HCV Hepatitis C Virus and your diet
Since the liver processes and detoxifies everything you eat and drink, a healthy, well-balanced diet is essential. A diet that follows the general guidelines for nutritional health based on the new Food Guide Pyramid is generally recommended. Such a diet is low in fat and sodium, high in complex carbohydrates, and has adequate protein.
In the past, diet modification was seen as an important part of HCV Hepatitis C management. This is less true today. However, avoiding certain foods may reduce the processing and detoxification work the liver must do, and may improve the overall health of your liver. Processed foods often contain chemical additives, so you may want to check labels and learn more about food additives and their effects. Eating organic fruits and vegetables can help you avoid the pesticides and fertilisers used to grow non-organic produce. Read all labels to acquaint yourself with ingredients.
It is recommended that people with any type of liver disease should not eat raw or undercooked shellfish (even if they are immune to hepatitis A). It is often recommended that people with HCV Hepatitis C should avoid foods high in fat, salt, or sugar. Caffeine is a chemical that must be processed by the liver, and it is recommended that you limit your caffeine intake by reducing your consumption of coffee, tea, and other caffeinated drinks. Because chocolate has a high fat (and in some types, caffeine) content, eat it in moderation. Some people with HCV Hepatitis C cannot tolerate dairy products. If this is the case for you, you may wish to use non-dairy substitutes such as soy milk or rice milk.
A well-balanced diet should contain all the essential vitamins and minerals you need, but some people also take vitamin supplements. Taking megavitamin supplements may be harmful. Avoid taking high doses of vitamins A and D; vitamin A can be very toxic to the liver. If you need extra vitamins and/or minerals, choose a low-dose supplement without iron.
People with HCV Hepatitis C might want to consider consulting a registered dietitian for specific dietary recommendations. Do not undertake any unconventional diet without consulting a medical practitioner. In addition, be sure to inform your doctor about any vitamins and minerals you are taking.
A helpful Australian PDF on HCV Hepatitis C and Diet is available here
http://www.hepatitisc.org.au/edu/documents/ThedietdilemmaandhepatitisC.pdf
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