Hepatitis C symptoms often go unnoticed because they are similar to common illnesses. If you have any suspicions of the symptoms, get yourself checked immediately. The sooner you are diagnosed, the better your chances of fighting the virus. Your diet plays an important role in fighting Hepatitis C. This article lists some foods to manage hepatitis C. Include these foods in your diet as they will support your liver when it is affected by the hepatitis C virus.

Zinc-rich foods – Zinc is essential for the effective functioning of the liver, and it plays an important role in various aspects of the immune system. Foods rich in zinc help improve health and reduce the severity of the symptoms of hepatitis C. Studies show that increasing the consumption of zinc helped reduce hair loss, treat digestive issues, and improved weight gain. Zinc is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system. This is essential for those who are fighting the hepatitis C virus. As the body does not store zinc, you need to eat enough zinc-rich foods every day to ensure you are meeting your daily requirement of zinc. Doctors may recommend zinc supplements, but as far as possible, try to get your nutrients from your natural foods instead of dietary supplements. The blood absorbs nutrients from natural foods and synthesizes it better than it does supplements.

Some of the natural foods rich in zinc that can be incorporated in your diet are:

• Legumes – legumes like chickpeas, beans, and lentils are loaded with substantial amounts of zinc. They are a great source of fiber and protein, which are beneficial to the liver. Add them to soups, stews, and salads to reap their benefits.
• Seeds – hemp, sesame, pumpkin, and squash seeds have high zinc content in them.
• Nuts – pine nuts, cashews, and almonds contain a significant amount of zinc. They are a healthy snack option.
• Whole grains – wheat, quinoa, oats, and rice contain zinc. Opt for whole grains instead of refined grains.
• Dark chocolate – though dark chocolate is a high-calorie food it contains a considerable amount of zinc, which is good for your body.
• Shellfish – oysters, crab, mussels, and shrimp can be consumed to meet your body’s zinc requirements. But they can be avoided if you are allergic to seafood.

Black seed oil – The seeds of Nigella Sativa have been used in different civilizations around the world to treat various ailments. Hepatitis C is one of the conditions for which Nigella Sativa seeds (also called Black Seed) provide relief. The oil extracted from this seed is a functional food that helps treat hepatitis C. The oil is pressed from the seeds of the flowering shrub, Nigella Sativa. The plant contains thymoquinone, a compound that is a powerful antioxidant that helps to heal the liver. Thymoquinone protects the liver from injury by scavenging the free radicals and increasing glutathione levels. Glutathione protects the liver from damage and helps in alleviating the damage to the liver caused by Hepatitis C. Black seed oil is also known as sesame oil or cumin seed oil. If you do not like the taste of black seed oil, combine it with other oils. It is available in supermarkets and stores in the country.

Foods rich in vitamin D – Research has proved that it is common for people with chronic hepatitis C to have a vitamin D deficiency. Improving the intake of food high in vitamin D will help to enhance immune function and overall health. Adding the following foods rich in Vitamin D will help to naturally improve your health condition when combating hepatitis C:

• Salmon – Opt for wild salmon as it has a higher content of Vitamin D when compared to farmed salmon.
• Cod liver oil – Cod liver oil is a very good source of vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids.
• Mushrooms – Excluding fortified foods and dairy, mushrooms are the best plant-based source of vitamin D. Wild mushrooms are superior to cultivated mushrooms in vitamin D content. Cultivated mushrooms are treated with UV light to increase vitamin D content. For vegetarians, mushrooms are the best choice for vitamin D.