Nutrition And Hepatitis: Best guide For Appropriate Foods 2023

Hepatitis can affect nutrient absorption. Take note of our tips on following the right diet to reduce the burden on your liver and aid your recovery.

Nutritional Tips For Hepatitis

Here are some nutritional tips and dietary guidelines to consider if you have hepatitis:

• The main source of calories in your daily diet should be carbohydrates.
• Fats should be consumed in moderation but not eliminated from your diet because they are essential for absorbing certain vitamins in the intestines. You should avoid sausages and high-fat meats (pork, duck, lamb); food should be steamed, baked, boiled, or grilled.
• Vitamin supplements, especially B vitamins, can help prevent nutritional deficiencies, but always by prescription, as vitamins are metabolized in the liver and excess can be counterproductive.
• It is advisable to limit salt intake as it promotes fluid retention. Remember that pre-cooked foods and sauces, unless otherwise stated, are high in salt and should be avoided.
• Do not self-medicate. Medication can damage the liver. For the same reason, you should always consult a doctor before taking herbal remedies, as some can also harm the liver.
• The recommended protein intake for a hepatitis patient is one gram of protein per kilogram of body weight; therefore, a person weighing 60 kilograms should eat 60 grams of protein daily.
• You should not drink alcoholic beverages, even sporadically. Neither should you drink carbonated drinks.
• It is best to spread your meals over four or five a day, as this helps the liver work regularly without overworking it.

Allowed foods for patients with hepatitis

These are some of the foods allowed for hepatitis patients.

Here is also a tasty menu recommended for hepatitis patients:

• Fruits (apples, pears, oranges, bananas, plums, strawberries, peaches, tangerines, watermelon, pineapple, apricots, kiwi, grapes).
• Vegetables and legumes (spinach, green beans, artichokes, asparagus, potatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, onions, peppers, endive, chicory, peas, lentils, chickpeas, beans).
• Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.). It is better if they are non-fat or semi-fat to reduce fat intake.
• Eggs.
• Olive oil.
• Nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, etc.).
• Bread, rice, pasta (especially whole grain), corn.
• Lean meat (rabbit, skinless chicken, turkey, white veal).
• Fish.
• Sugar and sweets (in moderation). It is better to choose homemade desserts and sweets, as industrial products contain fats that should be avoided.
• Honey.

Sample diet for liver patients

Suggested daily diet for hepatitis patients:

Breakfast:

• Orange juice, coffee, or tea.
• 1 slice of wholemeal toast with two tablespoons of jam.
• Cereal with milk.

Lunch:

• Salad and white rice fried in garlic.
• The portion of roasted skinless chicken with baked or boiled potatoes.
• A slice of wholemeal bread.
• Banana.

Snack:

• A glass of milk with whole grain crackers.

Dinner:

• Boiled artichokes.
• Baked sea bass.
• Slice of whole wheat bread.
• Apple.