Nutritional tips for those with Hepatitis
You will be surprised to know that people with chronic Hepatitis have similar nutritional needs compared to those without the disease. However, certain foods can put further strain on the liver and delay the healing process of the patients liver (Hepatitis Diet Recommendations- Foods to Eat and Avoid, 2016).
Recommended foods:
Whole grain foods
- Whole wheat bread or cereal
- Brown rice
- Whole grain pasta
- Oatmeal
- Rye
- Wild rice
Fruits and Vegetables : contain many essential nutrients and antioxidants that prevent further cell damage (Viral Hepatitis and Liver Disease, 2018).
- Apples
- Oranges
- Bananas
- Grapes
- Avocadoes
- Garlic
- Onions
(11 Food Recommendations for Hepatitis Patients, 2016)
Foods to avoid
- Alcohol
- Junk food/Processed foods
- Bleached white flour
- Artificial sweeteners
- Fruit juices
(11 Food Recommendations for Hepatitis Patients, 2016)
Food recipes for Hepatitis C
Beet and Avocado Salad
This beet and avocado salad is full of the essential tools needed to defend against the Hep C virus. Beets are known to have the amino acid betaine, which decreases the fat on the liver. It also contains a detoxifying enzyme to help the liver function properly. Avocadoes are high in vitamin E, C, and K, reducing liver inflammation and it prevents further cell damage(3 Thanksgiving Recipes to Help Your Liver).
Ingredients:
- 8 medium beets
- 1/2 cup Kraft Classic Herb Dressing
- 1/4 orange juice
- 3 medium avocados (peeled, pitted and cut into wedges)
- 1 medium red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (grated)
- 5 plum tomatoes, chopped
- 1 package spring mix salad greens
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
- Orange slices(optional)
(Avocado and Beet Salad, n.d. ; My Favorite Avocado Salad, 2017)
Instructions
- Wash the beets and pierce in several places with a fork or a knife. Put beets in foil and drizzle with 1/4 cup of dressing. Completely cover the beets in the foil.
- Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes or until tender. Take out the own and open foil, allow beets to cool. Then peel and cut into wedges.
- Mix remaining dressing and orange juice in large bowl, add the beets and toss. Set aside.
- Arrange avocados on serving platter, top with layer of onions, beet and spring green mixture. Sprinkle with parsley and orange zest.
(Avocado and Beet Salad, n.d.)
(Battista, 2017)
Living with Cirrhosis
Maintaining a low sodium diet is crucial when living with cirrhosis, especially patients who are dealing with fluid buildup. When cooking meals do not use salt or salt substitutes, rather use spices. There is a common misconception that “sea salt” is better but in actuality sea salt has just the amount of sodium as regular everyday salt. Avoid using either at all cost (Volk, 2011)
Choices of herbs and low sodium condiments
- Fresh Lemon
- Fresh Garlic
- Fresh horseradish
- Ginger
- Cilantro
- Cumin
- Cayenne
- Onion powder
- Low sodium ketchup
- Low sodium chili sauce
- “Mrs. Dash” seasoning
(Volk, 2011)
Beneficial to the Liver
Harmful to the Liver
- Fresh/frozen vegetables
- Fresh fruit and fruit juices
- Unsalted snacks
- Low fat diet
- High protein diet
- Avocado
- Vegetables and oils (use sparingly)
- Fresh beef, pork, veal, poultry, fish
- Beans, lentils
- Bread without salt, pasta
(Volk, 2011)
- Canned vegetables
- Glazed or crystallized fruit
- Potato chips, regular popcorn, other salty snacks
- Gatorade and vegetable juice (V-8)
- Salad dressing with sodium
- Processed meats, dried meat
- Canned soups
Liver Healthy Breakfast: Easy Granola
Ingredients
Directions
- 2 cups quick cooking oatmeal
- I cup mixed nuts
- 1/4 cup mixed seeds(sunflower, poppy, pumpkin, sesame)
- 3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconuts
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 5 tablespoons of maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 1/2 cup dried fruit
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Put oatmeal, nuts, seeds, coconut, and cinnamon on a baking sheet and stir
- Drizzle with maple syrup and olive oil
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check every 5 minutes.
- Once granola is golden room from pan and mix in dried fruit and let cool.
- Eat with yogurt or milk
(Oliver, 2016)
Liver Healthy Lunch: Scallop Ceviche
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen bay scallops, defrosted and quartered
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
- 2 green or red serrano chili peppers
- 3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup finely diced red onions
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
- 3 tablespoons finely shredded unsweetened coconut
Instructions
- Mix together scallops, cherry tomatoes, serrano chili peppers, chopped fresh cilantro, red onion, orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, coconut in a stainless steel or glass bowl. Mix well.
- Cover and put in the fridge for at least 2 hours or up to 16 hours.
(Getty, 2016)
Liver Healthy Dinner: Filet Mignon with balsamic glaze
Ingredients
- 2 (4 ounce) filet mignon steaks
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup dry red wine
(Linda, W. , n.d.)
Instructions
- Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper on both sides of the steaks and sprinkle with a pinch of salt
- Heat nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Place steaks in hot pan and cook for 1 minute each side or until browned.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add balsamic vinegar and red wine. Cover and allow to cook for 4 minutes on each side.
- Remove from pan and spoon glaze over the steaks.
LiverCare 