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HEPATITIS

FOODS THAT HARM

  • Alcohol
  • Raw shellfish
  • Sweets

    FOODS THAT HEAL

  • Lean meat
  • Poultry
  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Dairy
  • Legumes
  • Whole grains

    FOODS TO LIMIT

  • Fried and fatty foods
    Hepatitis refers to the inflammation of the liver, which is commonly caused by a virus, but can also occur after taking certain drugs or after exposure to poisons
    It damages liver cells and may lead to cirrhosis, in which the function of the liver is seriously and irreversibly impaired
    Hepatitis A and E are typically caused by food contaminated by fecal matter and go away on their own after a few weeks or months
    Hepatitis B, C, and D are typically caused by exposure to infected blood , and are more serious

    Nutrition Connection

    With a nutritious, well-balanced diet and rest, hepatitis A resolves itself
    But appetite loss and nausea are common symptoms
    Here are some dietary guidelines that may help
    These can also help ease symptoms of other forms of hepatitis, as well
    Try to have breakfast
    Often, appetite decreases and nausea increases as the day progresses
    Breakfast may be the best-tolerated meal
    Eat a diet high in protein
    When recovering from hepatitis, a person should consume a healthy diet with sufficient protein daily from both animal and vegetable sources
    The best sources are lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, and a combination of legumes and grains
    Graze during the day
    If the appetite is poor, intersperse several small meals a day with a nutritious snack (such as a milk shake or an enriched liquid drink)
    Fried and very fatty foods, which are difficult to digest, should be avoided; a small amount of fat is acceptable, however, to provide needed calories and add flavor
    Usually, the fats in dairy products and eggs are easier to digest than those in fatty meats and fried foods
    Avoid sweets and alcohol
    Because sweets may squelch the appetite for more nutritious foods, it is best to avoid them
    Alcohol should not be consumed, because it places added stress on an already sick liver

    Beyond the Diet

    In addition to nutritional guidelines, follow these tips for treating hepatitis: Maintain good hygiene
    Because hepatitis A and E can be contracted through contaminated food and water, be sure to always wash your hands after using the bathroom and before handling food
    And avoid drinking or using tap water to brush your teeth when traveling in regions where heptatitis A or E outbreaks occur

    QUICK TIP:

    Eat cooked shellfish Don’t go raw
    Cooking oysters and other shellfish destroys the bacteria that can contaminate them and cause hepatitis
    Seek medications
    Talk to your doctor about treatments for chronic hepatitis B, C, or D
    • Importance of well balance diet