Foods & Supplements from an expert

Nutrition Strategies for HIV and Hepatitis C Co-Infection - Written By: Alan Lee, RD, CDE, CDN, CFT

Liver-Friendly Foods:  (Important for vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and antioxidants)
Asparagus, Almonds, Cayenne, Pepper, Beans, Barley, Beets, Avocado, Cinnamon, Eggs, Butternut, Squash, Broccoli, Brazil Nuts, Dill, Salmon, Melon, Carrots, Flaxseed, Lemon, Sardines, Oatmeal, Papaya, Peanuts, Garlic, Soybeans, Plantains, Spinach, Sesame, Ginger, Tuna, Wheatgerm, Tomatoes, Walnuts, Onions, Whey Protein, Whole-Grains

You need antioxidants to prevent oxidative stress and free radical damage that can contribute to increased liver damage. Levels of selenium, gluthatione, and vitamins A, C, and E have been found to be significantly lower in those people living with Hepatitis C. You may also want to consider taking dietary supplements for nutrients that you may not be able to get in large enough quantities through food.
Liver-Friendly Supplements:
SELENIUM - Low selenium levels have been associated in large studies with increased risk of liver cancer. There also appears to be a protective role of selenium against hepatitis and liver cancer. Recommended dose via food and supplements is: 200 mcg/day. One brazil nut contains 100 mcg of selenium!
N-ACETYL CYSTEINE (NAC) - NAC is essential to the body because it helps make glutathione. Glutathione has a major role in liver detoxification. Low glutathione levels have been shown to be common in people with cirrhosis, HIV and Hepatitis C. NAC is an antioxidant that helps to increase glutathione levels in the people living with HIV. Glutathione is also an antioxidant that is needed to keep the immune system functioning well. Recommended dose via food and supplements is: 1000-2000 mg. Whey protein powder is an excellent source of NAC.
GLUTAMINE - Also helps to support the increase of glutathione levels. It is the most abundant amino acid in the body and its primary function is to maintain the health of your gut. Recommended dose via food and supplements is: 5-20 grams/day. If you want this level of glutamine in your body, you’ll need to take glutamine in powder supplement form. The major source of glutamine is in raw meats, and you already know you should avoid raw and undercooked meats!
ALPHA LIPOIC ACID - (ALA)- ALA is an antioxidant that is used within the liver cells where it can regenerate glutathione and boost glutathione levels. Alpha Lipoic Acid works together with other antioxidant Vitamins C & E to decrease oxidative stress. Recommended dose via food and supplements is: 100-200 mcg/day.
VITAMIN E - is a fat soluble antioxidant that plays an important role in protecting the immune system, fats, vitamin A, and cell membrane from oxidative stress. There is emerging evidence to suggest that Vitamin E can have a positive effect on liver enzyme levels and inhibit Cirrhosis. Recommended dose via food and supplements is: 200-800 IU/day.
MILK THISTLE (Silymarin) - is an herb that is a potential liver- protectant. It is a antioxidant that can help to repair liver cells by displacing toxins that try to enter the liver. Most studies have used the 80% silymarin standardized extract. Milk thistle is generally well-tolerated, but it can have a laxative effect and cause gut upset. Recommended dose via supplements is: 400-600 mg/day. You cannot get Silymarin in your diet other than by taking a supplement. There are many food and drug and supplement interactions that go beyond the scope of what this article can cover. Therefore, as always, make sure you discuss your supplementation plan with your qualified health care professional.
About the author:
Alan Lee, RD, CDE, CDN, CFT, is the nutritionist at the Greyston Health Services Positive Impact Primary Care Clinic and Maitri Adult Day Healthcare Program in Yonkers, NY. He also currently works as a consultant for various HIV/AIDS Service Organizations including the Asian & Pacific Islander Coalition on HIV/AIDS (APICHA) and TOUCH of Rockland County. He also has a private practice with Astor Medical Group. He is currently the Alliance/Membership Chair for the HIV/AIDS Dietetic Practice Group, the Co-Chair of Nutritionists In AIDS Care (NIAC) and the Nutrition Track Co-Chair for the Association Of Nutrition Services Agencies (ANSA). He is a national speaker on nutrition and wellness and can be reached at [phone] and ***@****.

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