Hepatitis C is a disease that is caused by a virus that attacks the liver. The liver helps to process the foods and drinks we consume into the energy and nutrients that the body needs and removes toxins and harmful substances from the blood. There is no one special diet for people with hepatitis C, but as the disease progresses, so does the nutritional needs.
Balanced Diet
Unless the patient has cirrhosis or another condition such as diabetes, HIV or kidney disease, general dietary advice will work well with patients with hepatitis C as well as healthy people. Eat regular, balanced meals, which should include food from the four food groups: breads, cereals and grains, fruits and vegetables, dairy products and meats, fish, soy, nuts, eggs and beans. It is best to eat regularly, normally three meals a day, but to keep your energy levels up, eat small meals or snacks every three to four hours. By eating often, you can help prevent nausea, which is a side effect of some medications. Go easy on fatty, salty and sugary foods and make sure to drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol, if possible.
Carbohydrates
The bulk of a healthy diet should consist of breads, cereals, tortillas, pastas or grits. Eat plenty of whole grains as they provide lots of fiber, which helps keep you "regular" and contain B vitamins and minerals, which helps the body get and make energy from the food we eat and forms red blood cells.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are important sources of potassium, fiber, beta-carotene, vitamin C and folic acid. Vitamin C and beta-carotene are antioxidants, which help fight cell damage. Most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in sodium, fat and calories. Fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables are good, but when buying canned vegetables, be sure to buy those that say "no added salt."
Protein and Dairy
Protein helps to rebuild and maintain muscle mass and aids in healing and repairing body tissue. It fights infection and helps heal damaged liver cells. Protein can be divided into two groups: dairy and meats, fish, soy, nuts, eggs and beans. Dairy is a good source of calcium and vitamin D and includes milk, cheese, ice cream and yogurt. Choose dairy products that are either low-fat or fat-free and go easy on products that are low in calcium and high in fat content such as cream cheese, butter and cream. Meats, fish, soy, nuts, eggs and beans provide protein, vitamin E, iron, zinc, magnesium and B vitamins. Choose lean cuts of meats and when cooking, boil, bake or stir-fry instead of frying.
Fatty, Salty and Sugary Foods
Patients with hepatitis C should avoid fatty, salty and sugary foods as much as possible, states the HCV Advocate. Fats and oils are used to store energy in the body, transport vitamins through the blood and protect body tissues. There are two kinds of fats: good and bad. Good fats can be found in nuts and seeds, olive oil, fish oil and flax seeds; bad fats are found in animal sources such as whole or reduced milk, meat and poultry and butter.
Most of the sodium in diets today comes from processed foods such as chips, crackers and canned soups. Check with your doctor or dietitian for their recommendations on your salt intake and read food labels to make the best choices when shopping.
Sugar goes by many names: sucrose, fructose, corn syrup, maple syrup and honey. Foods containing sugar, such as desserts and pastries, are not only high in calories but also fat.
Fluids
Fluids are important to maintain health and to keep us properly hydrated. Drink at least six to eight glasses a day of water. You can also drink milk, herbal teas, juice and soups. Frozen fruit bars and pudding are considered fluids, as well. If you have a fever or vomiting and diarrhea, it is important to drink extra fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated, notes the HCV Advocate.
Vitamins and Supplements
The best way to get the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals is through food, states the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. If you lose your appetite or cannot eat a healthy diet, vitamins and supplements can be helpful. It is recommended that before you take any supplements, consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian.
Things to Avoid
Hepatitis C patients should avoid consuming both alcohol and raw shellfish. Alcohol is a strong toxin to the liver and drinking too much can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, advanced liver disease or even liver cancer. Because hepatitis C damages the liver, it cannot break down alcohol and remove the toxins. Shellfish, such as oysters, clams and lobsters, should be avoided because they can sometimes contain a different form of hepatitis that can be dangerous and even sometimes fatal to people with hepatitis C, notes the HCV Advocate. Thorough cooking usually destroys any virus that may be present. Make sure you know that the shellfish has been properly cooked before consuming.
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