Diet for Hepatitis C Patient

Hepatitis C is considered one of the most serious of the six hepatitis virus strains. It assaults your liver and is often asymptomatic. Sometimes the virus goes undetected for many years and shows up unexpectedly during standard medical tests. Paying closer attention to diet may help some hepatitis C patients lesson the severity of some of the common complaints associated with the virus, such as minor fatigue and nausea.

There's No Cure

• Hepatitis C can ultimately result in a host of liver ailments, including cancer and cirrhosis. Scarring of the liver is also possible and can be fatal. To date, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. There is ongoing research to find a medication that can slow the progression of the virus or stop it entirely.

Dietary Basics

• Hepatitis C patients should refrain from drinking alcohol. The consumption of alcohol can accelerate the deterioration of an already compromised liver.

  Your diet should include an ample supply of fresh fruits, vegetables, cereals, breads and whole grains. Drink a generous amount of fluids and eat plenty of protein. The National Cancer Institute's nutritional guidelines recommend consuming at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily because of their overall nutritional value and immune-enhancing antioxidants.

  Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber and nutrients including selenium, potassium and magnesium. Whole grain foods include whole wheat bread, pasta, brown and wild rice and popcorn. Make sure to read the label on food packages and look for the word "whole." Try to select products with a minimum of 3 grams of dietary fiber per serving. Aim for 10 servings of whole grain foods daily.

  The minimum daily protein requirement offered by the World Health Organization suggests 0.45 grams per kilogram of ideal body weight per day. The WHO says daily protein intake should not exceed 0.8 grams per kilogram.

  It's also important for hepatitis C patients to steer clear of foods that are high fat foods and those that are salty and sugary. The National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine recommends healthy adults not exceeding the range of 1,500 and 2,400 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day. People with heath issues such as hepatitis C should aim for a sodium limit at the low end of the range.

  Health experts at the Institute of Medicine say calories from fat should not exceed 20 to 35 percent of total calories consumed each day. That's approximately 70 grams of fat.

Developing Healthier Eating Habits

• A customized eating plan is not essential for hepatitis C patients, but it is important to strive for balanced diet because poor nutrition can worsen liver problems.

  It's also important to maintain a normal caloric intake. Guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture say the average women should consume 2,200 calories per day. The average man needs about 2,800. Overeating can lead to the build-up of fat in the liver. That may reduce the effectiveness of medications used to control the virus.

  A healthy diet can boost the immune system, improve liver functioning and possibly thwart the development of cirrhosis.