Foods To Avoid With Hepatitis

Can I Have A Baby If My Partner Or I Have Hepatitis C

You can have a baby if you or your partner has hepatitis C, but there’s a small risk of hepatitis C passing from mother to baby.

There’s also a small risk of the infection spreading to the unaffected partner when having unprotected sex, but this is very unlikely to happen.

Speak to your doctor for advice if you’re planning to have a baby and you or your partner has hepatitis C.

Page last reviewed: 21 June 2018 Next review due: 21 June 2021

Nutrition Tips For Patients With Hepatitis

Broadly speaking, the diet for this disease is based on vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and lean proteins. This may vary depending on the patients initial condition and subsequent evolution, but general guidelines can be established that are recommended to follow.

• Eat adequate protein to avoid excesses and deficiencies. These are necessary to restore damaged cells and to avoid malnutrition of the patient. If the liver doesnt process them properly, toxic waste can accumulate. The best sources are lean meat and fish, legumes, eggs, and low-fat dairy products.
• In general, its advisable to increase the presence of carbohydrates over protein. If possible, opt for whole grains such as rice, quinoa, oats, or couscous.
• Consume fats in moderate amounts. It isnt good to eliminate them from the diet because they have important functions in the body. However, it is essential to choose healthy sources such as olive oil, avocados, nuts, or oily fish.

Avoid Foods Rich In Iron

Patients suffering from Hepatitis A should not consume foods that are rich in iron content. Excessive iron in the body can damage the liver and therefore should be avoided. This means foods like meat, beans, grains should be avoided. Iron overload can lead to iron toxicity, impacting the proper functioning of liver. It can lead to additional liver damage and can also be the reason for developing liver cancer. If your iron level goes too high, you would be advised to undergo iron removal process from your body. To get rid of the excess iron, blood loss is the only solution.

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What Is Hepatitis And How Can Nutrition Help Patients With Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be of short duration or prolonged in time . In both cases, it involves damage to the organ that prevents it from functioning normally.

There are several types of hepatitis with different causes and routes of transmission:

• The most common is transmitted by an A, B, C, D, or E virus.
• Alcoholic hepatitis is caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
• Some toxins and certain medications, supplements, or chemicals can cause toxic hepatitis.
• Autoimmune hepatitis occurs when the immune system attacks the liver and causes cell damage. The cause is unknown, but genetics and environment are two possible triggers.

Early diagnosis and treatment are important in order to avoid irreparable damage to the organ. Cirrhosis , liver failure, or liver cancer are some of the possible complications.

Although adequate nutrition in patients with hepatitis doesnt lead to a cure, its important in determining a good state of health during the disease. A balanced diet helps maintain fluid balance and prevents liver overload.

Find out which foods are the most suitable, which should be avoided and how to organize your diet. If youre interested in learning more, we invite you to read on.

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Hepatitis C Enemy: Liver

Liver, the food, is extremely high in iron, Graham says. Too much iron in your body can cause an enlarged liver, liver failure, liver cancer, or cirrhosis, and these risks may be heightened when you’re living with hepatitis C. Stay away from foods that are extremely high in iron, such as liver, as well as iron supplements. Leafy green vegetables are okay because they tend to have much less iron than liver .

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What If I Am Overweight

Healthy eating and being active can improve your overall health at any size. Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight can help keep your liver healthy and prevent chronic diseases like diabetes. If you are concerned about your weight and would like healthy eating or physical activity advice, call 8-1-1 and ask to speak with a registered dietitian or qualified exercise professional.

Do I Need A Special Diet

No. You can meet your nutrition needs by eating a balanced and varied diet. Use Eating Well with Canadas Food Guide to help plan your meals. This will help you stay well.

To read more about using Canadas Food Guide, see .

If you are not sure that your current way of eating is healthy, talk to a registered dietitian.

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Foods To Avoid If You Have Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a renowned disease which is spread by the pathogen namely serum hepatitis and has its origin in China. The disease leads to cirrhosis or liver afflictions hence basically infects the liver where it leads to chronic inflammation.

Normally when we discuss Hepatitis B, the first concerns are symptoms and diagnosis. In case someone is already inflicted with this disease, then he/she should immediately undergo treatment. However medical therapy is not the only form of cure and prevention our diet as a whole reflects the kind of lifestyle we can build and how strong ultimately our immune system can become. Therefore it is essential to know exactly what food items need to be specifically prevented for an infected individual facing Hepatitis B.

These patients maintain an entirely different structure of a diet which needs to be considered so as to ensure that the disease doesnt worsen and further lead to diabetes or cardiac arrests. Here is a list of the 10 food items that must be avoided if you have Hepatitis B

1. Alcohol

Alcohol is one beverage which is said to trigger the effects of the disease therefore should be avoided.

2. Chilies & Pepper

Food items which are processed using large amounts of chilies, onions, pepper and the likes should be avoided since theyre hot composites. An alternative is ginger, which is said to have curative properties.

