Nutrition Expert Debunks Hepatitis Diet Myths, Recommends Local Foods for Liver Recovery
Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – A nutrition expert has urged Nigerians living with hepatitis to prioritise balanced nutrition as part of their treatment, warning that common dietary misconceptions may delay recovery and worsen liver damage.
The Chief Executive Officer of MIC Foods and Wellness Ltd., Mrs. Ifeoma Onuoha, said many hepatitis patients are wrongly advised to eat only plain boiled foods, avoid protein-rich meals or fast regularly despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting such practices.
She explained that recovery from hepatitis depends not only on medication but also on adequate nutrition that supports liver repair, strengthens immunity and improves overall health.
According to Onuoha, lean proteins and colourful fruits supply essential nutrients required for liver regeneration, while prolonged fasting deprives the body of the nourishment needed for healing.
She noted that Nigeria has several affordable and locally available foods that naturally promote liver health.
Among the recommended foods are leafy vegetables including ugu, waterleaf, bitter leaf, scent leaf (nchuanwu), shoko, ewedu and utazi, alongside beans, Titus fish, sardines, garlic, ginger, unripe plantain and Ofada rice.
She said these foods provide antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that support the liver’s natural repair process.
Onuoha also recommended healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil and omega-3-rich fish oils, noting that they contribute to liver function and recovery.
She added that vitamin C-rich fruits such as oranges, tangerines and grapes, as well as green tea, could further support healing.
The nutrition expert, however, warned hepatitis patients to avoid alcohol completely because it directly damages liver cells and increases the risk of disease progression.
She also advised against consuming fried foods, high-fat meals and ultra-processed foods containing excessive sugar, preservatives and artificial colouring, saying they place unnecessary stress on the liver.
Onuoha urged patients to seek professional nutrition advice and adopt healthy eating habits as part of comprehensive hepatitis management.
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