Actor Sana Makbul, who won Bigg Boss OTT 3 last year ,recently opened up about her battle with autoimmune hepatitis, a condition she was diagnosed with in 2020.
Speaking on Bharti Singh’s podcast recently, she revealed that the disease has no specific symptoms and often goes unnoticed. “A lot of people don’t know that I am an autoimmune hepatitis patient. I have a liver disease, it was diagnosed in 2020. It has no specific symptoms. In this, my body cells are attacking the organ, so in my case, it’s sometimes Lupus; it hits your kidneys or causes arthritis.” She added that autoimmune disorders can manifest differently in different people, sometimes affecting the kidneys, joints, or muscles.
Sana shared that her diagnosis led her to make major lifestyle changes, including switching to a vegan diet for health reasons. She drew a comparison to actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who has been vocal about her struggle with myositis — an autoimmune condition affecting the muscles. “Samantha Ruth Prabhu has myositis, which is a muscle condition. I have it with the liver,” Sana said.
With autoimmune diseases varying so much in their impact, how does diet, especially a plant-based one, impact autoimmune conditions like autoimmune hepatitis?
Dr Jagadish Hiremath, public health specialist, explains that a plant-based diet can help reduce inflammation and support liver health in individuals with autoimmune hepatitis.
“A well-planned vegan diet is rich in antioxidants, fibre, and essential nutrients that help modulate the immune system. Such diets may lower the inflammatory load on the body, potentially easing autoimmune responses,” he tells indianexpress.com.
Autoimmune hepatitis is often asymptomatic in its early stages, making routine check-ups crucial. (Source: Freepik)
However, he emphasises that patients must ensure they get adequate protein, vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. While a plant-based diet can be beneficial, it should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes medical supervision, as diet alone may not control all aspects of the autoimmune process.
How can patients monitor their condition to prevent complications?
Since autoimmune diseases can affect multiple organs, regular monitoring is essential. “Patients should work closely with their healthcare providers to schedule periodic blood tests that assess liver function, inflammatory markers, and autoantibody levels,” states Dr Hiremath.
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He adds that imaging studies like ultrasounds or MRIs can help detect early liver damage, while keeping a symptom diary can aid in tracking subtle changes such as joint pain, skin issues, or fatigue. A multidisciplinary approach involving hepatologists, rheumatologists, and nutritionists ensures that any emerging symptoms are promptly addressed.
What are the early signs of autoimmune hepatitis?
Autoimmune hepatitis is often asymptomatic in its early stages, making routine check-ups crucial. “Early indicators can include unexplained fatigue, mild abdominal discomfort (particularly in the upper right quadrant), and intermittent episodes of nausea,” says Dr Hiremath.
He notes that some individuals may experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), appetite changes, or unexplained weight loss. Since these symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other conditions, individuals with risk factors — such as a family history of autoimmune diseases — should consider routine liver function tests for timely diagnosis.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
