Below are some of the ideas and health tips suggested by C-Level members and some important DO's and DON'T'S
DIET
Aim for a reduced fat diet (no fry-ups, etc)
Reduce sugary foods (less sweeties, cakes and biscuits)
Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day
Avoiding cured meat (bacon, ham, salami), mature cheese, ground meat (as found in sausages, pies, burgers) and gelatin may help reduce brain fog if this is a problem
Avoiding citrus fruit (oranges, lemons, grapefruit, limes) may help reduce nausea if this is a problem
Restrict caffeine (tea & coffee) to 4 cups a day
Avoid Coca Cola and other fizzy drinks as these can have high caffeine content and are also high in sugar.
HERBS
Milk thistle (Silymarin Marianum) can help maintain and restore liver function. Available as tablets or tincture this will cost around £10 per month, available in most health shops.
Echinacea can help boost the immune system; this must only be taken for 21 days at a time. NOT for use if you also have HIV. Again not expensive and available in most health food shops
ALCOHOL
It's best to try and avoid alcohol altogether
Alcohol destroys liver cells
Alcohol may help increase your viral load
Alcohol will reduce the effectiveness of treatment
PAINKILLERS
The recommended painkiller for anyone with Hepatitis C is paracetamol
Although this common over the counter medicine can be liver toxic in overdose, it is safe to take the recommended daily dose
Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are NOT recommended
VITAMINS & MINERALS
Taking vitamin and mineral supplements is not essential, but if your diet is not the best a daily multivitamin may be helpful
However it is NOT recommended to take iron as this can build up in the liver and cause further problems
Related Links:
For those seeking information about Hepatitis C in general and not specifically C-Level visit the Hep C Trust, of which the late Anita Roddick was a patron www.hepctrust.org.uk
