Protein

[Jean1949]

I have learned that one of the functions of the liver is to somehow help to process proteins we consume.  Does anyone know if lowering ones protein intake would be beneficial to the liver by not making it work so hard.  I am thinking in regards to a vegan diet benefiting someone with Hep C.
Thank You,  Jean

[Jean1949]

Wow - You have really been through it --bless your heart.  Thank you for sharing-- Love,  Jean

[Jean1949]

Thanks Sarah,  I find I want that occasional hamburger too -- and I am always sorry afterwards,  thank you for sharing with me.  Sincerely, Jean

[Jean1949]

Yes,  trial and error---our bodies are all different.  Thank you for sharing,  I think I'll get some lentils :)  Sincerely, Jean

[Jean1949]

Thank you Jeff, that is good information.  Nice to meet you.  Sincerely, Jean

[Jean1949]

Thank you for your response and best wishes.  I need to get back to the doctor as my abdomen stays extended now.  Maybe the VA will let me try Harvoni - we'll see.  best wishes to you,  Jean

[AugustineMama]

I became so protein-calorie malnutritioned that I now must eat 70g of protein daily, mainly in plant-based proteins. My body was eating my muscles. I went to a nutritionist at Mayo and they set me straight. If I have no appetite. I can drink a protein drink every single morning and no matter what I have to eat 1600 calories. It has taken 2 years, but when threatened with a feeding tube you do what you gotta do.

[Sarah1949]

I think protein only becomes a serious issue with cirrhosis and ascites or HE. I find tofu or beans preferable to any meat but since I started tx I find that I really crave meat at times and for the sake of svr I give in and go for that hamburger. Ugh.

[keepingOnkeepingOn]

However I can't eat fish. I get sick. Must be the ammonia.

[keepingOnkeepingOn]

I went from being a vegan for 40 years to eating red meat in the last year. Everyone is different. I do much better eating red meat. My hemoglobin has been boosted by it. I'm within range now and that's a miracle. I seem to process it just fine at stage3/4. Not as weak as I was. Lentils have tons of protein and natural iron. 35% to be exact. Trail and error to see what works best for you may be the thing.

[jcfried]

A problem my friend with Hep C and i have encountered is that consumption of animal protein caused an ammonia buildup.  I would wake up to the constant smell of ammonia everywhere i went.  Since i am mostly vegetarian, and only break this rule with fish a few times a month, i was careful to note that the ammonia smell only occurred after eating fish.  My physician tested me and found that i definitely had an ammonia buildup and i should stop eating animal protein.  Once i dropped eating fish the problem went away.  My physician told me that the ammonia buildup can lead to encephalopathy - brain fog - that can be very damaging, so i'm sticking to a vegetarian diet.  He also said that if my liver wasn't already damaged, this would probably not be an issue.

... jeff

[Ekkiemom]

Hi Jean, the only thing I would say is stay away from red meat especially if it's not organic. I prefer to skip all together hormones or not. Just my preference.  Online there is a list of good proteins that are liver friendly without overworking it

Good Luck
Deb