3. Fried Food

4. Caffeine

5. Refined Carbohydrates

Hepatitis Diet: Recommended Foods To Eat

For a patient with Hepatitis food choices are not limited to a few bland dishes. There are plenty of healthy, tasty food options which are both beneficial for the liver and for the recovery process.

• Whole grains are very beneficial to consume as part of a healthy Hepatitis diet. These can be in the form of bran, whole wheat bread or cereal, brown rice, whole grain pasta or porridge. Include other whole grains such as whole oats, wild rice, rye, oatmeal and corn.
• Fruits and vegetables should be a significant part of any diet to help in recovering from a liver disease. They are full of essential nutrients and are easy to digest. As a bonus, they also contain antioxidants, which can protect the liver cells from damage. However, it is recommended that one go easy on starchy vegetables such as potatoes when on a Hepatitis recovery diet. While canned or frozen fruits are fine it is always a good idea to try and eat fresh and seasonal produce when possible.
• Olive oil, canola oil and flaxseed oil are all healthy fats that are recommended as part of a diet for patients with Hepatitis.
• Healthy proteins in the form of low-fat milk and dairy products along with lean meats, beans, eggs and soy products can also be a part of a healthy liver diet.

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What Causes Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is caused by infection with the hepatitis A virus. You get the virus when you unknowingly eat a small amount of infected feces. This can happen through person-to-person contact, or through eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

A person can have and spread hepatitis A, even if that person does not have any symptoms. You are most likely to get hepatitis A from another person when:

• A person who has the virus does not wash their hands properly after going to the bathroom
• A parent does not wash their hands properly after changing the diaper of an infected child
• A caregiver does not wash their hands properly after cleaning up the stool of an infected person
• A person has sex with a person who has the virus

You can also get infected with hepatitis A by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Contaminated food and water are more common in developing countries. When traveling in areas where hepatitis A is common, avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables, shellfish, ice, and untreated water.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

Sugar in most soft drinks and many processed foods is replaced with high fructose corn syrup instead of sucrose also known as natural sugar. This high fructose corn syrup is made from cornstarch. This form of corn syrup is harmful to the liver. It can lead to development of fibrosis in people ailing from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It also poses an added burden on the liver to process it. Always remember that the goal of Hepatitis A patients is to take away the pressure and strain off the liver to the maximum extent possible. This corn syrup can also lead to health problems like cavities and weight gain. Try to opt for water or other unsweetened beverages instead of beverages which contain corn syrup. Reduce your intake of processed and packaged food and avoid munching pastries and cookies.

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Hepatitis C Enemy: Salt

Salt can promote fluid retention, which is a symptom of progressive hepatitis C, Graham says. It’s not just salt from the shaker that you want to avoid processed foods like frozen meals and baked goods are also loaded with sodium. If you have early-stage hepatitis C, a little sodium is okay, but when the disease is advanced, it’s a good idea to stay away from any added salt, she says. Talk with your doctor to find out how much salt you can safely consume.

Foods You Should Avoid If You Have Hepatitis

An unhealthy diet consisting of too much high-calorie greasy, fatty, or sugary food will make you gain weight and cause excess fat to build up in your liver. This can contribute to developing cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver. Excess fat in the liver can also reduce the effect of drugs that target the hepatitis virus. So, if you have hepatitis, avoid saturated fats , sugary treats and foods high in salt.

According to dietitians, people with hepatitis should limit salt intake to less than 2,000 milligrams per day. This will help reduce fluid retention. Avoid canned soups, pickled meat, cheese, and processed foods that are high in salt. Before buying, read the food label for sodium content. A food is considered high in salt if it has more than 300 mg of sodium per serving.

If you drink, quit it. Alcohol in any form can prevent damaged liver cells from recovering. Alcohol could also lead to severe liver failure when combined with acetaminophen, the popular pain-relieving ingredient in over-the-counter medicines like Tylenol. Hepatitis patients are also advised to avoid raw or undercooked shellfish, which can harbor viruses and bacteria.

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Diet Plan For Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is an infectious viral disease that affects the liver. Diet plays an important role in maintaining liver health. In general, some obese patients develop fatty liver which also aggravates their HBV infection. Hepatitis patients may also suffer from fever, diarrhea, and joint pain. Some people with chronic hepatitis may develop cirrhosis or scarring of the liver.

Stay Away From Fatty Foods

French fries and burgers are a poor choice to keep your liver healthy. Eat too many foods that are high in saturated fat and it can make it harder for your liver to do its job. Over time it may lead to inflammation, which in turn could cause scarring of the liver that’s known as cirrhosis. So next time you’re in the drive-thru line, think about ordering a healthier option.

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What About Physical Activity

Physical activity can improve appetite, decrease stress, lessen depression, and help you maintain a healthy body weight. If you have been inactive for a long time, increase your activity slowly.

Participating in physical activity is safe for most people. If you have other medical conditions or injuries, check with your health care provider or a qualified exercise professional before becoming more active.

