Healthy food recommended for hepatitis patients

Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver which is generally caused by a viral infection. In order not to cause more serious complications, routine drug consumption must also be accompanied by changing your diet to be healthier. So, what foods are good for hepatitis patients to eat?

Good food for hepatitis patients

The liver is one of the organs that has the most important role in the body. This organ functions as a filter system that helps remove toxins and waste products and maintains the nutrients from the food you consume every day.

An inflamed liver cannot work optimally. This also makes people with hepatitis more prone to diabetes. Therefore, consumption of healthy foods is very important to reduce the effects of damage caused by hepatitis.

A healthy diet will also maintain your weight. Of course, this one benefit should not be missed, because being overweight can lead to fat accumulation in the liver which has the potential to create a risk of cirrhosis.

The following are types of foods that are good for hepatitis patients.

1. Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are mandatory foods on your daily menu if you want to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including hepatitis patients.

Various nutrients contained in it including potassium, fiber, vitamin C, beta carotene, and folic acid can act as antioxidants that fight cell damage. Plus according to research, types of green vegetables have components that can reduce the fatty acid composition in the liver.

Consumption of fiber-rich foods will also help you reduce the desire to eat sweet and fatty foods because of their filling effect.

2. Complex carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are often avoided while maintaining weight. In fact, carbohydrate foods are still necessary for a balanced diet and have a good impact on hepatitis patients.

Choose the type of complex carbohydrates for your diet. Unlike simple carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates take longer to digest. As a result, you will get more energy and feel the full effect longer.

Complex carbohydrates also contain zinc and vitamin B6 which are good for your liver health. Some foods that are classified as complex carbohydrates include brown rice, brown rice, whole wheat pasta and bread, and corn.

3. Protein

Protein-containing foods are needed for hepatitis patients because they can fight infection and heal damaged liver cells. Protein will build and maintain muscle mass which will help in repairing body tissues.

Ensuring protein intake is of course very important to avoid you from malnutrition problems. However, do not consume excessively, as this will cause complications of encephalopathy. The recommended amount of protein a day is 1.25 to 1.5 g / kg body weight.

Some good protein foods for hepatitis patients are seafood, chicken breast, beans, eggs, dairy products and soy products.

4. Good fat

Fat serves to store energy, protect body tissues, and transport vitamins through the blood. Therefore, foods that contain fat are still needed for the diet of hepatitis patients.

Replace fat intake from red meat with healthier ones such as olive oil, avocado, and salmon. The fat content in these foods is a type of unsaturated fat that can reduce the risk of heart disease.

Salmon contains omega 3 fatty acids which are good for heart and brain health. In addition, salmon can also reduce inflammation and fat accumulation in the liver.

Meanwhile, avocado itself is known as a good source of vegetable fat. Its benefits have been shown in a study which revealed that avocado can help reduce weight and improve the work of the liver as a whole.

However, the consumption of foods with good fats for hepatitis patients should still be limited.

5. Coffee

Many don't know, caffeinated drinks such as coffee can actually reduce the risk of liver injury due to hepatitis.

This is evidenced in a study conducted by giving questionnaires to more than a thousand patients with liver disease related to caffeine consumption for 6 months. As a result, patients who drank at least 2 cups of coffee per day had milder liver fibrosis conditions.

If you want to feel the benefits, drink coffee in a healthy way without added sweeteners and creamer. If you don't like bitter coffee, you can add almond milk or soy milk.

Compiling a diet for hepatitis patients does not have to be difficult. The key is to ensure that you stay away from all taboos and are getting a balanced diet. Also consult your doctor or nutritionist so you can find the right diet for you.

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