Hepatitis B symptoms causes and diet:

I have a Hepatitis B can you tell me what I should eat everyday please, thanks.

Hepatitis B, caused by hepatitis B virus is a serious form of liver infection that needs special treatment.



Common symptoms of hepatitis B include loss of appetite, weakness, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. All these symptoms can restrict the food intake considerably. A person with hepatitis B doesn’t require a special diet with restrictions of any food group.



However emphasis on a healthy diet comprising of whole grains, cereals and its products, lean proteins, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables should be made. The following dietary and lifestyle modifications mentioned below will help you to cope up with your condition –

1. Avoid alcohol consumption completely as alcohol can speed up the liver degeneration process.
2. A balanced diet which makes you strong and supports your immune system is essential.
   
   
   
   Emphasize on whole fruits and vegetables, whole cereals, whole grains, whole pulses, sprouts, beans, low fat dairy products, eggs, lean meat, poultry and fish. Avoid a high fat diet as this can lead to weight gain and may complicate your condition.
3. If you have low appetite then eat your favorite foods, even in little amounts or cook food differently to make it more appealing. Adding food texture to your meals can also make eating joyful for example you can add seeds, chopped nuts or water chestnuts to different dishes.
4. If you feel nauseous and if you vomit then try to include small meals at small intervals. This will prevent the feeling of nausea. Also if you experience excessive vomiting then it is important to include lots of fluids in the day to compensate for the fluid losses and prevent dehydration. However avoid drinking fluids with your meals as they can make you full sooner and thus restrict your food intake.
5. Choose foods that can be easily digested and don’t put extra load on the liver like simple soups, chicken broths, or baked potato.
   
   
   
   It is important to maintain your healthy body weight, prevent gaining or losing excess weight.
6. Keep some healthy snacks handy like hard boiled eggs, fruits, nuts, carrot sticks, celery sticks or some instant breakfast mixes.
7. To strengthen and increase your energy levels, exercise. Increased physical activity will also help to improve your appetite and increase your food consumption.
8. Rest a lot and avoid any kind of stress.
9. If you are on any medications that cause liver damage then check with your specialist about the same. However before changing or avoiding any medications it is important to take an approval of your specialist.