Hepatitis C and diet
Healthy eating is important for everyone as people generally feel better when they eat well. If you have hepatitis C, you may need to think more carefully about what you eat.
Lifestyle and food
Eating is a pleasure and a social event. Take the time to eat properly by eating slowly and chewing your food well.
For many reasons, exercise may make you feel better. Exercise may improve your appetite. You don't have to take it seriously, only regularly. If you feel tired you should rest. Don't wear yourself out.
Over-consuming alcohol or other drugs can disrupt your day-to-day eating patterns and this may have a negative impact on your health.
The role of the liver
The liver is one of the most important organs of your body. It is the ‘factory’ that converts ‘raw materials’ from your digestive system into substances that your body needs. It detoxifies harmful substances such as alcohol and helps remove waste products.
The liver makes bile that helps in the digestion and absorption of fats. It remains able to do this even if damaged.
What HCV does to your liver
Many people with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) remain quite well. However, HCV can cause damage to liver cells. Even if your liver is not significantly damaged, you may feel quite ill. This may be due to the way your body fights the hepatitis C virus.
Healthy eating
Healthy eating involves choosing a variety of foods. In the right balance, these foods will meet your body’s need for energy, growth and repair. To get a good daily intake of vitamins and minerals you need to eat some food from all the food groups every day, varying your choices from day to day.
Alcohol and HCV
The risk of developing cirrhosis appears to be higher for people with HCV if they also are heavy drinkers (see your doctor to find out if you would be defined as a ‘heavy drinker’). A reduction in alcohol intake should be the first step in any attempt to reduce the possible risk of serious liver damage. This is also an important step before considering treatment options.
Fats and HCV
You don’t need to cut out all fats and oils just because you have hepatitis C. Everyone needs to eat some fats to make hormones and to allow body cells to function properly. People in Australia tend to eat too much fat. This is a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes and becoming overweight. People are generally advised to eat less fat.
Having hepatitis C may make you tired or nauseous (feel like vomiting) even if your liver is not damaged. Some people with hepatitis C report having trouble coping with fats. If you feel sick or nauseous for any reason and find that fatty food doesn't agree with you, try avoiding such foods while you feel nauseous. Reintroduce these foods gradually.
Dairy foods
Dairy foods are an excellent source of nutrients essential for health. It is hard to get enough calcium if you exclude milk products from your diet. Some dairy foods contain high levels of saturated fat. If you want to reduce your intake of saturated fat (fat from animals), try choosing reduced-fat dairy products or calcium-enriched soy milk products.
Red meat
Lean red meat is a valuable source of iron, protein and B group vitamins. There is no published scientific evidence to suggest that people with hepatitis C are adversely affected by eating red meat.
Sugar
We are born with a strong liking for sweet-tasting foods. Sugar enhances the flavour of foods and is a source of energy (calories, kilojoules). It is better to obtain your energy from nutrient-rich foods such as wholegrain breads and cereals, meats, fruits, nuts, fish, tofu or vegetables.
Many of today's foods contain added sugar but such foods consumed in moderation should not pose a health problem. There is no published scientific evidence to suggest that people with hepatitis C have particular problems metabolising sugar.
Tea and coffee
Tea and coffee have been enjoyed in many cultures for thousands of years. The active ingredient, caffeine, produces effects on the body, such as increased alertness, but these are usually temporary. There is no published scientific evidence suggesting that tea, coffee or caffeine-containing drinks, consumed in moderation, cause particular problems for people with HCV.
Salt
All people in Australia are advised to eat less salt whether they have hepatitis C or not. You can do this by using less salt in cooking and reducing salt use at the table. Many manufactured or processed foods such as canned vegetables or sauces are high in salt. Try using low salt or salt reduced varieties of these foods.
Food colours and preservatives
There is no published scientific evidence to suggest that people with hepatitis C have particular problems metabolising (processing) artificial colours or preservatives in foods. Avoiding all artificial colours, flavours and preservatives would severely limit your shopping choices and could add unnecessary stress to your life without any significant health benefits.
Any people with proven sensitivity to particular colours, preservatives or foods should be vigilant, whether they have hepatitis C or not.
Vitamin and mineral supplements
Any illness may cause your body to need more vitamins and minerals. If you are eating a well-balanced diet you should be getting enough vitamins and minerals from your food but supplements may be useful if your appetite is poor. Be careful not to exceed the recommended dose as this may be harmful.
Herbal treatments
Some herbal treatments have been shown to be beneficial in the management of hepatitis C for some people.
Particular herbs and medicines can damage the liver. Herbs can also interfere with prescribed medications. It is advisable to discuss all treatment options with your doctor and specialist as well as complementary therapist.
Nausea and loss of appetite
Here are some tips to help when you feel nauseous or have lost your appetite.
- Eat small amounts often, and eat most when you feel hungry (often at breakfast).
- Try ginger ale or other ginger products (it is thought that ginger can help combat nausea).
- Choose foods that contain lots of vitamins and minerals. You can meet your requirements in a smaller amount of food by eating foods like milkshakes or smoothies, yoghurt, nuts, tofu, dried fruit, soy drinks, flavoured milk or cheese.
- Try different tastes to stimulate your appetite, e.g. bitter, sour, salty or sweet.
- Special nutritional supplements may be useful if you are not eating well or if you are losing too much weight (discuss these with a dietitian).
- If nausea and loss of appetite persist, talk to a dietitian. Dietitians can also provide advice on nutritional supplements.
Further nutritional information
For most people with hepatitis C, if you eat in a healthy way and are careful about your alcohol intake, you will be doing all you can to ensure your eating habits contribute to keeping you healthy.
If you have a level of liver damage or symptoms that require more specialised dietary advice, your GP or specialist should be able to refer you to a dietitian.
Last Reviewed: 01 March 2004
