Hepatitis C is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases notes that greater than four million people in the United States have hepatitis C, and 55 to 85 percent of these people will progress to a chronic hepatitis C infection, while 75 percent will progress to chronic liver disease. The progression of disease is affected by diet because the liver functions to break down fats and detoxify the body.
Diet and Hepatitis C
Most patients with hepatitis C do not require a special diet plan. The Hepatitis C Support Project, HCSP, recommends that patients "eat a healthy, well balanced diet, drink plenty of clear fluids, engage in moderate exercise and get plenty of rest" to prevent progression of hepatitis.
Recommended Foods
The HCSP states that most patients can maintain a nutritious diet by following the Food Guide Pyramid. Patients should eat plenty of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and proteins, as well as foods that are low in cholesterol, fat and sodium. Diets high in fat and cholesterol can lead to a condition known as steatosis, or fatty liver, which can result in progression of hepatitis and decreased response to treatment.
Foods to Avoid
Since the liver helps metabolize food and remove harmful toxins from the body, you can decrease the amount of stress put on the liver by keeping several foods out of your diet. Raw shellfish or shellfish that is not cooked thoroughly should be avoided as bacteria and viruses including hepatitis A may be found in these types of fish. Choose natural foods instead of processed foods, which may contain chemicals that the liver must remove. Chemicals and pesticides may also be found on vegetables and fruits, so it is recommended to wash these thoroughly. Hepatitis may cause elevated levels of iron in the blood, so you may have to limit the amount of iron in your diet. Those with cirrhosis should avoid foods high in sodium and should not add salt to foods, as this can exacerbate fluid retention in the legs and abdomen. Since protein from meat may be more difficult for the liver to break down, patients with cirrhosis may want to avoid meat as a source of protein, and consume dairy and vegetables instead.
Fluids
The HCSP recommends that a 180-lb. person should "drink 90 ounces (11 eight ounce glasses) of water a day." Drinks containing caffeine should be avoided, since caffeine is a natural diuretic and can cause dehydration and fluid retention. Alcohol should also be avoided because it is processed by the liver. Excessive intake of alcohol can put a large amount of stress on the liver and render it unable to remove toxins. This can cause progression of hepatitis to a chronic disease, liver cirrhosis or cancer of the liver, notes the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Expert Tips
The HCSP recommends that patients with decreased appetite or nausea eat smaller meals more often, instead of eating large meals three times a day. Avoid foods high in fat or spicy foods, as these also tend to exacerbate nausea. Liquid meal replacements such as Ensure can be used if you cannot eat enough to get proper nutrition. If you find that you are unable to eat or drink foods with dairy, products made with rice or soy milk are suitable alternatives.
