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DIET AND HEPATITIS C
FAT AND HEPATITIS C
Overweight individuals are often found to have abnormalities related to the liver . Examination of liver specimens may display a spectrum of abnormalities ranging from fatty deposits in the liver,[ steatosis], to fatty inflammation [ fatty hepatitis], or even fatty cirrhosis. This condition is called Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis [ NASH ]. It occurs predominantly in middle-aged obese women with diabetes mellitus and hypertriglyceridemia [excess fat in the blood]. However, this disease may also occur in individuals of normal weight, without other associated diseases, and can also affect men. The presence of fat in the liver can cause the liver to become enlarged and may result in elevations in liver related blood work { liver function tests [LFT's] }. The addition of NASH in patients with hepatitis C may worsen liver related blood work and physical exam. This may confuse interpretation of results and diagnosis. Controlled studies need to be done to determine if the addition of this disease worsens the prognosis of patients with underlying chronic hepatitis C. In overweight patients with a fatty liver who subsequently lose weight, liver- related abnormalities improve. Therefore, patients with chronic hepatitis C are advised to maintain a normal weight. For persons who are overweight, it is crucial to start a prudent exercise routine and a low fat, well balanced, weight reducing diet. In diabetic patients, a sugar- restricted diet should be adhered to. A low cholesterol diet should be followed in those with hypertriglyceridemia. In individuals with NASH who are of normal weight, a low fat diet may be advantageous. It is essential that patients consult with their physician prior to the commencement of any dietary or exercise program.

PROTEIN AND HEPATITIS C
Adequate protein intake is important to build and maintain muscle mass and to assist in healing and repair. Protein intake must be adjusted to one's body weight. Approximately 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight is recommended in the diet each day. Therefore, protein intake should be between about 60 - 120 grams a day in patients with hepatitis C, unless a complication of cirrhosis known as encephalopathy occurs. Encephalopathy is an altered mental status. The exact cause is not fully understood and is probably multifactorial. It has been shown that restriction of the diet of animal protein and maintaining a total vegetarian diet, helps reverse this condition and improve mental capacity.

SODIUM AND HEPATITIS C
Advanced scarring of the liver [ cirrhosis ] may lead to an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen referred to as ascites. Patients with hepatitis C who have ascites must be on sodium [salt] restricted diets. Every gram of sodium consumed results in the accumulation of 200 ml of fluid. The lower the salt content in the diet, the better this excessive fluid accumulation is controlled. While often difficult, sodium intake should be restricted to 1000mg each day, and preferably to 500 mg per day. One must become an careful shopper, diligently reading all food labels. It is often surprising to discover which foods are high in sodium.
For example, one ounce of corn flakes contains 350 mg of sodium; one ounce of grated parmesan cheese - 528mg of sodium; one cup of chicken noodle soup - 1108 mg of sodium; and one teaspoon of table salt - 2,325 mg of sodium!
Most fast food restaurants are a no no. Meats, especially red meats, are high in sodium content, and adherence to a vegetarian diet may often become necessary. Patients with chronic hepatitis C without ascites, are advised not to overindulge in salt intake, although their restrictions need not be as severe.

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