Tips to Avoid Liver Damage From Hepatitis

[LamiyaJannat]

People with hepatitis need to follow a healthy lifestyle to minimize damage to the liver.
"There's no special diet for hepatitis," according to a registered dietitian of the American Dietetic Association. "A person with hepatitis just needs to follow a healthy, well-balanced diet."
That diet should include:
•   Plenty of fruits and vegetables
•   Whole grains such as oats, brown rice, barley
•   Lean protein such as fish, skinless chicken, egg whites, and beans
•   Low-fat or non-fat dairy products
•   Healthy fats like those in nuts, avocados, and olive oil
A varied diet including those components such as one-quarter of the plate should contain high-fiber carbohydrates like whole grains, one-quarter should contain lean protein sources, and the remaining half should contain fruits and vegetables.
To help body better process food and function at its best, also need to make sure to drink plenty of fluids. Water is better than caffeinated drinks like coffee and cola.
What Not to Eat or Drink
Keep in mind that an unhealthy diet can contribute to liver damage. If you eat too much high-calorie greasy, fatty, or sugary food, you'll gain weight and fat will begin to build up in your liver. A "fatty liver" can contribute to developing cirrhosis, or scarring, of the liver. Fat in your liver can also interfere with the effectiveness of drugs that target the hepatitis virus.
Avoid the following:
•   Saturated fats found in butter, sour cream, and other high-fat dairy foods, fatty cuts of meat, and fried foods
•   Sugary treats like cookies, cake, soda, and packaged baked goods
•   Foods heavily laced with salt
•   Alcohol
Many experts recommend that hepatitis patients should limit their consumption of processed foods as well, since they can contain chemical additives and high levels of salt.
Other Precautions
Because your liver is battling the hepatitis virus, take special precautions to protect against any disease that would increase the chances of liver damage. Wash all meats, fruits, and vegetables to remove any potentially harmful residues, and wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling food to prevent cross-contamination.
Supplements for Hepatitis
People with hepatitis should talk to their doctors about taking a multivitamin once a day, according to a registered dietitian of the American Dietetic Association. B vitamins in particular can help spur healing.
However, you also need to make sure that you don't take in too much of certain vitamins and minerals through the use of supplements, since some can cause liver damage. Be cautious of:
•   Iron
•   Vitamin A
•   Vitamin B3 (niacin)
•   Vitamin C
•   Vitamin D
You should always consult with your doctor before trying any supplement or herb, especially if you have hepatitis.

Source: Everyday Health