Hepatitis C is a viral inflammation of the liver than can be a chronic condition. The virus is transmitted through contact with an infected person's bodily fluids; your risk of developing hepatitis C increases if you have unprotected sex with someone who has the virus, share needles for injected drugs, or have a history of other sexually transmitted diseases. The virus can also be passed from a mother to her unborn child. Hepatitis C can be affected by nutrition, requiring you to be more vigilant about following a healthy diet.
Function of the Liver
Your liver is an organ that is vital to the digestion and storage of nutrients. The liver metabolizes or processes protein, carbohydrates and fats and stores the energy derived from these nutrients. Vitamins are also stored in the liver, to be used by your body as needed. Your liver also removes toxins from your bloodstream and helps your body fight off infection. If your liver function is compromised through hepatitis C or cirrhosis, another form of liver disease that can evolve if your hepatitis goes untreated, your body may not be getting the nutrition it needs to stay healthy.
Causes of Nutritional Deficiency
Hepatitis C can leave you with nutritional deficiencies in several ways. The first cause is that your body is unable to store the usual level of vitamins and nutrients due to inflammation of the liver. The liver produces a fluid called bile, which aids in the digestive process by breaking down vitamins and readying them for storage in the liver. When you have hepatitis C, you may not produce enough bile, which can lead to lower levels of vitamin absorption by your body and nutritional deficiencies. People who have hepatitis C may also lack proper nutrition is because they are not eating enough. Severe fatigue, diarrhea, nausea and loss of appetite are all symptoms of the disease, and can interfere with eating full, nutritious meals.
Proper Nutrition
Hepatitis C is not a disease in which you need to follow a particular diet, according to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. To remain as healthy as possible, try to eat as well as you can and include fresh produce, lean proteins, whole grains and plenty of liquids in your diet. Nausea and diarrhea may make eating a large meal impossible; if this is the case, try to eat five or six smaller mini-meals daily, making sure you are getting enough protein throughout the day to give you energy. Cheese, turkey and eggs are all sources of protein that you can build your snacks around.
Foods to Avoid
Due to the fact that hepatitis C impacts your digestive processes, it is important to keep your diet as easily digestible as possible. People who have the virus should avoid drinking alcohol, as alcohol damages an already-compromised liver, and is also considered a toxin to the system. Foods high in fat, sugar and salt should also be consumed in careful moderation -- your doctor will give you specific guidelines according to your individual condition -- to help your body digest more easily and to prevent fluid retention. Your doctor will monitor your nutrition and may prescribe vitamin supplements to ensure your body is getting the nutrients it needs to function as normally as possible with hepatitis C.
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