Hepatitis C is a virus that attacks the liver and causes inflammation and fibrosis. According to WebMD, around 3.9 million people in the country suffer from this disease. It often goes unnoticed as the symptoms are very few. This virus spreads through contact with an infected person’s blood or bodily fluids, and while the symptoms may go unnoticed between the first two weeks and six months after the virus enters the body, there are some symptoms you can look out for. These are clay-colored stool, dark urine, fever, fatigue, jaundice, joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting.

The liver is an organ that works as a passage for all that we eat and drink, so it is important that our diet should be regulated when infected from the hepatitis C virus. There is no special diet for this condition but looking out for the liver becomes of utmost concern. Let us look at some foods that are liver friendly, and those that should be avoided.

1. Live-friendly foods

• Protein

Proteins are the building blocks of our body so consuming enough of it is vital. It provides energy and keeps a person feeling full which eliminates the need for craving more food than required. Some healthy sources of protein would be eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds, beans, turkey, and the likes. You can limit your carbohydrate intake, and instead increase your protein intake to live a healthier lifestyle. The Recommended Dietary Allowance for protein is about 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. Yes, that’s how much protein your body ideally needs daily.

• Fruits and vegetables
  You can never go wrong with fruits and vegetables! According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, it is suggested that people include more fruits and vegetables in their diet. Variety of vegetables are recommended from all subgroups like dark green, red, orange, beans, peas, and the likes. Instead of juices, whole fruits are preferred. Leafy green vegetables can help to reduce fatty acid composition in the liver and hence keep it healthy. Green vegetables also have high iron content which can be harmful for those suffering from hepatitis C, so make sure you balance your intake of greens.

2. Foods to avoid

• Fat
  While consuming fat is good for the body, an excess of it can cause fat buildup in the liver which can lead to other diseases like cirrhosis. Hep C patients should limit their saturated fat content and instead consume unsaturated fats found in nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fish oil. Fat found in meat, full-dairy products, and junk food is especially harmful.
• Salt
  Consuming too much salt can lead to the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, especially for those who have cirrhosis, which is caused by hep C. All processed and packaged food has high amounts of sodium in it, so limit the intake of these products.
• Sugar
  According to some research, hepatitis C seems to create an imbalance in the blood sugar levels of the body. This imbalance can cause diabetes, if not managed well. It is advised that those suffering from hep C limit their sugar intake and check their glucose levels to be aware of healthy body functions.

Diet plays an important part in living a healthy life, and while it is not possible to prevent certain diseases, a healthy diet can help manage diseases. Before you make any drastic changes in your lifestyle, inform and consult your doctor. Exercise, drink plenty of water, and be mindful of what’s on your plate!