5 Ways to Diet Healthy for People with Hepatitis

Did you know that there are ways to diet healthy for people with hepatitis? 

For people who have hepatitis, especially chronic hepatitis, diet is quite important. Diet in people with hepatitis is not just about adjusting to new clothes or just for the sake of appearance.

Read: Low Carbohydrate Diet Guide for Beginners

Losing weight with this ideal diet is associated with more effective treatment of hepatitis. Hepatitis not only damages the liver but also increases the likelihood of problems such as heart disease and diabetes.

With diet, it is hoped that people with hepatitis can reduce the risk of more severe hepatitis and even other diseases, by minimizing stress on liver organs that are already experiencing inflammation.

Reeja Tharu, M. Phil, Ph.D., University of Madras, India, said hepatitis can spread very quickly and can be fatal. Moreover, hepatitis disease can also cause permanent liver damage.

It is very important for hepatitis patients to pay attention to their diet by eating the right type of food.

"The diet should include foods that are easily accepted by the liver and exclude foods that cause the liver to work harder, as this can delay the patient's recovery from the disease," he said as quoted from medindia.net.

Other dietitians also say having an ideal weight and a healthy body helps lower the risk of hepatitis disease. Dietary changes that promote weight loss, adding nutrient-dense foods, and foods containing antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, can reverse or prevent the development of the disease.

Weight loss, particularly in the abdominal tissues can also help reduce fat in the liver.

"What's the weapon? It's very similar to how people want to lose weight," says Anna Taylor, RD, Dietitian and Nutritionist, United States.

A Healthy Diet for People with Hepatitis

Let's find out how to have a healthy diet for people with hepatitis below.

1. Say No to Sugar or Sugary Foods

The first healthy diet for hepatitis is to say no to sugar and sugary foods. Sugar seems to be a comrade of all diseases including hepatitis disease.

It is important for people with hepatitis to avoid drinks sweetened with sugar, such as soda and juice.

"Read food labels to see sugars veiled in cereals, granola bars, yogurt, and even oatmeal," Taylor said.

Diet for people with hepatitis can be done by reducing sugar consumption. Women like Moms, take less than 25 grams (about 6 teaspoons) of sugar per day and less than 36 grams (about 8.5 teaspoons) for men like Dads.

2. Choose Protein

A healthy diet for hepatitis is next to choosing the right protein. Protein is the secret weapon of the diet for hepatitis diseases, in particular liver disease. Protein can help fight infections, heal affected liver cells, and rebuild muscle.

Focus on lean protein sources throughout the day to help with energy levels and repair cell tissues in the body.

Lean proteins include chicken, fish or shellfish, eggs or egg whites, soy products such as tofu and edamame, and low-fat dairy products, such as Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and milk.

Whole grains are also beneficial to consume as part of a healthy diet for hepatitis disease. It can be in the form of wholemeal bread or cereals, brown rice, wholemeal pasta, or porridge.

Include other whole grains such as whole wheat, rye, oatmeal, and corn in the dietary changes made.

However, complaints often arise in the form of bloating and fullness. This diet can reduce the status of encephalopathy, but it cannot improve the nitrogen balance.

3. Vegetables as the Main Key

A healthy diet for hepatitis is to eat fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables should be an important part of any diet to aid in recovery from hepatitis disease.

Everyone knows that vegetables are full of essential nutrients and are easily digested. As a bonus, vegetables and fruits also contain antioxidants that can protect liver cells from damage.

However, eating starchy vegetables such as potatoes is more advisable when on a diet for recovery from hepatitis disease. While canned or frozen fruits are also not a bad idea to try.

4. Say No to Saturated Fats

A healthy diet for hepatitis which is next is to say no to saturated fats. When people are overweight, the treatment of hepatitis disease becomes riskier and less effective.

Being overweight risks complications from hepatitis including a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

So limit foods that are high in saturated fat, such as processed meats, butter, cheese, coconut oil, and palm oil. Try shifting to vegetable fats such as nuts, seeds, and avocados.

Olive oil, canola oil, and flaxseed oil are also healthy fats recommended as part of the diet for hepatitis disease patients.

5. Goodbye Processed Foods

A healthy diet for hepatitis is not eating processed foods. Processed foods are best avoided when recovering from hepatitis. Processed foods are already known as foods that are relatively devoid of nutrients.

Processed bread, cheese, and almost all fast food should also be avoided while suffering from hepatitis, as it can worsen recovery time.

That's how to have a healthy diet for people with hepatitis. Good luck!