Hepatitis is the term used to describe inflammation of the liver. It's typically the result of a viral infection or alcohol-induced liver damage. Living with hepatitis requires you to follow a healthy lifestyle to minimize damage to the liver.
Here are the 6 tips that you can avoid liver damage from hepatitis:
1. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables
These foods are full of necessary vitamins and minerals that help the liver work properly. Fresh fruit and vegetables are ideal, but they can also be frozen or canned. People should aim to consume at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
2. Consume Whole Grains
Dietary guidelines suggest that at least half of the grains you consume be whole grains, rather than refined grains. All whole grains contain higher amounts of compounds which may help reduce liver fat and protect against the inflammation.
3. Eat Lean Protein
It is crucial to consume enough lean protein when you have hepatitis. Eating enough lean protein can help you to avoid malnutrition and muscle wasting.i White-fleshed fish, beans, peas, lentil, lean meats and nuts are good source of lean protein.
4. Eat Low Fat or Non-Fat Dairy Products
Low-fat or fat-free of dairy products are the best choices for people with hepatitis C. Peoples should limit dairy products with added sugar.vii Plain non-fat or low fat Greek yogurt, fat free or low fat skim milk and low fat cottage cheese are good source of low fat or non fat dairy products.
5. Consume Healthy Fats Foods
Replace saturated fats and eliminate trans fat foods with healthy fats foods. For example, avocado, fatty fish (salmon and sardines), nuts, olive oil, flaxseeds, chia seeds and tofu are the good choices of healthy fats foods.
6. Limit Alcohol Intake
Alcohol intake puts your liver under more stress, putting you at risk for liver damage. Alcohol causes swelling and liver irritation. If you have any liver disease, then alcohol will accelerate its further damage and put you at high risk of developing cirrhosis.
Overall, some other tips to avoid liver damage from hepatitis are to take care of personal hygiene, avoid excess salt, sugar and iron, and avoid smoking. Protect your liver as much as you can!
Written by: Ng Kai Wen
BSc.(Hons). Food Science with Nutrition
UCSI University
Reviewed By: Jasmine Lim
Love Earth Organic Nutritionist
Bachelor of Science Degree in
Dietetics (major) & Food Science (minor)
Iowa State University, USA
