Modern Homoeopathy
Monthly E-Newsletter February 2008
DIET AND HEPATITIS
by
Dr. Varsha Sharma
The liver is constantly engaged in a balancing act to ensure that the right nutrients get to the right parts of the body in the right amount. In a healthy person, this balancing act occurs automatically. But when the liver has been weakened or damaged, it has trouble juggling the various nutrients. This is where the diet of a person with a liver problem comes into play. If the right balance of food is consumed, the already burdened liver won’t have to work hard. Nutrition is one aspect of disease where a person has some degree of control and can actively participate in speeding recovery and minimizing the likelihood of additional injury.
Some people suffering from hepatitis may need extra nutrition to prevent unplanned weight loss and may benefit from a high calorie and protein diet. In hepatitis, diet and exercise are important. A good balanced diet which is low in fat, high in fibre with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables plus regular exercise will be beneficial and can help our body deal effectively with the viral infection. All foods, beverages and even medications that we ingest pass through the liver to be metabolized. Therefore, diet plays an important role in maintaining a healthy liver. People with hepatitis often need a high-calorie diet to help rejuvenate the damaged liver and maintain adequate nutrition.
Objectives
To provide adequate nutrition.
To relieve symptoms. Avoid dehydration. Drink plenty of water.
To aid in the regeneration of liver tissues.
To prevent further liver damage.
ROLE OF FAT, VITAMINS, MINERALS ETC IN HEPATITIS-
In case of hepatitis, the digestion and absorption of fat is impaired. Therefore, it is advisable to decrease fat intake, though not severely. Emulsified fats such as fat from milk, butter, cream, eggs should be given as they are easily digested. Overweight individuals are often found to have abnormalities related to the liver. Examination of liver specimens under a microscope reveals that the liver may display a variety of abnormalities ranging from fatty deposits in the liver, to fatty inflammation, or even fatty cirrhosis. The presence of fat in the liver can cause the liver to become enlarged and may result in elevations in liver related blood tests. Patients with hepatitis who also have these other fatty findings may have more altered liver related blood tests.
Iron -
The liver is the primary organ in the body that stores iron. Patients
with chronic hepatitis sometimes have difficulty excreting iron from the body.
This can result in accumulation of iron in the liver, blood and other organs.
Excess iron can be very damaging to the liver. In extreme excess, iron is toxic
to the liver and can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. Even
mildly increased amount of iron (or sometimes even normal amounts of iron) may
cause or enhance the amount of injury to the liver in the presence of other
liver diseases.
Protein -
Protein intake needs to be increased to promote regeneration of the liver. However, a very high protein load may not be tolerable and needs are to be adjusted depending on the extent of liver damage. Adequate protein intake is important to build and maintain muscle mass and to assist in healing and repair of tissues. Therefore, protein intake should be between about 60 - 120 grams a day in patients with hepatitis, unless a complication of cirrhosis known as encephalopathy is present.
Amino Acid -
Amino acid supplementation is potentially dangerous for people with liver disease. Although amino acids are indeed natural, it doesn’t mean that they’re always safe, especially for people with liver disease. However, under no circumstances should any form of amino acid supplement be added to the diet of a person with liver disease.
Sodium -
Patients with hepatitis who have ascites must be on sodium (salt) restricted diets. Every gram of sodium consumed can result in the accumulation of 200 ml of fluid.
Carbohydrates –
A high carbohydrate diet is recommended to meet the increased energy needs. If too much protein is consumed and not enough carbohydrates, the liver will be forced to use protein as an energy source. This is an unwise and inefficient use of protein, as protein will be diverted from its primary job of building cells and tissues. Furthermore, this will put undo stress on the liver, as it is more taxing for the liver to convert protein into energy than it is to convert carbohydrates into energy.
Minerals –
The diet should provide all minerals,
particularly calcium in adequate amounts.
Vitamins –
The requirement of vitamin A, B, C and K are to be adjusted. Vitamins if taken in excess have the potential to cause serious health problems. Depending upon the severity of liver damage the intake of vitamins has to be judged.
Electrolyte supplements –
In patients suffering from dehydration because of repeated vomiting electrolyte supplement has to be encouraged.
Alcohol –
Alcohol is a potent toxin to the liver. The combination of alcohol and hepatitis accelerates the progression of liver disease. Therefore, patients with hepatitis should be wise to limit or completely avoid alcohol-containing beverages.
FOODS TO EXCLUDE -
Avoid giving the patient the following foods:
Full-cream milk, yoghurt, cream, cream cheese and fatty cheeses.
Biscuits, cakes, pies, tarts, etc with high-fat content.
Chocolate.
Not more than three eggs a week.
Animal products.
Caffeine, including colas, chocolate, coffee, some teas, OTC meds. Caffeine is a stimulant. Stimulating the liver can cause stress to the liver.
Junk foods.
Fatty salad dressings, mayonnaise, sour cream.
Avocado.
Fatty, fried meats, fatty fish, poultry skin, all processed meats, fatty gravies, fish canned in oil.
Raw or poorly cooked shellfish.
Alcohol.
Hydrogenated oils that are hard for the liver to handle.
Nuts, peanut butter, nut spreads.
Potato chips, vegetables smothered in butter or white/cheese sauces.
Fatty snacks or very spicy snacks.
All food preparation that increases the amount of fat contained in meals, such as frying in butter, margarine or oil. Rather boil, grill, cook in a nonstick pan and skim off all the coagulated fat before serving.
Fruit juices - Fruit juices are high in concentrated sugar. Sugar is a shock to the liver, stresses the digestive process, stresses the pancreas and it feeds the virus.
Artificial sweeteners - These sweeteners are extremely hard for the liver to process.
Remember our goal is to free the liver from stress and strain.
FOODS TO INCLUDE -
Whole wheat bread.
Whole grain cereals.
Brown rice.
Vegetables, (potatoes in moderation).
Beans, all kinds.
Lots of fresh vegetable juice.
Fresh fruit in moderation (2-3 pieces per day).
Canned tuna in small amounts.
Spices and herbs.
Emulsified fats such as fat from milk, butter, cream, eggs.
Herbal teas, iced or hot.
Lemonade made with fresh lemons.
Flaxseed Oil.
Homemade Vegetable Soup.
Baked chips.
Remember
Patient should be encouraged to eat. Serve patients with small quantities more often. Eating multiple small meals throughout the day is the best approach, as it maximizes energy levels and the ability to digest and absorb food. Maintain a balanced diet while eating foods that appeal.
Food served should be well cooked, attractive and appetizing.
Likes and dislikes of the patient should be kept in mind.
Normal to soft diet should be given in three main meals in between snacks.
Hence, it is observed that if the adequate dietetic requirements are fulfilled then it shall aid in the quick recovery and also prevent further liver damage or complications.
About the Author-
Dr. Varsha V. Sharma, MD (Hom), teaching at YMT Homoeopathic Medical College at Navi Mumbai since, last 7yrs. Practicing Homoeopathy & counseling at Chembur, Bandra & Vashi. Online Editor of Medical books & medical sites. Author of Homoeopathic book on Materia Medica. Author of several articles in various journals, magazines & sites.
Email - drvarshasharma@gmail.com. Mobile No. 9869047078 / 9967647078
DR. VARSHA V. SHARMA MD (Hom.)
139/B, Sindhi Society,
Opp. Bhakti Bhavan Bus Stop,
Chembur, Mumbai – 400071
Email: drvarshasharma@gmail.com
Mo: 9869047078 / 9967647078