Hepatitis C is a virus that affects the liver and causes fibrosis and inflammation. If it is left untreated, infections caused due to it can damage the liver and further lead to scarring or cirrhosis. While hepatitis C can be cured via medication, it is better to supplement the treatment procedure with the right food and lifestyle choices so the body grows stronger faster. One of the changes to opt for is various kinds of foods to manage hepatitis C. More precisely, you can take the help of plant-based foods that are easy to digest and gain nutrition from.
While patients with hepatitis C do not generally require a special diet, there are certain foods they can eat to maintain good liver health. For example, increased consumption of the right fruits and vegetables has only been known to help maintain the nutrient intake required by individuals, healthy or otherwise.
Below is a list of plant-based foods to manage hepatitis C and control the symptoms of it.
Leafy green vegetables
The beneficial properties of leafy green vegetables are many as they can lessen fatty acid composition in the liver. Hence, the consumption of all kinds of leafy green vegetables is beneficial for people with hepatitis C. Few healthy options include kale, spinach, and cabbage among others. They are great sources of iron too. However, do not consume these in excess, as sometimes, they might be harmful. To fight with the symptoms of hepatitis C, one should eat at least five servings of leafy green vegetables daily. This will ensure that you get the widest range of vitamins that you need. Always try to eat those vegetables that low in carbs.
Foods high in vitamin A
Vitamin A is a very healthy and fat-soluble nutrient and helps people suffering from the symptoms of the condition. Some of the vitamin A-rich foods include carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash, cantaloupe, apricots, spinach, kale, and collard greens. Furthermore, certain spices are also a great source of this nutrient, including paprika, red pepper, cayenne, and chili powder.
Foods high in vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant. Thus, it helps protect the health of your cells and also promotes better liver health. Foods rich in vitamin C include papaya, citrus, fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and dark leafy greens such as kale, mustard greens, and chard.
Vitamin B-rich foods
With eight vitamins offering different benefits, B complex vitamins are essential for hepatitis C patients as they help the body produce energy. Your list of foods to manage hepatitis C must have foods rich in this nutrient such as spinach, collard greens, turnip greens, and romaine lettuce.
Fiber-rich foods
Fiber is extremely important to manage the symptoms of hepatitis C. Some of the fiber-rich foods which you should consume to maintain good liver health include pears, strawberries, avocado, apples, raspberries, bananas, carrots, beets, broccoli, artichoke, and lentils.
Folic acid-rich foods
This nutrient is also known as vitamin B9 folic acid or folate. It is a water-soluble vitamin that has many important functions and is essential for the body. Legumes, asparagus, beets, citrus fruits, broccoli, nuts and seeds, wheat germ, papaya, bananas, and avocado are some of the plant-based foods to manage hepatitis C.
