Alternative Medicine Article Directory
Diet & Hepatitis C
What is the relationship between
diet and hepatitis C?
General guidelines for individuals with HCV include
maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating a well-balanced, low-fat diet, and
avoiding alcohol. A diet high in complex carbohydrates may be helpful in
providing calories and maintaining weight. Since HCV infection may lead to loss
of appetite, those individuals whose appetite is diminished may find frequent,
small meals more easily tolerated. Adequate rest and moderate exercise can also
contribute to a feeling of well-being.
Alcohol and hepatitis
C
Alcohol is a potent toxin to the liver. Excessive drinking can lead to
cirrhosis and its complications, including liver cancer. Patients with hepatitis
C have a higher incidence of severe liver damage, cirrhosis, and a decreased
lifespan, compared to individuals without the virus. It is suggested that the
combination of alcohol and HCV accelerates the progression of liver disease.
Total avoidance of all alcohol intake is recommended.
Iron and
hepatitis C
The liver plays an important role in the metabolism of iron
since it is the primary organ in the body that stores this metal. Patients with
chronic hepatitis C sometimes have an increase in the iron concentration in the
liver. Excess iron can be very damaging to the liver. Studies suggest that high
iron levels reduce the response rate of patients with HCV to interferon.
Patients with chronic HCV whose serum iron level is elevated, or who have
cirrhosis, should avoid taking iron supplements. In addition, these patients
should restrict their intake of iron-rich foods, such as red meats, liver, and
iron-fortified cereals, and should avoid cooking with iron-coated cookware and
utensils.
Fat and hepatitis C
Patients with chronic HCV are
advised to maintain normal weight. For those who are overweight, it is crucial
to start a prudent exercise routine and a low fat, well-balances,
weight-reducing diet. Diabetic patients should follow a sugar restricted diet. A
low cholesterol diet should be followed in those with hypertriglyceridemia. It
is essential that patients consult with their physicians before beginning any
diet or exercise program.
Protein and hepatitis C
Adequate
protein intake is important to build and maintain muscle mass and to assist in
healing and repair. Protein intake must be adjusted to one's body weight and
medical condition. Approximately 1.0 to 1.5 gm of protein per kilogram of body
weight is recommended in the diet each day for regeneration of liver cells in
non-cirrhotic patients.
In a small but significant number of individuals
with cirrhosis, a complication known as encephalopathy, or impaired mental
state, may occur. Affected individuals may show signs of disorientation and
confusion. The exact cause of encephalopathy is not fully understood. Some
experts believe there is a link between dietary protein and encephalopathy.
Others believe in substantially reducing or eliminating animal protein and
adhering to a vegetarian diet, in order to help improve mental status. Patients
who are at risk for encephalopathy may be advised to eat no more than .6 -.8 gm
of animal source protein per kilogram of body weight per day.
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