Hepatitis C is an infection caused by the hepatitis C virus. This virus attacks the liver, leading to inflammation and fibrosis, which is scar tissue in the liver. Hepatitis C is can be spread through contact with contaminated blood from sharing needles, unscreened blood transfusions or organ transplants, childbirth and in rare cases, sexual contact. Some symptoms of hepatitis C include nausea, poor appetite, jaundice, and muscle and joint pain. Most people with hepatitis C do not know they have it until liver damage is found during routine check ups. Proper nutrition is a very important part of living with hepatitis C, as nutrients support the immune system and repair cells, tissues and organs.
Well-Balanced Diet
If you have hepatitis C, maintaining a well-balanced diet in crucial. A diet that is low in fat, sugar, cholesterol, and sodium, but high in complex carbohydrates and sufficient protein is recommended. Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are common side effects of the drugs used to treat patients with hepatitis C. If you experience these symptoms, eating smaller, more frequent meals may help. Consuming soft foods and liquids at room temperature may also be easier to tolerate.
Protein
Including the proper amounts of protein in your diet is an essential part of nutrition for hepatitis C. Protein heals damaged liver cells, fights infections and helps rebuild and maintain muscle mass. Meats, nuts, dried beans, eggs and fish contain protein, as well as iron, zinc, and vitamins B and E. Some patients with hepatitis C have elevated levels of iron, which can be toxic to the liver. In these cases, your health care provider may ask you to limit your iron intake.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates should play a large part in your diet if you are living with hepatitis C. Complex carbohydrates are vital, as they provide you with energy throughout the day. If you are not eating enough carbohydrates, your body will use other sources of energy, such as protein, which is needed to repair the body's tissues. Carbohydrates include foods such as cereals, breads, pasta, brown rice and whole oats.
Fat, Sodium And Sugar
Patients with hepatitis C should avoid foods high in fat, sodium and sugar. Although, you should consume a moderate amount of healthy fats in your diet, you should limit your overall intake of fat. High intake of fat has been proven to increase the risk of liver cirrhosis in patients with hepatitis C. Limiting sodium in your diet is also highly recommended. One side effect of cirrhosis is a condition called ascites, in which fluid accumulates in the abdomen. Consuming too much sodium can considerably worsen this condition. Sweets should be consumed less often, as they are loaded with calories and fat, and they make you less hungry for healthier foods.
Warnings
Alcohol is toxic to the liver, especially if you live with hepatitis C. If you have hepatitis C and consume alcohol, your risk of further liver damage increases and worsens fibrosis, which eventually leads to cirrhosis. Instead, drink plenty of fluids -- at least six to eight glasses of water a day. Fluid intake is not limited to water; juice, milk, soup and tea also count as fluids. If you are experiencing nausea and vomiting, fever, diarrhea or sweats, you are susceptible to dehydration and should increase your fluid intake.
