HCV DIET - Hepatitis Message Board

deegee · 10-09-2003, 04:14 PM

My husband is on interferon and ribaviran for hcv for 6 weeks. He went to the hcv class and we both read the pamplet(which he has now misplaced) His family has given us all kinds of advice regarding his diet, most of it old wives tales, and his mom says he can't eat salsa or chili peppers. Is this true? He eats jalapenos with beans, etc., since he has had to curb his meat intake. Please advise. Any other tips on diet restrictions would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance

thanbey · 10-09-2003, 05:09 PM

Why does he hAve to curb his meat intake?

None of the foods you have mentioned are of any concern whatsoever. It is important to maintain a healthy weight and to eat well and avoid alcohol.

Food handling is an issue for everyone, but especially for those with liver disease. Make sure everything is VERY clean in the kitchen and you wash your hands frequently, especially after going o the bathroom.

Other than this, I made lots of soups for my husband when he was on treatment. Wholesome food, low in fat (although he has no weight problems), but high in liquids.

I hope this helps you.

deegee · 10-09-2003, 05:20 PM

Thank you for replying, Thanbey. The pamplet we read said to reduce red meat intake because it is hard for the liver to process or something. It said to eat lean meats, if any. He eats chicken, and fish sometimes but it gets boring. So we have been eating more legumes and salsa, and salads and stuff. He doesn't have a weight problem either, as a matter of fact his appetite has diminished since being on treatmeant and is losing weight he doesn't need to. I will try more liquid/soupy foods for him. I was concerned about the chili, though. I checked numerous sites and could not find an answer. Thanks again.

thanbey · 10-09-2003, 05:52 PM

Red meat is not hard on the liver. That is inaccurate information. In fact research has now shown that even those with cirrhosis benefit from increased protein intake, including red meat.

I wouldn't go for a steak at every meal, but having red meat in moderation is NOT a problem for someone with hepC unless they have some difficulties with iron intake (a blood test would show this)

Everyone should avoid transfats, high fat foods, and processed foods (read labels)

When my husband was on treatment I gave him ice cream every night before bed because of the weight loss. He was incredibly thin. Turns out, recent research shows that a bedtime snack (around 10 pm) is an excellent strategy to maintain healthy blood levels that can affect the liver. Who knew? So, a snack of any kind at bedtime is a good idea. Fasting is a bad idea, so small, frequent meals throughout the day may help him maintain his energy level, mood level and sugar (blood glucose)levels as well as his appetite.

And, for heaven's sake, there is NO reason to limit foods he enjoys at a time when he needs nutrition and calories, including red meat.

I hope this helps. now, get out those pots and pans and cook up something wonderful!

thanbey

hepperterry · 10-10-2003, 07:23 AM

Hi! I have cirrhosis and I put the question to my gasro about meat intake. He said not to cut out meat unless we start seeing problems with like my ammonia level and start to really have bad problems. He is the head of the gastro dept at a University and teaches at the med school there. He does research with liver patients and HCV so is pretty knowledgable on HCV. So I agree with Thanbey that meat in moderation is okay. Hope this all helps. Take care!

Terry