Hepatitis C is a condition where the hepatitis C virus infects your body, causing inflammation in the liver. Your liver is vital to your health and body functioning because it performs tasks like fighting infection, digesting food and removing toxins from your blood. While some hepatitis C infections can be cleared from the body, others can become chronic if the body is not healthy enough to fight off infection. Because chronic hepatitis C can lead to life-threatening conditions like liver failure and cirrhosis, a healthy diet is vital to keeping the body as healthy as possible.
Calorie Needs
If your hepatitis C has progressed to cirrhosis, eating enough calories in your diet is important. This is because cirrhosis can cause nausea and vomiting, which can make you feel less like eating. You need to eat, however, to avoid nutritional deficiencies that can worsen your condition. Try to eat between 15 and 18 calories for each pound of healthy body weight. If you are experiencing nausea or stomach upset, eat smaller meals throughout the day.
Low-Sodium
One of the key nutritional factors for hepatitis C sufferers is to eat a low-sodium diet. If your condition has progressed, the liver can signal the body to hold on to salt and water. As a result, you will begin to retain water. A diet high in sodium can increase these effects because sodium attracts water in the body. By reducing the amount of sodium in your diet, you can reduce the strain on your liver. Talk to your physician about a recommended daily intake level, which will vary based on your gender, age and progression of hepatitis C. As a general rule, avoid foods high in sodium like fast foods and convenience foods such as chips, french fries and pizza. Prepackaged meals and canned foods also can be high in sodium. Choose fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Lean Proteins
Hepatitis C sufferers should eat 1 g of protein for every 2 lbs. of body weight. However, you should avoid protein sources such as oysters, clams and mussels because these uncooked foods can carry a different form of hepatitis. Instead, choose lean meats that add nutritional value without adding fats and calories. Examples include chicken, turkey, lean cuts of red meat and fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel. Eggs, chopped nuts and tofu are vegetarian options for hepatitis C sufferers.
Warning
If you have hepatitis C, drinking alcohol can be toxic to your liver. This is because your liver function is impaired, and the liver may not be able to filter the alcohol from your blood. Drinking even a small amount can speed the progression of hepatitis C, meaning it should be avoided. Also, while vitamins and nutritional supplements can be a way to fill nutritional gaps in your diet, you always should check with your physician to ensure they won't interfere with medications you are currently taking.
References
- EMedTV.com; Hepatitis C Diet; Dr. Arthur Schoenstadt; April 2007
- Pegasys; Hepatitis C -- Healthy Behaviors; 2011
- HIV ReSources; Tips on Hepatitis C; 2001
- Hepatitis C Diet; How Can Hep C Affect My Liver?; 2011
- PubMed Health; Hepatitis C; November 2010
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; What I Need to Know About Hepatitis C; April 2009
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