What If Im Losing Weight

If you are underweight, losing weight without trying, or have a small appetite, you may not be eating enough calories to meet your needs. To help prevent weight loss, try eating small amounts of food more often and choose foods that are higher in calories.

Here are some examples of high calorie foods to include at meals and snacks:

• Nuts, seeds and their butters
• 2% or 3.25% whole milk, high fat yogurt and cheese
• Yogurt smoothies and meal replacement drinks
• Fish, poultry, tofu, legumes, lean meat and egg
• Avocado
• Olive or canola oil, and non-hydrogenated margarine

Limit candy, chips, donuts, pop, sweetened specialty coffee and tea, energy drinks and sports drinks. These foods give you energy but do not give you important nutrients like protein, vitamins and minerals.

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Food Items Rich In Salt

Salt was never easy on your liver. You must take every possible measure to cut your salt intake to maintain the health of the liver. Excess salt intake can lead to water retention in the body. You must avoid the consumption of canned soups and processed food items that are rich in sodium content. Avoid packaged savoury snacks like chips, mixtures, salty biscuits etc as they are rich in saturated fat and salt. Processed cheese is bad for your liver as it comes under the category of processed foods and has high sodium content and saturated fats. Excess consumption can lead to fatty liver diseases, plus obesity.

Hepatitis Diet: Foods To Avoid

It is equally important to avoid certain foods during Hepatitis as they can be harmful to the liver. Excessive consumption of these can aggravate the disease and even lead to permanent liver damage.

• Processed food items are best avoided when recovering from Hepatitis. Processed food items include processed ingredients that are harder on the liver and relatively devoid of nutrients. Processed breads, cheese and almost all fast -food items are also best avoided during Hepatitis, as they can worsen recovery times.
• Hydrogenated oils must be replaced with healthy oils. In fact for a lifelong healthy liver it is a good idea to switch to healthy oil choices. Avoid consuming foods high in saturated fats or trans-fats.
• Sugar intake should be limited for a healthy liver. This includes all artificial sweeteners as well as fruits juices. Juices have high concentrations of sugar in them, which can be difficult for the liver to digest when the body is under attack from the Hepatitis virus.

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Nutrition And Exercise And Hepatitis B

Since hepatitis B is a disease of the liver, it is vital to take care of this all-important organ. Living with hepatitis B may sometimes seem like a waiting game in which there is nothing you can do other than bide time until a cure is found. But, in reality you can take a lot of steps to lessen the damage the virus may do to your liver. Its all about how you treat your own body nutrition and physical fitness are important ingredients for a healthy liver.

Being overweight or obese may increase your risk of liver damage, so maintaining a normal weight is one way you can help your liver. Body Mass Index is an indicator of healthy weight. Obesity is a BMI greater than 25 morbid obesity is greater than 35. To calculate BMI: multiply your weight by 703, multiply your height in inches by itself, then divide the answer in by the answer in . You can find BMI calculators and other fitness tools and tips at www.healthfinder.gov.

Nutrition and Hepatitis B

Consider Carbs Carefully and Skip the SweetsCarbohydrates fuel the body. There are two kinds of carbscomplex and simple. Foods with starch and fiber are complex carbs, and the body metabolizes these more slowly than it does simple carbs. Minimally processed, non-white foods such as beans and whole grains are higher quality carbs. Starchy, low fiber foods are mostly made up of a simple sugar called glucose. These carbs provide poor quality fuel or empty calories to our diets.

Control Portions

Hepatitis C Hero: Coffee

Yes, you read that correctly: Coffee may be beneficial for people with hepatitis C, Dr. Muir says. A study published in the journal Gastroenterology found that people with hepatitis C who drank three or more cups of coffee a day were 2 times more likely to respond to their treatment than those who didn’t drink coffee. Exactly how coffee affects liver disease is not fully understood, Muir says. But if you like coffee, enjoy that cup of joe knowing it may be helping your liver.

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Foods You Should Avoid

Alcohol No brainer. The most important change for anyone diagnosed with hepatitis is the complete elimination of alcohol from his or her life.

Wheat and Gluten Gluten can be highly inflammatory thus adopting a gluten-free diet can be beneficial to your liver. The inability to properly digest and process gluten creates a chronic state of inflammation which leads to leaky gut syndrome. This allows toxins and pathogenic organisms to infiltrate your blood, presenting a chronic toxic overload to your liver. The long-term outcome of this is often non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, the gateway disorder that can progress to other more serious liver diseases. At this point, liver enzyme levels will be elevated.

Tap Water Your tap water may contain more than you bargained for, including heavy metals, chlorine, fluoride, inorganic chemicals and compounds that the liver is not able to process. Even the shower you take every day has toxins in it which are absorbed through the skin and inhaled through the lungs. Filtered water is of course better than tap water. Consider having your water tested to decide what is most appropriate for you and your family. For greater safety, you may want to consider drinking bottled water. Distilled water is another possibility, but there is some controversy over its benefits therefore you may wish to take distilled water in moderation.

Updating and recharging your diet is both a mental and physical commitment and you can do it!