What to eat with hepatitis B

No single food removes hepatitis B. Your needs depend on liver health, appetite, weight, other conditions and medicines. Aim for vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans, lean proteins and modest amounts of unsaturated fats. Wash produce and use safe drinking water. Avoid alcohol because it can add strain to the liver. The [Hepatitis B](/conditions/hepatitis-b/) overview explains the condition.

Nausea, poor appetite or [Fatigue](/symptoms/fatigue/) can make eating difficult. Small, frequent meals may be easier than large portions. [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/) is not a food diagnosis and should be assessed if it appears.

Keep meals simple and varied, and ask a clinician or dietitian before using herbal mixtures, detox products or supplements; some can injure the liver or interact with treatment. Do not share food utensils that are contaminated with blood, and handle raw foods carefully. Keep appointments and ask whether a [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) is needed. Vaccination protects people who are not infected; see [Hepatitis B Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-b-vaccination/).

Contact a clinician promptly for persistent vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, yellow eyes or skin, worsening abdominal swelling, severe pain or increasing drowsiness. Urgent help is needed for confusion, collapse or difficulty staying awake. Do not wait for a dietary change to correct these signs.

Ask: Should I avoid any foods or supplements? Is alcohol safe for my liver? How can I manage poor appetite? Do my other conditions change my meal plan?