How to Take Care of Yourself Nutritionally With Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus, which is spread through contact with infected blood, sex with an infected person, or from mother to baby in the birthing process, according to MedlinePlus. If caught within the first six months, complete recovery is possible (about a 40 percent chance), but if caught late it can develop into chronic hepatitis C. It is especially important to take care of yourself nutritionally while carrying hepatitis C, whether you are eventually cured or if you have it for the rest of your life.

Instructions

Instructions

• 1

  Eat enough calories. Anorexia is a symptom associated with liver disease, so it's important to make sure you are getting enough food and enough of the right foods. The bottom line for this step, however, is just to simply make sure you are getting enough calories. Simply put--eat food.

• 2

  Get enough protein. Milk, nuts, cheese, and meats are great sources of protein, which is essential for good health. However, too much protein is bad for the liver and can cause brain damage. Consult your doctor about your particular case of hepatitis C and how much protein you should eat.

• 3

  Get enough vitamins and minerals. Your doctor can tell you if you're getting enough vitamins by measuring your levels, but quite often people with hepatitis do not get enough fat-soluble vitamins. Take prescribed supplements to balance your vitamin and mineral intake.

• 4

  Eat low-fat, liver-friendly meals. Your liver produces bile, an essential part of the digestive process. If you have hepatitis C, your liver is in a weakened state and you must be careful with it by eating low-fat meals so your liver can produce the necessary bile. This is essential.

• 5

  Eat smaller meals. Because of your damaged liver, you aren't able to store as much energy as you used to, according to the Janice and Friends Hepatitis C website. One of the liver's job is to store glycogen, which gives energy to the body when needed. A healthy liver can store large amounts of glycogen, but one with hepatitis C cannot. Eat smaller, more frequent meals to maintain your energy.

• 6

  Exercise regularly. Exercise is a great way to burn calories and fat, and keep your body's processes working efficiently and effectively.