Those who have liver disease, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or cancer
Those with blood disorders, such as hemolytic anemia
Those with genetic syndromes, such as Gilbert’s syndrome
Those who have blockage of bile ducts
Infants
A yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes is the hallmark of jaundice This condition
typically occurs when bilirubin, a by-product of bile, builds up in the blood
There are three general types of jaundice: The most common variety is hepatitis, an inflammation
of the liver, or another liver disorder Obstructive jaundice usually results from gallstones or another
gallbladder disease And the least common type involves some sort of abnormality in bilirubin
metabolism Several other rare forms of jaundice are inherited disorders
Newborns also develop infant jaundice during the first few days of life, typically caused by a liver
that is not fully functional There are usually no other symptoms, and the condition often clears up
within a week as the liver matures
Nutrition Connection
Some types of jaundice resolve themselves with the help of a nutritious, well-balanced diet, although
it may take several weeks The following guidelines will help:
Eat small, frequent meals Several small meals a day may be more manageable, as those who
have jaundice often experience a decrease in appetite and an increase in nausea as the day
progresses In such cases, eat as much as possible at breakfast, then intersperse smaller meals
throughout the day with a nutritious snack, such as a milk shake or an enriched liquid drink
60% of all newborns have jaundice
Eat a diet high in protein if you suffer from hepatitis Consume a healthy diet with sufficient
protein daily, from both animal and vegetable sources The best sources are lean meat, poultry, fish,
eggs, dairy products, and a combination of legumes, such as lentils and grain products, such as
quinoa
Avoid fatty foods Fried and very fatty foods are difficult to digest A small amount of fat is
acceptable to provide needed calories and add flavor, so opt for fats in dairy and eggs, which are
easier to digest than fatty meats or fried foods
Avoid alcohol Alcohol places added stress on an already sick liver It may be tolerated after
recovery, but some liver disorders mandate total abstinence from alcohol for life
Avoid sweets Because they may squelch the appetite for more nutritious foods, it is best to avoid
sweets
Beyond the Diet
Treatment and lifestyle changes will vary Many conditions can cause jaundice, so it’s best to consult
a medical professional