had?

[AyrshireK]

Usually when your liver is stressed or under attack already - as by your Hep B - it would be wise to avoid adding to that stress by not adding alcohol to the mix. Everything you ingest has to be processed by your poorly liver. Obviously it's a choice for you to make but alcohol may stress your liver further and lead to greater damage.

[LittleShrew in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you 😊👍

[marknash67]

T total mate. It's life and death for you now. Hep b and you still drink... that not good. Best of luck

[LittleShrew in reply to marknash67]

Thank you 😊

[LittleShrew in reply to marknash67]

Thank you 😊

[Oldbits]

Hi, best not to, as has been said. Avoid anything (alcohol,salt, preservatives etc) that can put a poorly liver under stress to give it the best chance. There are some good alternatives out there now and a lot more places seem to serve a choice now. Even our small village pub has a choice! Weve found it quite fun testing out the choices, rating them as a family as we have all gone tee total to support my hubbie. Take care x

[LittleShrew in reply to Oldbits]

Thank you 😊

[BoHo73 in reply to Oldbits]

Have you actually found an non alcoholic wine that tastes ok? I haven't bothered looking as I've dug out my sodastream,cordials,ice cubes and lemon and lime slices. Found some nice recipes for matcha fruit smoothies (limited because of the caffeine) as well. Fancy getting a 0% alcohol gin(botanical mix- which my OH insists is just posh squash) for Christmas day- any recommendations?

[LittleShrew in reply to BoHo73]

I find that non alcoholic rose is better than red or white nonalcoholic wine. I am not much of a beer fun. But I have started drinking nonalcoholic beer. 😊 I find that drinking sugary nonalcoholic drinks is not great either.

[BoHo73 in reply to LittleShrew]

No to the sugar (as per my other reply) ... but I don't really want to try ruining my wine memories by drinking pretend wines. We spent a lot of time in France and Italy wine sampling, wine tasting, wine drinking- you get the idea and hence my diagnosis. We were always pretty picky about taste,body and quality so I don't think I'll bother with the pretend stuff. Same thing with beers- quality and taste mattered and I don't think CAMRA do a range of alcohol free ales,porters or stouts.I'll just stick to flavoured sparkling water 🙂

[Oldbits in reply to BoHo73]

We also dug out the soda stream too 🙂

[BoHo73 in reply to Oldbits]

Tanquery seems to do an interesting one. My mother won't buy it for a Christmas present as she sees it as a 'gateway drug ' 🤭🤭.

[BumbleCat in reply to BoHo73]

The best non-alcoholic wine is called Freixenet 0% alcohol. Approx £4.50 a bottle and is sold in Morrisons and Tesco. The best and just like Prosecco! Nothing like the nosecco stuff, which is horrid!

Also, Tesco’s own alcohol free G&T cans. A pack of 4 For about £3. They are soooo nice!

[BoHo73 in reply to BumbleCat]

Thanks - I bought and tried the 0.0% Botanicals - not that impressed. not really been tempted to try 0% wine but I'm glad that you found a good one.

Thnk I'll stick to my soda stream and cordial... 🙂

[LittleShrew in reply to BumbleCat]

Thank you. I will check it out 😊

[LittleShrew in reply to BumbleCat]

Thank you, I will check it out 😊

[Anon888]

It's a personal choice. I know people who drink with hepatitis B - not ideal. They do take medication to keep the condition in check. The best would be to abstain and yet to be pragmatic, young people diagnosed are unlikely to not drink - thinking the condition is under control.Perhaps you can talk to your specialist.

[LittleShrew in reply to Anon888]

Thank you 😊

[BoHo73]

My cirrhosis is alchol related so I obviously don't drink anymore but what ever portion of my battered liver I've got left had to work overtime at the weekend as I overdid the pre Christmas sugar fest (children's fault)😳🙄. Pain,itching and 18-20 hours of sleep 🤦🏽‍♀️.

Won't be doing that again.

Sugar was never the cause of my liver disease but it is still something that the liver needs to deal with.

As far as drinking with hepatitis goes I wouldn't. Might be ok for now but in a few years time knowledge that you could have slowed it's progression could keep you up at night (personal experience).

Keep well and stay safe.

[LittleShrew in reply to BoHo73]

Thank youv😊

[J4ck1369]

I tend to have a non alcoholic g & t as I have found more places seem to sell non alcoholic gin now. Also the nosecco is ok. I’ve made some non alcoholic ‘Baileys’ for Christmas! ☃️

[LittleShrew in reply to J4ck1369]

Non alcoholic baileys sounds interesting! Would you mind sharing the recipe?

[J4ck1369]

I use Elm Lea full or low fat (recipe says cream but ….. 😩). Anyway Elm Lea lasts longer. Mix with a bit of milk then I just add cold dissolved coffee, maple syrup, vanilla essence, cinnamon (measurements to taste really). I then put it in a bottle in the fridge and serve with ice. It’s quite rich so a Baileys measure is perfect. I made some last Christmas - it just feels like a bit of a treat. ☃️☃️☃️

[LittleShrew in reply to J4ck1369]

Sounds delicious 😊😊😊 Thank you for sharing 🙏