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Hepatitis C Treatment Diet

Most diets are the same for anyone with Hepatitis C, unless cirrhosis of the liver, or another condition, such as diabetes, HIV, heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney disease goes along with Hepatitis C. The liver plays an important role in changing food into stored energy, and the chemicals needed to sustain life. Eating healthy with Hepatitis C will help the liver function properly.

  1. Small Meals, Low Salt

    • First of all, eating four to seven smaller meals daily is better than eating only one or two large meals. Smaller meals aid in better digestion. Try not drinking liquids with a meal. Liquid intake makes the body feel fuller faster. Limiting drinks with meals helps nutrients absorb faster, and gives the stomach more room for food. Salty foods can cause the body to retain water. Avoid foods high in salt (sodium), or adding salt to meals. Red meats contain high sodium amounts. Fast food-restaurants are a bad idea. The food is usually cooked in large amounts of sodium, as well. Be sure to read the salt content in food labels before purchase.

    Meat is Bad

    • Meats, especially red meat, can be tougher to digest, and harder to pass through the liver. Meats contain an important nutrient; protein. Instead of eating meats, try obtaining daily values for protein from dairy products or vegetables. Try low-fat dairy products such as eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, milk, and cheese. For protein from vegetables, try beans, brussels sprouts, tofu, or lentils. There are also protein supplements available at health food stores. Protein bars, shakes, and drinks are available, and easier to digest, and pass easily through the liver. Also, a diet rich in iron is also bad. Avoid iron supplements or foods high in iron, such as red meats.

    Stay Away From Alcohol

    • Hepatitis C patients are more prone to develop cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. Drinking alcohol on a regular basis raises the risk of developing both. Even if alcohol is consumed on a rare social occasion, alcohol can accelerate the risks in developing either condition. It is best to stay away from alcohol to prevent further complications.

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