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 DIET AND HEPATITIS C
Information from the American Liver
Foundation,
1425 Pompton Avenue Cedar Grove, NJ 07009
1-800-GO LIVER (465-4837)
WHAT
IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DIET AND HEPATITIS C?
Hepatitis C
(HCV) is a virus that infects the liver.
Up to 85% of people exposed to this virus develop chronic liver
disease. In general, chronic HCV appears to be a slowly progressive
disease that may gradually advance over 10-40 years.
While not as yet totally defined, many factors influence the rate
of disease progression. Diet may play an important role in this
process, as all foods and beverages that we ingest must pass through
the liver to be metabolized.
General guidelines for
individuals infected with HCV include maintaining a healthy lifestyle,
eating a well-balanced, low-fat diet, and avoiding alcohol. A diet
high in complex carbohydrates may be helpful in providing calories
and maintaining weight. Since HCV infection may lead to loss of
appetite, those individuals whose appetite is diminished may find
frequent, small meals more easily tolerated. Adequate rest and moderate
exercise can also contribute to a feeling of well-being.
ALCOHOL
AND HEPATITIS C
Alcohol
is a potent toxin to the liver. Excessive intake can lead to cirrhosis
and its complications, including liver cancer. Heavy drinkers are
not the only individuals at risk for liver diseases, as damage can
occur in even some moderate "social drinkers."
The hepatitis C virus has frequently been isolated from patients
with alcoholic liver disease.
In fact, these patients have been found to have a higher incidence of severe liver damage, cirrhosis, and a decreased life span, when compared to individuals without the virus. It is suggested that the combination of alcohol and HCV accelerates the progression of liver disease.
The consensus statement concerning management of
HCV released in March, 1997 from the National Institutes of Health
further warned about the dangers of excessive alcohol use, and advised
limitation of alcohol to no more than one drink per day.
Therefore, patients...»»
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