CIRRHOSIS
FOODS THAT HARM
FOODS THAT HEAL
FOODS TO LIMIT
WHO’S AFFECTED
In cirrhosis, a chronic progressive disease, normal liver cells are replaced by scar tissue
Prolonged, heavy alcohol use is the most common cause, but cirrhosis may also result from hepatitis, inflammation or blockage of the bile ducts, inherited conditions, or a reaction to a drug or environmental toxin
About 27,000 deaths per year are caused by cirrhosis in the United States
Symptoms of cirrhosis include weight loss, nausea, vomiting, impotence, jaundice, and swelling of the legs
People with cirrhosis often have distinctive abdominal swelling, known as ascites
The liver damage is irreversible, but the progress of cirrhosis can be arrested and the complications treated with diet and other measures
Nutrition Connection
Don’t drink alcoholAvoiding alcohol is essential to prevent further liver damage
Avoid sodium
High amounts can cause your body to retain water, which can worsen swelling
Eat a healthy diet
Nutritional deficiencies are common so cover all the bases of balanced diet
Fruits and vegetables can supply essential vitamins and nutrients, especially vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system
Seek whole grains and healthy sources of carbohydrates, such as fortified and enriched whole wheat cereals or breads, for energy
Eat small meals or snacks
To combat appetite loss, small, frequent meals may be better than three large ones
Eat lean sources of protein
The recommended daily intake of protein for those with cirrhosis is 0
54 g per lb (1
2 g per kg) of body weight
This is more than the amount that is recommended for healthy people
Some evidence supports the use of vegetable protein foods such as soy, peas, and legumes, especially for people who develop mental confusion, a condition called hepatic encephalopathy
Have healthy fats
Moderate amounts of mono-and polyunsaturated fats (oily fish, olive oil, safflower oil) provide needed calories without overburdening the liver
Drink lots of water
People with cirrhosis should drink about four to six glasses of water and other clear liquids a day, especially if they’re dealing with ascites
Look into supplements
Because malnutrition is common in those with cirrhosis, a doctor may be able to help fill in your nutritional gaps with supplements
Beyond the Diet
Treatment of the underlying causes of cirrhosis may be essential to stopping liver damageThese points offer a basic guide: Address addiction
A treatment program for alcohol addiction may be necessary for those with cirrhosis
Get on medication
Those who have hepatitis B or C need medications, such as antiviral therapy that’s a combination of interferon and ribavirin to prevent further damage to the liver
Exercise
Obesity is becoming a common cause of cirrhosis, either as the sole cause or in combination with alcohol abuse, hepatitis C, or both
Importance of well balance diet
