Nutritional Tips to Help Manage Hepatitis C
Eating a healthy diet for people with hepatitis C is essential as it can help in the better functioning of the liver. Here you will find some nutritional tips for hepatitis C , which, when incorporated, can improve the health of your liver and also boost your immune system.
- Eat a fiber-rich diet, including vegetables, fresh fruits, lentils, and whole grains that help eliminate toxins from the body. Whole grain cereals and bread are complex carbohydrates, which will help reduce damage to liver cells. Consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables will help boost immunity and fight infection.
- Include lean proteins in your diet, such as egg whites, fish, poultry, and plant-based proteins. These protein sources help repair liver cells damaged by hepatitis C.
- Avoid processed foods high in salt and additives, which is one of the essential nutritional tips for Hepatitis C.
- Limit fatty and greasy foods, which can cause a fatty build-up in the liver, leading to cirrhosis.
- Limit or avoid saturated fats, trans fats, and hydrogenated fats as excess dietary fat can lead to fatty liver disease. Instead, consume unsaturated fats, such as nuts, seeds, olive oils, and fish oils.
- One of the many nutritional tips for hepatitis C is to cut back on sugar and salt intake. Monitoring sodium intake is important for limiting water retention in the abdomen. Also, high sugar foods can cause spikes in blood sugar levels and increase the liver’s load.
- Reduce consumption of iron-rich foods such as red meat, liver, and iron-fortified cereals as the liver may not release iron properly, causing an overload on the liver.
- Dairy products are tough to digest for people with liver disease. Avoid raw or unpasteurized products such as raw eggs and unpasteurized milk and cheese that may worsen hepatitis C.
- Stop drinking alcohol, which is highly important for people with hepatitis C, as it puts more stress on your liver and increases the risk of liver damage.
- To flush out the infection, drink plenty of water at least six to eight glasses of fluids each day. However, if water retention is a problem, consume fluids after consultation with your doctor.
- Limit fruit juice intake, as they are high in concentrated sugar and difficult for the liver to digest.
- Create a regular eating routine by including smaller meals throughout the day, which will also reduce bloating and nausea. Eating small meals will also help stabilize blood sugar and keep your energy levels up and fight fatigue.
- Add supplements to your diet after consulting your doctor, as some iron supplements and multivitamins can be harmful to the liver.
Eating a healthy diet will protect your liver and will also facilitate faster recovery. Along with following the nutritional tips for hepatitis C, it is also important to exercise regularly to keep your weight in check.