6 Foods That Help Manage Hepatitis C
Some common foods that are readily available can aid the liver in its essential function of fat digestion and detoxification. Such foods enhance the liver’s functioning and capacity to fight the infection. Hepatitis C damages the liver cells and the remaining healthy cells have to perform the detoxification. When there are more toxins in the blood, it leads to permanent damage to the liver, and there is a possibility of brain damage and developing cancerous cells. It is important to take steps that will help the liver in flushing out the toxins. The foods mentioned below have the nutrients that the body needs to produce the enzymes which are needed in the process of cleansing.
Lemons
Lemons are known for their function of detoxifying the liver. This citrus fruit contains plenty of vitamin C which helps to produce glutathione which is needed by every cell in the body to fight toxins. As the level of glutathione gets higher, the liver that is infected by the viral hepatitis can cleanse better. Lemon juice can also treat or reduce liver damage due to excessive alcoholism.
Garlic
Garlic not only has antiviral properties that protect our body against the virus that causes hepatitis, but it also works to fight against bacteria and other parasites. The sulfur compounds in garlic help the liver fight against many toxins. It can also minimize the fat build-up in the arteries. To get the maximum benefit of garlic, it has to be consumed raw.
Kale
A green leafy vegetable belonging to the group of Brassica or wild cabbage, also known as borecole is an excellent source of sulfur-containing phytonutrients. They activate the liver to produce sufficient detoxifying enzymes that help to neutralize the disease-causing substances. Kale can be had raw in a salad or cooked and boiled. It can be added to soups too.
Blueberries
These are rich in anti-inflammatory phytochemicals. These fruits help to reduce and calm the inflammation in chronic hepatitis. They are also known to block the toxins in blood reaching the brain. Brain damage or hepatic encephalopathy is a condition that may occur in the liver disease caused by hepatitis C, and this function of blueberries helps to reduce the toxicity.
Watercress
This peppery leafy green packed with vitamin B and antioxidants is being recognized as a superfood for the liver. Its diuretic nature helps to flush out the toxins. A study has found that watercress increases the enzymes in the body that help the liver to detoxify in cases of chronic hepatitis. Watercress is a great addition to salads and sandwiches.
Grapefruit
A sweet and tart citrus fruit, it has flavonoids that cleanse harmful viruses from your body. Research indicates that the flavonoid naringenin in grapefruits is capable of blocking the secretion of the virus that causes hepatitis C from the infected cells. It also fights damage and inflammation and keeps the liver healthy. They are also known to control obesity and enhance metabolism which helps to reduce the problems of a fatty liver.