Maintaining a healthy diet is important when you have liver disease, including hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is a type of liver disease that occurs upon infection with the hepatitis C virus, or HCV. Symptoms of this condition include fatigue, fever, pain in the joints and muscles, nausea, vomiting, and tenderness at the site of your liver. Certain foods may trigger or worsen symptoms of this type of liver disease and may need to be avoided.
Foods High In Salt
If you have hepatitis C, you should limit the amount of salt in your diet, according to MedlinePlus. Salt can cause you to retain water and this can aggravate the swelling and fluid buildup that occurs in liver disease, such as hepatitis C. Foods high in sodium include packaged meats, frozen dinners, canned soups and pastas, and commercially prepared goods such as cakes, cookies and pies.
Foods High In Protein
If you have a damaged liver, you may be unable to properly process proteins. As a result, toxic waste products can accumulate in your body. A buildup of these waste products can disrupt the functioning of your brain. Foods high in protein include meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. MedlinePlus says that reducing the amount of protein you consume may help reduce the toxic accumulation of wastes. However, experts caution against eating too little protein because protein can also be important for preventing the buildup of fats in your body that may damage your liver. A protein intake of 1 g per kilogram of body weight may be advisable.
Alcohol
According to MayoClinic.com, you should avoid alcoholic foods and beverages if you have hepatitis C. Alcohol can increase the rate at which your liver disease progresses and therefore should be avoided. Alternatives to alcohol include water, fruit juices and milk products.
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