Many people on HCV therapy report that on days when they drink plenty of water there is a marked decrease in the side effects compared to days when they drink little or no water.

The benefits of drinking water for side effect management include:

- Water flushes out wastes, transports nutrients, and regulates body temperature.

- Water will help keep skin hydrated during therapy, which will help reduce the dry skin syndrome caused by HCV medications.

- Many people on HCV therapy experience the Ribavirin cough. Water can help lubricate the throat, which results in less coughing.

- Adequate water consumption aids the digestive system, helping to avoid constipation and other digestive problems.

- Drinking water will help replace fluids lost during a bout of diarrhea.

- HCV medications reduce natural saliva production, which can increase the risk of dental cavities. Will rinse away harmful bacteria in the mouth.

Drinking adequate amounts of water is one of the best strategies people can use while on treatment to lessen the side effects of interferon-based therapy and stay healthy.

Try some of these simple tips to keep track of the amount of water you drink:

 - Fill up a water bottle with fresh water. Write down the amount of water that is held in the bottle and how many times it is refilled throughout the day.

- Buy commercial water bottles that list the fluid content. Fill up or buy enough bottles to meet the daily requirement. Set the bottles in plain view to help remember to drink all of the bottles.

For full article see link -

 http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/SEM_water.pdf#search="side