Hepatitis B is one such disease that occurs when irritation or inflammation in the liver is observed. This also spreads to other individuals by blood, vaginal fluids, semen, or any other body fluids of someone with this condition.
Although this disease is directly linked with the liver, the foods that you consume play a vital role in a healthy functioning liver and stomach. The best gastroenterologist of Karachi suggests that since hepatitis B is incurable, patients must maintain certain dietary restrictions in order to prevent further liver damage that affects stomach activity.
A number of foods are helpful and there is a whole variety of nutrients that must be avoided. Here’s a list of foods that you should avoid at all costs if you’re suffering from hepatitis B.
Alcohol and Drugs
Individuals affected by hepatitis should not be consuming alcohol at all costs. Even drugs should be avoided. Alcohol and drugs are toxic even if your liver is healthy and working perfectly. Therefore, people who have hepatitis B should refrain from alcohol and drug consumption. As they already have a sensitive liver that is prone to swelling and irritation.
Alcohol and drug consumption even in moderate amounts can speed up the progression of the disease. It is also found out that if you consume alcohol even after starting the treatment, you reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
There are a number of desserts and sweet dishes that contain alcohol, so please be careful while buying these. Check the ingredients whenever you buy them.
Fatty Foods
Fatty foods are a big no for people suffering from hepatitis B. Foods that contain high content of saturated fat like non-lean meats, poultry skin, organ meats, and other processed meats like sausages, bacon, and lunch meat must be avoided at all costs by the individuals with the disease.
Dairy foods like buttermilk, cheese, ice cream, and whole milk should be consumed in limited amounts. Other fatty foods that should be avoided are hard margarine and those consisting of coconut and palm oil in order to avoid inflammation and swelling in the liver.
Bakery items such as cookies and cakes should also be avoided as they have high-fat content.
Sugary Foods
Sugary foods must be avoided by individuals with the disease. Soft drinks and other sweetened beverages contain extra sugar that is found to be the cause of many individuals suffering from the disease.
The list of sugary foods that must be avoided includes soda, sports drinks, drink powders, and other beverages that are made from high fructose corn syrup. Some other sources of sugary foods are jams, cakes, donuts, pies, candy, cookies, and brownies.
Sugar is also found in foods that don’t taste like sugar such as salad dressings, beans, ketchup, barbecue sauce, and canned fruits.
Salty Foods
Foods containing high levels of sodium must be avoided by people with this disease. Many of the canned, frozen and processed foods contain large amounts of sodium. Therefore it is a very good practice to read the label before buying a particular product.
Certain seasonings, canned sauces, dry soups, peanut butter, ham, baking mixes (pancake and muffins), chips and crisps, and powdered sauces in packages should be added to the list of the foods to be avoided.
Whenever you go to buy a product do check the label for low salt or low sodium rather than reduced salt.
Protein-rich Foods
People who suffer from heptitis usually suffer from the problem of not being able to digest protein in an efficient manner. So, if you’re suffering from this disease avoid taking protein in your meals.
Since the protein doesn’t process properly, toxic waste gets accumulated in the body. This buildup of toxic wastes in the body can lead to disruption in brain function. Meat, poultry, dairy products, and eggs contain high protein content.
Doctors around the world believe that cutting down the amount of protein intake can reduce the accumulation of toxins in the body. However, consuming too little protein is also unhealthy for the liver. Intake of about 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight is advisable.
The Bottom Line
In order to save the liver and other organs from weakening do focus on the diet that you consume. Along with medication, keep taking healthy food options in order to boost your immune system to avoid further infections.
