Healthy Diet For People With Hepatitis

Contributed by: Anjali Sharma

Introduction

Diet plays a very crucial role in the treatment regimen of any disease.

However, there’s no full-proof diet for patients suffering from hepatitis

Still, health experts suggest having a healthy diet and cutting processed foods and drinks is the best way, to begin your journey toward recovery.

A healthy you depend on getting the correct nutrients. It has a direct impact on weight control in addition to supporting a healthy immune system.

The liver is required to process everything you consume. By maintaining a healthy diet, you can protect your liver and perhaps even lessen the effects of hepatitis.

Here are some diet tips that you must follow if you have hepatitis:

Stay away from processed foods 

It is necessary to stay away from processed foods if a person is suffering or recovering from hepatitis.

Processed foods contain artificial ingredients that are complex in nature and hard to absorb by the liver. 

These types of foods are not adding any nutritional value and they do not support healthy and quick recovery from hepatitis.

Processed foods like cheese, bread, chips, and cold drinks fall in the group of processed fast foods which should be absolutely avoided during the hepatitis treatment and recovery phase. 

Limit the sugar intake 

Limitations on sugar intake are necessary for a healthy liver. Both packaged fruit juices and all artificial sweeteners fall under the category which should be avoided.

Packaged juices include large amounts of sugar, which the liver may find challenging to absorb when the body is being attacked by the hepatitis virus. 

Reduce the salt intake 

Patients with hepatitis should focus on reducing their salt consumption. Eat less food that is heavy in salt as well.

This includes packaged sauces and canned soups.

When on a hepatitis diet, it is recommended to avoid eating meat, especially red meats.

If required, consume just once or twice a week and stick to lean cuts.

Keep yourself hydrated 

Make sure to stay hydrated, especially if you’re on hepatitis antiviral medication.

Its side effects can be prevented, such as dry mouth and skin, by being well-hydrated.

When taking hepatitis therapy, the patient should drink more water.

A patient with hepatitis will experience headaches which can be reduced by maintaining hydration levels. 

As per health experts, it is suggested to have at least 8 to 10 glasses of water every day for a healthy liver. 

Eat fruits and vegetables

Plenty of fruits and vegetables should be a part of a balanced and healthy diet.

These dietary categories include a wealth of essential vitamins and minerals that support healthy liver function.

Although fresh fruits and vegetables are the best, yet, frozen ones can also be consumed.

At least 5 pieces of fruits and vegetables should be consumed daily for an effective hepatitis diet.

People with liver disease who want to watch their nutrient intake should especially focus on leafy greens, as the excess of them can be harmful.

A person can consult with their doctor and nutritionist to know the appropriate amount of particular fruits and vegetables optimum for a hepatitis diet.

Watch your iron intake 

In the case of hepatitis C, the patient must watch their iron intake.

Patients with chronic hepatitis C can have trouble metabolising iron, which can lead to an excess buildup of iron in the blood and liver.

Consuming red meat, liver, or even cereals enriched with iron is prohibited in this situation.

Avoid anything with a high iron level, including fruits like apricots and seafood like tuna.

Hepatitis supplements 

The best method to acquire vitamins and minerals is through natural foods, however, those who have hepatitis can also get benefit from organic and herbal supplements, particularly if they are losing their appetite.

These supplements will cater to the nutritional needs of the liver and will also boost the immune system and recovery process of hepatitis.

Before taking any supplements, people should take a doctor’s advice and prescriptions. 

Some more tips 

• For a healthy liver, stay away from alcohol and tobacco especially, when undergoing treatment. 
• Do not overdose on medications or vitamin supplements without first consulting with your doctor.
• Do not skip your meals in the recovery phase 
• Have small portioned meals 

Final thoughts 

Although your health expert can provide you with personalised benchmarks, if you have hepatitis C, your dietary needs probably won’t deviate much from the general nutritional recommendations.

A good eating plan should generally place an emphasis on vegetables, forgo alcohol, and assist you in maintaining a healthy body weight.

It’s important to be active when you have hepatitis and general life too.

Here we have enlisted some healthy diet tips that can help patients with hepatitis.

The infection can be managed very easily by undergoing an early diagnosis and implementing preventive measures when you experience the symptoms. 

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