From the support group that I attended and several websites that I've read, I've noticed that diet and exercise are important for HCV patients. However, incorporating it into our app may lead away form the essence of tracking and treatment, the main 2 goals of the app.
Clearly, diet and exercise are important. Not only for HCV patients, but for all humans alike. But, is it so imperative to treatment that the app can't exist without it? Let's find out...
Clearly, diet and exercise are important. Not only for HCV patients, but for all humans alike. But, is it so imperative to treatment that the app can't exist without it? Let's find out...
The following sources emphasize diet and exercise greatly. The benefits are unquestionable. Exercising will improve mood and decrease depression, a side effect of treatment. Diet makes for a healthier liver.
Researchers put 19 overweight people with HCV on a 12-week diet and exercise program, with a goal of losing about 1 pound per week. At the conclusion of the study, average weight loss was approximately 13 pounds. In addition, several markers of liver health improved, including a decrease in liver enzymes (higher numbers suggest more liver damage) and a reduction in the amount of scar tissue and fat in the liver. These changes indicate a decrease in the severity of the liver disease. Those who continued on the weight loss program for another 12 months had sustained improvement in the health of their liver. A surprising finding is that these improvements occurred even though the virus was not eradicated from the body. This study therefore suggests that overweight individuals may be able to improve the health of their liver, even if they continue to suffer from chronic hepatitis C.
Since this study only examined overweight individuals, it is unknown whether people of normal weight with HCV would also benefit from the same diet and exercise program. It is important to note that going on a diet is not a substitute for medical treatment for hepatitis C, but rather an additional approach to help improve liver function. Please consult a physician or nutritionist before starting any diet or exercise program.
http://www.bastyrcenter.org/content/view/786/
While medication exists for the treatment of hepatitis c, most have certain side effects. A good diet may control worsening of hepatitis c. A diet for hepatitis c includes foods rich in minerals and vitamins like fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, fish, meat, grains, legumes, whole grains, and cereals.
When following a diet for hepatitis C, one should avoid fatty foods, and foods high in sugar and salt. These types of food interfere with the functioning of the liver. An already affected liver finds it difficult to filter food rich in fat, sugar, or salt. These foods may also cause a chemical imbalance in the body due to sugar or salt overload. This in turn affects the functioning of the liver.
Avoid alcohol when following a hepatitis c diet plan. Alcohol has several negative effects on the functioning of the liver and worsens liver damage and liver scarring. Avoid food containing preservatives or ready to eat food that contains chemicals. These chemicals reduce the effect of hepatitis c medication.
Hepatitis c diet recommendations include drinking plenty of fluids in the form of water, soup, fruit juices, or green tea. This helps in diluting and removing toxins from the body and improves liver health.
Take dietary supplements only upon recommendation from your doctor. Dietary supplements can increase the concentration of certain vitamins or minerals that can become toxic to the liver.
A diet for hepatitis C is effective if several small meals are eaten at regular intervals; at least three to four meals a day. This ensures regular energy flow and does not interfere with the function of the liver. A balanced diet for hepatitis C should provide the bulk of food through carbohydrates that contain whole grains and are rich in fiber and protein.Good sources of fiber include wheat, bran, oats, barley, and leafy vegetables. Good sources of protein are meat, fish, egg, milk, and cheese.
Hepatitis C and diet are interlinked. While a good diet can reduce the symptoms of hepatitis C and prevent it from worsening, a poor diet can affect the liver and cause excessive scarring and permanent damage.
Along with a good diet for hepatitis C, one should also get regular exercise and reduce stress. Exercise kick starts the body functions and increases metabolism and overall hea
http://www.newsmax.com/FastFeatures/hepatitis-c-diet-/2011/03/03/id/371187#ixzz2YrNZyTbq
On the other hand, there isn't medical proof for it. Even the study cited above says, "It is unknown whether people of normal weight with HCV would benefit form the same diet and exercise program."
Contrary to the claims of many books and web sites, there's no such thing as a proven hepatitis C diet or exercise regimen. But while you have to be wary of any programs promising cures, you should eat right and get exercise.
"There's no hard data about exercise or eating right with hepatitis C, but I always tell people to do it," says David Thomas, MD, professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore. "Exercise can make them feel better, especially with depression caused by treatment."
http://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/hepc-guide/c-diet-exercise
In conclusion, yes, while a healthy diet and exercise leads to better liver health and improves overall wellbeing, it is not that critical to treatment. It deserves an honorable mention, such as, "what to do to improve your liver health...." or "what patients and doctors recommend..." and even be included as a solution to certain symptoms. However, it WILL be a burden to track everything you eat, drink, etc and it's not worth being in the app. There are other apps for that!
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