Cirrhotic patients frequently become malnourished due to changes in metabolism and digestive difficulties that arise when the liver deteriorates.
As a result, if you have this illness, what you eat and drink every day is especially crucial because components like protein, sodium, and sugar make your liver work harder a demand it may no longer be able to satisfy.
A cirrhosis diet plan should be developed with the assistance of your healthcare provider and other members of your healthcare team, such as a registered dietitian, to ensure that you are adequately nourished while also avoiding choices that can worsen your condition and negatively impact your health.
Avoid Consuming Fatty Foods
French fries and hamburgers are poor choices for liver health. Consuming too many saturated fat-rich foods can make it difficult for your liver to function correctly. It can cause inflammation, leading to scarring of the liver, a condition known as cirrhosis. So, consider ordering something healthier the next time you’re at the drive-thru.
Green Tea
It’s loaded with catechins, a sort of antioxidant. According to research, it may protect against certain types of cancer, including liver cancer. You’ll get more catechins if you make your tea and drink it hot. The levels in iced tea and ready-to-drink green teas are substantially lower.
Reduce Your Sugar Consumption
Too many sweet things can be bad for your liver. This is because one of its functions is to convert sugar into fat. When you overdo it, your liver produces too much fat, which ends up in places it shouldn’t be. In the long run, you may develop a condition known as fatty liver disease. So, do your liver a favor and limit your intake of sweets to once a week.
Water
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for your liver. Make it a habit to consume water instead of sweetened beverages such as sodas or sports drinks. You’d be surprised how many calories you’d save each day.
Coffee
If you can’t get through the day without it, you’ll be relieved to know that it may benefit your liver. According to research, drinking two to three cups of tea every day can protect your liver from damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption or an unhealthy diet. According to some studies, it may reduce your risk of developing liver cancer.
Protein
Red meat and any processed lunch meat or sausage are not permitted on a cirrhosis diet. Small portions of lean poultry without the skin, fresh-caught fish, and eggs or egg whites may be appropriate.
Plant-based protein sources such as dried beans and legumes, small amounts of unsalted nuts or nut butter, and tofu should account for most of your protein intake.
Desserts
It’s better to avoid packaged cake, cookies, brownies, biscuits, pancakes, and waffle mixes because they can be rich in sugar and salt. Pastries, doughnuts, and muffins should be avoided unless you can prepare your own low-fat, low-sugar, and low-salt versions.
