If I have hepatitis B, what should I avoid eating and drinking?

Hello Anonymous,

Welcome to EmpowHER. I am glad you reached out to our community for advice regarding diet in the presence of Hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B is transmitted when blood, semen, or another body fluid from a person infected with the Hepatitis B virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. This can happen through sexual contact; sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment; or from mother to baby at birth. For some people, hepatitis B is an acute, or short-term, illness but for others, it can become a long-term, chronic infection. Risk for chronic infection is related to age at infection: approximately 90% of infected infants become chronically infected, compared with 2%–6% of adults. Chronic Hepatitis B can lead to serious health issues, like cirrhosis or liver cancer. The best way to prevent Hepatitis B is by getting vaccinated.

You must avoid alcohol consumption.

A balanced diet can lead to better liver functioning and lowered risk of cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver. It also can help the immune system stay strong and fight off illness. Your diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables,whole grains such as oats, brown rice, barley, and quinoa,lean protein such as fish, skinless chicken, egg whites, and beans,
low-fat or non-fat dairy products, and healthy fats like those in nuts, avocados, and olive oil.

Anonymous, you have find some helpful information on our Hepatitis B page.
https://www.empowher.com/condition/hepatitis-b

Wishing you good health,
Maryann