Liver-friendly Nutrition
For most people, including those with hepatitis C, the best diet is one that is balanced, and contains the right amount of essential nutrients and calories. Here are some general nutritional "dos" and "don'ts" for people with hepatitis C.
Do:
- Eat a variety of foods. A balanced diet includes carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. And helps ensure you also get the vitamins and minerals your body needs
- Make sure you get enough protein by eating plenty of lean meat, eggs, cheese, or fish. Protein restriction is recommended only for certain patients with cirrhosis
- Drink plenty of water. Drinking water throughout the day keeps your body hydrated. Drinking water before and after an injection may help you reduce certain side effects
Don't:
- Drink alcohol. Alcohol is poisonous to your liver. Drinking alcohol can lead to serious liver damage in people with hepatitis C
- Make a habit of junk food. Every once in awhile, you might get the urge to visit the local drive-through or vending machine. But everyone would be better off to avoid foods with few nutrients and high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol
- Load up on caffeine and sugar. Some people reach for sugary foods or a caffeinated beverage for a burst of energy when they feel a sudden attack of fatigue. But caffeine can be dehydrating, and sugary diets — like fatty diets — can lead to problems like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes
- Eat raw shellfish. It sometimes has a virus that causes hepatitis A, which can be fatal to people with hepatitis C
- Take vitamins, dietary supplements, or herbal medicines without discussing them with your doctor first. In some cases they can damage your liver
If you have hepatitis C with cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), see Nutritional Needs if You Have Cirrhosis. If you're having trouble eating because of side effects, download these Tips for Good Eating with Side Effects.
Talk to your healthcare team about your specific dietary needs, and don't make major changes in your eating habits without letting your team know.
Continue to learn how cirrhosis may affect your diet