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Diet - liver disease
Some people with liver disease must eat a special diet. This diet helps the liver function and protects it from working too hard.
Liver disease
The term "liver disease" applies to many conditions that stop the liver from working or prevent it from functioning well. Abdominal pain, yellowing ...
Function
Proteins normally help the body repair tissue. They also prevent fatty buildup and damage to the liver cells.
Proteins
Proteins are the building blocks of life. Every cell in the human body contains protein. The basic structure of protein is a chain of amino acids. ...
In people with badly damaged livers, proteins are not properly processed. Waste products may build up and affect the brain.
Dietary changes for liver disease may involve:
- Cutting down the amount of protein you eat. This will help limit the buildup of toxic waste products.
-
Increasing your intake of
carbohydrates
to be in proportion with the amount of protein you eat.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are one of the main nutrients in our diet. They help provide energy for our body. There are three main types of carbohydrates found i...
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Taking vitamins and medicines prescribed by your health care provider for
low blood count
,
nerve problems
, or nutritional problems from liver disease.
Low blood count
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Different type...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleNerve problems
Peripheral nerves carry information to and from the brain. They also carry signals to and from the spinal cord to the rest of the body. Peripheral n...
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Limiting your salt intake. Salt in the diet may worsen
fluid buildup
and
swelling
in the liver.
Fluid buildup
Ascites is the build-up of fluid in the space between the lining of the abdomen and abdominal organs.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleSwelling
Swelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a ...
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Side Effects
Liver disease can affect the absorption of food and the production of proteins and vitamins. Therefore, your diet may influence your weight, appetite, and the amounts of vitamins in your body. DO NOT limit protein too much, because it can result in a lack of certain amino acids .
Amino acids
Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins. Amino acids and proteins are the building blocks of life. When proteins are digeste...
Recommendations
The changes you will need to make will depend on how well your liver is working. Talk to your provider about the kind of diet that is best for you so that you get the right amount of nutrition.
General recommendations for people with severe liver disease include:
- Eat large amounts of carbohydrate foods. Carbohydrates should be the major source of calories in this diet.
- Eat a moderate intake of fat, as prescribed by the provider. The increased carbohydrates and fat help prevent protein breakdown in the liver.
- Have about 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight. This means that a 154-pound (70-kilogram) man should eat 70 grams of protein per day. This does not include the protein from starchy foods and vegetables. A person with a badly damaged liver may need to eat less protein. Talk to your provider about your protein needs.
- Take vitamin supplements, especially B-complex vitamins.
- Reduce the amount of salt you consume (typically less than 1500 milligrams per day) if you are retaining fluid.
SAMPLE MENU
Breakfast
- 1 orange
- Cooked oatmeal with milk and sugar
- 1 slice of whole-wheat toast
- Strawberry jam
- Coffee or tea
Lunch
- 4 ounces (110 grams) of cooked lean fish, poultry, or meat
- A starch item (such as potatoes)
- A cooked vegetable
- Salad
- 2 slices of whole-grain bread
- 1 tablespoon (20 grams) of jelly
- Fresh fruit
- Milk
Mid-afternoon snack
- Milk with graham crackers
Dinner
- 4 ounces (110 grams) of cooked fish, poultry, or meat
- Starch item (such as potatoes)
- A cooked vegetable
- Salad
- 2 whole-grain rolls
- Fresh fruit or dessert
- 8 ounces (240 grams) of milk
Evening snack
- Glass of milk or piece of fruit
Most of the time you do not have to avoid specific foods.
Talk to your provider if you have questions about your diet or symptoms.
References
DeLegge MH. Nutrition in gastrointestinal diseases. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2010:chap 5.
Palmer M. General nutritional guidelines for liver disease, cirrhosis, and its complications. In: Mullin GE, Matarese LE, eds. Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease Nutrition Desk Reference . Boca Raton, Fl: CRC Press; 2012:chap 10.
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Liver - illustration
The liver serves a wide variety of body functions, including detoxifying blood and producing bile that aids in digestion.
Liver
illustration
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Cirrhosis
(Alt. Medicine)
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Crohn disease
(Alt. Medicine)
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Viral hepatitis
(Alt. Medicine)
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Alzheimer disease
(Alt. Medicine)
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Atherosclerosis
(Alt. Medicine)
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Cirrhosis
(In-Depth)
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Crohn disease
(In-Depth)
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Myocardial infarction
(Alt. Medicine)
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Hypercholesterolemia
(Alt. Medicine)
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Celiac sprue
(Alt. Medicine)
Review Date: 4/20/2015
Reviewed By: Subodh K. Lal, MD, gastroenterologist at Gastrointestinal Specialists of Georgia, Austell, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
