Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that attacks the liver and leads to inflammation. This is also known as hep C and can be acute or chronic. Hepatitis C has no vaccine unlike hepatitis A and hepatitis B. It develops over a period of time, and its symptoms cannot be easily diagnosed. Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood to blood contact with someone infected with HCV. The treatment involves antiviral medications. However, everything you eat goes through your liver — this is why getting the right nutrients is not only important for treating hep C but also for the overall health. This also means cutting back on what can be dangerous to health such as Hepatitis C foods.
Foods to avoid when one is suffering from Hepatitis C are:
1. Cut back on salt
Salt is really harmful for a person dealing with hepatitis C, as it leads to water retention. Avoid foods that are salty or salty snacks. For people with hepatitis C, it is vital to reduce the intake of sodium as an excess of it can cause the body to accumulate more water, which can lead to swelling in legs and abdomen. To reduce salt intake, a person should avoid eating processed or packaged food like chips.
2. Raw oysters or shellfish
Raw seafood may contain harmful bacteria as they come from contaminated water and are eaten raw. Stay away from Sushi or oyster as raw seafood can create more complications, have severe effects, and worsen hepatitis C.
3. Alcohol
Alcohol can seriously damage the liver and aggravate the problems. People with hepatitis C are advised to stop drinking alcohol. Hepatitis C affects the liver and causes inflammation, and alcohol also affects the liver. Other recreational drugs, like marijuana, should be avoided as they cause further damage to the liver.
4. Reduce sugar intake
Binging on sugar can add to the risk and lead to further liver damage and your health. Being overweight can cause further problems like cirrhosis There is a link between obesity, hepatitis C, and diabetes. The HCV that is in your system may increase your body’s insulin resistance, which may further lead to type 2 diabetes.
5. Fat
A small amount of fat is necessary for the body. But fat can cause buildup in the liver leading to cirrhosis. Out of the two types of fat, one should stop eating saturated fats as found in foods such as full-fat dairy products, meat, fast food, cookies, cake, lamb, pork, butter, beef fat (tallow). Otherwise, excessive fat can be dangerous to overall health if you are already dealing with hepatitis C.
6. Liver
The liver should be avoided as it is rich in iron. Excess iron can lead to complications such as an enlarged liver, liver cancer, or liver failure. Avoid having liver and iron supplements. You can safely consume green leafy vegetables in moderation as they have beneficial vitamins and minerals.