From the Research
Fox nuts may be a beneficial complementary food for patients with viral hepatitis due to their nutritional properties, but they should not replace prescribed antiviral medications. For patients with viral hepatitis, incorporating 1-2 tablespoons (approximately 20-30 grams) of fox nuts daily as a snack or added to meals is reasonable, as they are low in sodium, contain antioxidants, and provide essential nutrients without taxing the liver 1. They contain flavonoids and other compounds that may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver. Fox nuts are particularly valuable because they're easily digestible and provide protein without the toxin load that some other protein sources might impose on a compromised liver. However, patients should continue their prescribed antiviral medications, such as those described in recent updates on the management and treatment of viral hepatitis 2, and follow their healthcare provider's dietary recommendations. While fox nuts may support liver health, they don't directly combat the viral infection causing hepatitis, so they should be part of a comprehensive treatment approach that includes proper medical care, including the use of antiviral medications that have been shown to be effective in treating hepatitis B and C, such as those discussed in studies on new antivirals for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B 3. It's also important to consider the potential effects of antiviral medications on kidney function, as some of these medications have been reported to have nephrotoxic effects 4. Ultimately, the goal of treatment for viral hepatitis is to achieve a functional cure, with sustained clearance of the virus and undetectable viremia, and fox nuts may be a useful complementary food in supporting this goal, but they should not be relied upon as the sole treatment.