The liver carries out some of the most important functions for one’s health such as filtering the blood and removing all toxins. It creates forms of protein, parts of the blood, digestive bile juice and even carries glucose and vitamins. When one has hepatitis C, their liver gets inflamed and is unable to carry out any of the above functions. A weak liver can affect the nervous system, internal circulation, digestion, endocrine glands, and even the thyroid gland.

Aside from medications, it is essential for one to pay attention to what they eat, to manage this condition properly. When one has hepatitis C, specific foods can aggravate the condition, which is really better avoided. Given below is a list of food items that individuals are better off without if they suffer from hepatitis C.

Bad fats

Fats serve a crucial purpose—they store energy as fuel, keep one warm, and protect the body’s tissues. Too much fat, however, makes hepatitis C worse. It can give one a fatty liver, leading to cirrhosis or liver scarring.

Avoid saturated fats, which means one needs to cut back on various kinds of junk food, some types of biscuits, meat, and high-fat milk and yogurt. Including healthier, unsaturated fats like olive oil, nuts, and fish oil in the diet is advisable.

Salt

Excessive intake of salt enables fluid to build up in the abdomen. Water retention then increases the blood pressure, making liver cirrhosis more painful and difficult to manage. Salt is one item individuals suffering from hepatitis C need to restrict in their diet. Also, processed and packaged foods like instant noodles are foods one should avoid fully.

Sugar

The liver helps the body stabilize its blood sugar levels and there is a strong correlation between blood sugar and hepatitis C. Having a deficient liver could mean one’s blood sugar levels are not normal, putting them at a greater risk of becoming diabetic. If suffering from hepatitis C, foods like cakes, candy, and desserts that have a high sugar percentage should be completely avoided.

Iron

In a chronic case of hepatitis C, the body can’t release iron easily. This causes it to build up, which may cause overload in the blood and organs. One needs to avoid iron-rich foods like bacon, steak, and other red meats. Cereals with a high-iron content should also be replaced by other breakfast cereals or oatmeal.

Furthermore, it is important to try to maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can lead to one developing excess fat in their liver and further increase the risk of liver cirrhosis, especially if they are a hepatitis C patient.

Alcohol is a liver-killer too. It directly damages the liver, making the fight against hepatitis C even tougher. If one can’t eliminate its consumption entirely, they must at least drastically reduce their alcohol intake. Finally, food items like sushi and raw eggs need to be avoided as the bacteria in them can worsen the condition.