Healing Hepatitis with Nutrition

Hepatitis is a condition in which there is an inflammation of the liver when tissues in the body get injured or affected. This condition will affect the overall functioning of the liver depending upon the severity of the disease.

But do you know that with the help of a nutritious diet one can minimize the stress on your liver, which is already compromised by the inflammation that defines the condition? Diet can support the liver and help manage symptoms of hepatitis. Constant fatigue is the most common; others include loss of appetite, joint pain, high coloured urine, nausea, fever, and unexpected weight loss. Now, let’s see in detail how a diet rich in protein, low fat, limited iron, and many other factors can do wonders to heal Hepatitis as early as possible.

• Vitamins and Minerals: Fruits and vegetables are full of necessary vitamins and minerals that enable the liver to function properly. They are rich in nutrients like fiber, potassium, iron, and folate, Vitamin A and C, Vitamin B12. Green leafy vegetables can lessen fatty acid composition in the liver, so they are very important to people with hepatitis. Good examples include kale, spinach, and cabbage. Green leafy vegetables are a good source of iron so, people with Hepatitis C should avoid over consumption as an excess of iron is harmful to the liver.
• Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are the major source of energy for our body but excessive consumption of simple carbohydrates promotes hepatic lipogenesis (fatty liver), liver dysfunction, an increase of carbon dioxide production which will affect the proper functioning of the liver. Foods such as cakes, cookies, ice-cream, soda and, sugar-containing beverages can contribute to fatty liver. Consumption of such food items has to be avoided.
  Complex carbohydrates are rich source of B Vitamins, minerals as well as zinc and fiber, so these should be included in the diet. Foods like whole oats, brown rice, whole wheat, oatmeal are rich source of complex carbohydrates.
• Proteins: Foods rich in proteins are very important in the diet when you have chronic hepatitis because protein will help in repairing and replacing liver cells that are damaged by Hepatitis. Also, it provides energy and has a high satiety value. A rich source of protein includes lean meat, Paneer, eggs, beans, fish, nuts, and seeds.
• Fats: Small amounts of fat are important to store energy, protect body tissues, and transport vitamins around the blood. Elimination of saturated and Trans fat is needed from the diet because these fats will cause abnormalities such as fatty build-up in the liver leading to Cirrhosis. It is best to limit saturated fats, such as those found in meat, full-fat dairy products, fast food, and cookies. People with hepatitis should try to consume unsaturated fats, such as those in nuts and seeds, olive oil, fish oils, and avocado as these are sources of healthy fats.
• Dairy Products: Low-fats or fat-free dairy products are best for people with Hepatitis because dairy products are equally important as they are rich in protein, calcium, and Vitamin D. People should limit dairy products with added sugar.
• Alcohol: Consumption of alcohol is another factor that can increase damage to the liver, so those with hepatitis are advised to stop drinking alcohol or limit their intake.

Over to You:

It is important to remember that an unhealthy diet can contribute to liver damage. Hence, take charge for a healthy diet along with physical exercise. Also, always consult to your doctor or dietitian before doing any required change in your diet.