Liver cirrhosis diet is usually recommended for cirrhosis patients. A bad liver will not be able to carry out its metabolic and digestive functions which lead to a depleted supply of nutrients thus making the person malnourished. Therefore people with cirrhosis would have to pay close attention to their food and drinks especially the ones that contain sodium, sugar, and protein as they give more work to the liver. The doctor in charge of a cirrhosis patient case should be actively involved in this diet planning. This is to ensure that the diet is structured to meet the body’s needs without stressing the liver more.
There are about five hundred known functions if the liver is described as being amongst the most vital body organs. Cirrhosis is a condition that damages the liver making it inefficient in performing its function which includes extracting nutrients from food. Cirrhosis diet will provide enough nutrients, prevent related complications, reduce the work of the liver, and avoid the progression of liver damage. Studies have shown that individuals living with any kind of liver disease and are malnourished have higher chances of experiencing cirrhosis complications including death.
How Liver Cirrhosis Diet Works
Cirrhosis is a condition that has no treatment but is rather managed. By monitoring your diet, you can slow down its progression and relieve some symptoms.
Your diet is going to be structured based on the overall state of your health and other individual needs. There are some other dietary health guidelines that would shape this diet, they include;
Stay away from alcohol: Alcohol is best avoided for a cirrhosis patient. In fact, it is one of the causes of this condition as It damages the liver and can result in liver failure. Drinking may also lead to health issues like malnutrition.
Limit fats: Fats are digested by the body through a fluid called bile which is produced by the liver. The production of bile may be disrupted by liver damage and this could lead to digestive problems. A non-functioning liver will find it difficult to process fat from meals hence it is better to limit fat intake.
Avoid undercooked or raw meat and seafood: Cirrhosis liver patients already have a weakened immunity meaning that viruses and bacteria in foods can have free access In the body thus leading to a harmful infection.
The quantity of food eaten would also need reconsideration. Since the patient is at risk of getting malnourished they may have to consume more calories daily to meet their body’s energy demands.
Another thing to note is that the protein intake for liver disease patients varies. Presently there are still controversies on how protein influences liver disease so you have to consult a dietitian who will help you plot out a safe protein intake for you. Protein calories are essential for a nutritious diet
Duration
People who have high chances of developing liver diseases may be placed on a cirrhosis diet. The first phases of this disease do not usually show symptoms, it could be after many years that symptoms will begin to surface and by then the damage is already severe.
The duration of liver cirrhosis diet could last for a long time since the condition can’t be healed and diet only helps in preventing further damage.
What To Eat
Liver cirrhosis diet strictly avoids some beverages and foods. However, when compared to some other medical condition diets, you will discover that it is more lenient as you still get to select from lots of tasty and nutritious foods like plant-derived proteins, fresh produce, and whole grains.
Here is a list of some of the food that can be eaten on a liver cirrhosis diet:
Foods To Eats | Foods To Avoid | ||
| Vegetables and fruits | Approved nutritional supplements | Whole or partially raw shellfish and fish | Full-fat dairy products |
| Eggs | Whole-grain cereal, bread, and crackers | Fried food, fast food | Doughnuts, pastries, cookies, cake |
| Cooked fish (tuna, salmon) | Oats | Red meat | Frosting, custards, pudding mixes |
| Lean chicken and turkey (remove skin) | Cereal bars and granola | Pickles, sauerkraut | American, Swiss, feta, Parmesan, cheese slices, blue, or spreads |
| Non-fat Greek yogurt | Coconut water | Canned foods (vegetables, soups, meats) | Mixed seasonings, sea salt, table salt |
| Ricotta, cream cheese | Olive oil | Sausage, hot dogs, lunchmeat | Soy sauce, steak sauce, |
| Hard cheeses (mozzarella, cheddar) | Brown rice | Tomato paste or sauce | Alcohol |
| Unsalted seeds and nuts | Low-fat milk | Popcorn, pretzels, potato chips, crackers | Coffees, soft drinks, and caffeinated teas |
| Legumes and dried beans | Fresh herbs | Oatmeal or hot cereal | Bouillon cubes, gravy, broth and stock |
| Unsalted nut butter | Ginger | White rice, white flour bread, pasta (refined) | Salad dressing |
| Tofu | Garlic | Stuffing, coating and breading mixes | Ketchup |
| Soy, rice and almond milk | Coconut oil, palm oil | Salsa | |
Final Advice for Greater Longevity
Regulating and structuring your meals to accommodate the recommended foods and eliminating the non-recommended foods from your diet will be beneficial to you. It might be difficult at first, just like how all other diets are but with the time you will get used to it. Remember we said this diet may stay for a very long time so accept it as your new way of life.
Your family and friends should also be informed about your liver cirrhosis diet so that they would not prepare tempting meals for you. If you get invited to a party, carry some complaint snacks with you just in case all the meals you are served there are not on your recommended list. Take it one day at a time and you will soon discover that dieting is not that hard after all. Stay strong!
