Hepatitis A, a contagious disease of the liver, results from infection. Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining health in someone with Hepatitis A.
A good diet plan includes:
- A thumb rule for Hepatitis A diet is to incorporate a good amount of protein to help the liver’s natural repair process. However, too much daily protein may cause hepatic encephalopathy (mental confusion). Vegetable and dairy proteins may be tolerated better than meat protein, so, the former should be a part of the diet for Hepatitis A.
- It is always wise to include Turmeric (Curcuma long) in a Hepatitis A diet for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cherries, grapefruit, and garlic should be incorporated in the diet for Hepatitis A, as they are good for the liver.
- Hepatitis A diet should be enriched with common household spices which boost the appetite, as loss of appetite is common with liver disorders.
- Antioxidant rich foods should be added to the diet for Hepatitis A.
- A must-have in the diet is the Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis), which is available as supplements, powdered, pickled, salted, and even candied.
- Organic soybean, a good substitute for cheese, can be included in a vegan diet for Hepatitis A.
- A diet for Hepatitis A should be rich in homemade vegetable soups, which are very esay to digest.
- Peoples suffering from an accumulation of water in the stomach may need a Hepatitis A diet that is low in salt to avoid fluid retention.
- Fresh fruits like papaya, orange, and grapes are a good option for Hepatitis A diet.
Avoid:
- Excess calories in the form of carbohydrates can add to liver dysfunction, causing fat deposits in the liver, so they should be avoided.
- Excess iron can damage the liver and should be avoided.
- Processed foods with artificial sweeteners and preservatives should not be part of a healthy diet for Hepatitis A.
- Excess vitamin A, being very toxic to the liver, should also be avoided in a Hepatitis A diet.
- Alcohol should be avoided.
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