Foods that Worsen Hepatitis C

Foods that Worsen Hepatitis C

The viral infection hepatitis C is a blood born condition that causes damage to the liver. It is a particularly problematic disease as a person can have the condition for many years without experiencing noticeable symptoms. The symptoms of hep C include bleeding easily, bruising, fatigue, yellowing of the skin, dark urine and swelling in the legs or abdomen. As this condition affects the liver diet can actually have an impact on symptom severity.
Foods can significantly impact liver function for hep C patients, which is why certain foods should be avoided, such as:

1. Raw oysters or shellfish
Consuming raw shellfish such as oysters always comes with some level of risk, not least the possibility that the product is not completely fresh. The main issue with raw shellfish for Hep C sufferers, however, is the risk of pollutants. Oysters, for example, when eaten raw could potentially transmit hepatitis A. This form of hepatitis also attacks the liver and in conjunction with hep C could compound the damage done to the liver.

2. Fatty foods
The hepatitis C virus causes inflammation and damage in the liver so key to treatment is helping minimize these effects. Fat is important to the body for energy and to protect body tissues but excess bad fats can do damage to the liver. Consuming large quantities of animal based fats can cause a build up of fat in the liver which can cause inflammation and over time cirrhosis. If you combine a high fat diet with an existing hep C infection the damage to the liver can be hastened and worsened.

3. Sugary foods
When it comes to sugary foods the liver is its own worst enemy because one of its main functions is to convert sugar into fat. Consuming large amounts of sugar not only creates more fat in the body which causes weight gain but it also increases fatty deposits in the liver. These deposits cause excessive inflammation and potential cirrhosis of the liver. Both hep C and high fat cause healthy liver cells to become inflamed, die and become scar tissue.

4. Salty foods
Sodium, more commonly referred to as salt, is important to the human body for a variety of functions. Salt actually aids blood sugar control, stomach ph, metabolism, the thyroid, and fluid regulation. Excessive salt has been linked to a few conditions such as hypertension but does not have any perceived negative effect on a healthy liver. The problem, though, is that the liver has to deal with the salt in the body so when excessive salt is consumed the organ has to work harder. If the liver is already damaged by hep C this extra work load can further inflame the organ and worsen symptoms.

5. Alcohol
It is no secret that excessive alcohol consumption over time can greatly damage the liver. Controlled drinking tends to be fine but if a person has already suffered damage from hep C to the liver any amount of alcohol can cause further damage. Heavy drinking with a hep C diagnosis is a massive risk as the organ will very quickly become more inflamed and damaged.