Diet and Hep C

  Please help me to better understand.  For a person who has Hepatitis C, is there any kind of perscribed diet?  We have heard to stay away from irin rich foods. Is there truth to that, if so why?
  Thank You ahead of time for your help.  
      
         J
Dear Juanita,
In patients with hepatitis C viral infection it is important to avoid foods and drugs which may further stress the liver and cause cumulative liver injury. The most important food/drug to avoid in patients with elevated liver enzymes is alcohol in all forms. Weight reduction is also recommended (if applicable) because high fat diets can be stressful to the liver and cause injury. Many Chinese herbal preparations have been found to be extremely hepatotoxic and should be avoided as well as high doses of vitamin A and high doses of acetaminophen (Tylenol) especially if taken with alcohol. Sedatives and all unnecessary medications should be avoided. High serum and hepatic iron levels are seen in the liver disorder called hemochromatosis and in patients who drink too much alcohol. This may be the reason that you heard that eating iron rich foods may worsen liver disease. Usually, unless impaired intestinal iron absorption is present, excess dietary iron is excreted in the urine and not absorbed. Therefore, I do not believe that eating a regular, healthy, balanced diet should precipitate further liver injury. You should also be aware that heme iron (iron from meat) is more efficiently absorbed than non-heme iron (iron from cereals and grains). I hope you find this information helpful.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians' Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.
HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: diet, liver disease,  prevention of further liver injury