Hepatitis C affects the liver and can lead to cirrhosis, or inflammation of the liver. Hence, one must make sure to balance their food intake to manage Hepatitis C. There is no particular diet prescribed for Hepatitis C, but a healthy diet will ensure that the symptoms do not worsen the condition. Here are a few guidelines for a healthy diet that can help maintain liver health and manage Hepatitis C.

Balanced diet
A balanced diet includes a combination of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, nutrients, and fats. A balanced diet can be customized to a person’s health condition. A person prone to inflammatory diseases should not eat food that will trigger inflammation, a person with renal disease should avoid food that is rich in sodium, potassium or phosphorus. Similarly, a person who has Hepatitis C should have a balanced diet but avoid that food that could aggravate any further damage to the liver. A balanced diet should contain items from each group of vegetables, pulses, and animal or plant protein, fat, dairy, and whole grains. You can include suitable alternatives if you are a vegan.

Vegetables
Vegetables containing antioxidants are crucial to improve the overall strength during recovery. You should also take particular vegetables that can strengthen the liver and helps in detoxifying the liver. Vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli contain sulfur that helps the liver heal and recovers. Both these vegetables also contain glucosinolate, which activates the livers capacity to produce enzymes that can detox the body. Bright colored vegetables like carrots and beets too help in improving liver health. Dark leafy vegetables rich in chlorophylls can flush toxins from the blood. Heavy metals can be absorbed into our bodies without our knowledge and are harmful to the liver. Dark leafy vegetables can neutralize the effect of heavy metals.

Fruits
Fruits again are rich in antioxidants and are powerhouses of vitamins and minerals that are crucial for liver health. Fruits rich in Vitamin C help to clean the liver and detoxify it. Vitamin C also helps in the production of liver enzymes that can detox our system. Apple too helps to detox the digestive tract. Avocado helps to detox our arteries. When the body has lesser toxins, the liver can work much better.

Whole grains
Excessive consumption of sugar and fructose can cause pressure on the liver leading to a fatty liver. Whole grains contain fiber that reduces the sugar overload in the liver. The fiber also prevents and improves digestion and relieves constipation. Fiber also prevents the increase of blood sugar and cholesterol.

Plant-based protein and fats
Many recommend plant protein in favor of animal protein. You should place vegetable oils like sesame oil, olive oil or coconut oil in your menu. This not only helps in weight loss but also prevents the accumulation of fats in the liver.

Lean Meat
For those who prefer animal protein, they have to be weaned away from meat that contains fat and trains their palate towards lean meat. Choose low-fat fish, skinless chicken, and turkey over red meat.

Caffeine
Small amounts of coffee or tea, maybe two cups a day, can help prevent fibrosis of the liver and keep the liver from becoming rigid.y You can have these hot beverages without sugar.

Spices
Include garlic in your diet frequently. Apart from its antiviral properties, it helps break down toxins that cause cancer. Turmeric can flush toxins out of the liver, remove metals from the bloodstream and can repair the damaged cells of the liver. You can add garlic and turmeric to your cooking. Avoid taking supplements.

Walnuts
Among the nuts, walnuts specifically are highly beneficial for the liver. They help to detoxify the ammonia and help in liver cleansing. Add walnuts to brownies, salads, cakes, and smoothies to derive maximum benefits.