Evidence supporting the use of: Rice
For the health condition: Hepatitis

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Rice has been traditionally used as a dietary staple in many cultures, especially across Asia, and its use in supporting individuals with hepatitis is primarily rooted in tradition rather than rigorous scientific evidence. In traditional medicine systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, easily digestible foods like rice are recommended for people suffering from liver ailments, including hepatitis. Rice is considered gentle on the digestive system, non-irritating, and unlikely to exacerbate liver inflammation. The soft, bland nature of cooked rice makes it suitable for individuals experiencing symptoms such as nausea or poor appetite, which are common in hepatitis. Additionally, rice is low in fat, which is beneficial because high-fat foods can be harder for the compromised liver to process.

However, there is limited direct scientific evidence to suggest that rice has specific therapeutic effects against hepatitis itself. The main advantage appears to be its role as a safe, energy-providing, and non-stressful food for the liver during recovery. Clinical guidelines for hepatitis often recommend a balanced, nutritious diet with adequate carbohydrates, and rice can be a useful component of such a diet. In summary, the use of rice to support hepatitis patients is primarily justified by tradition and practical dietary considerations, with modest support from nutritional science as a safe, easily digestible carbohydrate source rather than as a direct treatment.

More about rice
More about Hepatitis