Hepatitis C is a disease that causes liver inflammation due to infection with the Hepatitis C virus, again caused by sharing needles and other equipment (such as cotton, spoons, and water) used to inject illegal drugs. This illness typically progresses slowly – with symptoms often taking years or decades to surface. Liver disease progression occurs when liver cell death outpaces liver cell regeneration. It is important to avoid certain foods during Hepatitis as they can be harmful to the liver.
Excessive consumption of these can aggravate the disease and even lead to permanent liver damage, so try to avoid them,
1. Processed food items are best avoided when recovering from Hepatitis. Processed food items include processed ingredients that are harder on the liver and relatively devoid of nutrients. Processed breads, cheese and almost all fast -food items are also best avoided during Hepatitis, as they can worsen recovery times.
2. Hydrogenated oils must be replaced with healthy oils. In fact for a lifelong healthy liver it is a good idea to switch to healthy oil choices. Avoid consuming foods high in saturated fats or trans-fats.
3. Sugar intake should be limited for a healthy liver. This includes all artificial sweeteners as well as fruits juices. Juices have high concentrations of sugar in them, which can be difficult for the liver to digest when the body is under attack from the Hepatitis virus. Fatty, sugary foods, can stress your liver or lead to fat deposits in it.
4. Maintain Low Iron Intake. Chronic Hepatitis C patients can have difficulty in processing iron, which can overload the liver and the blood with excess iron. This means no consumption of red meats, liver or even grains that have been fortified with iron. Also avoid fruits such as apricots and fish such as tuna; basically any food with high iron content. People with Hepatitis C should also go easy on caffeine – so drink less coffee, tea and caffeinated beverages.
5. Limit Your Salt Intake. Also refrain from eating high-sodium foods. This means no canned soups or store-bought sauces. A Hepatitis diet, should omit inclusion of red meats due to their high sodium content. If you must, stick to lean cuts and eat only once or twice a week.
If you face problem, write down questions about your liver condition and care. Talk to your doctor about treatment for Hepatitis C. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion if you don’t feel right about their advice.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
