Contrary to what you may hear, there is no "Official Hepatitis C Diet." For one reason, nutritional needs change with the course of the disease. Also, what may work for one person may not work for another. Factors such as appetite, weight, and extent of cirrhosis must all be considered.

Should you go on a special diet? Healthcare providers generally advise steering clear of crash diets and food fads. The best diet is a healthy one that contains the right amount of essential nutrients and calories. But a healthy diet is more than just vegetables, lean meats, and fruits. A healthy diet should be balanced to provide you with the right combination of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

People who have hepatitis C with cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) have some special dietary considerations. If this includes you, then see "If You Have Cirrhosis". Otherwise, you can follow these tips for eating a healthy diet:

• Eat a variety of foods. If you eat a variety of foods, you are more likely to get the vitamins and minerals your body needs. To get a sense of how much carbohydrate, fat, and protein equals a balanced diet, follow the guidelines of Canada™s Food Guide to Healthy Eating promotes healthy eating patterns. The food guideline provides the basic food groups and recommended servings.
• Stop drinking alcohol. Alcohol is a toxin (poison) to your liver. Drinking alcohol can lead to serious liver damage in people with hepatitis C. There is strong evidence that alcohol use is an important factor in the progression of Hepatitis C. Alcohol use may increase the severity of side effects. Alcohol consumption may suppress appetite and cause a decrease in nutrient-rich foods
• Limit junk food. Every once in awhile, you might get the urge to visit the vending machine. However, everyone”not just hepatitis C patients”would be better off without foods that offer few nutrients and are high in fat. In general, Canada™s Food Guidelines recommend a diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol and moderate in total fat.
• Cut back on caffeine and sugar. Some people reach for sugary foods or a caffeinated beverage for a burst of energy when they feel a sudden attack of fatigue. Caffeinated beverages and sugar are all right in modest amounts. However, caffeine can be dehydrating, and sugary diets”like fatty diets”can lead to other health problems, such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. If you don't want to give up your morning cup of coffee, then try following that with a couple of glasses of water.
• Don't restrict your protein. Some hepatitis C patients believe that they need to restrict their protein intake to "help" their livers. However, protein restriction is recommended only for certain patients with cirrhosis. Eat plenty of protein in the form of meat, eggs, cheese, or fish, and do not adopt a low-protein diet unless you're following your doctor's advice.
• If you are concerned about fat content, then choose low-fat sources of protein. While red meats are a good source of protein, they also tend to have high fat content. You may want to limit the amount of red meat you eat to once or twice a week.
• Drink plenty of water. Drinking water throughout the day keeps your body hydrated. Drinking water before and after an injection may help you reduce certain side effects.
• Consult our Nutritional Practitioner Peter Krupp