Diet in Liver Cirrhosis!!

Diet in liver cirrhosis helps to improve liver’s functions and protect it working too hard. Liver cirrhosis, a liver disease that results of prolonged scaring or fibrosis of liver caused by some liver health issues such as viral hepatitis or chronic alcoholism.

 

Diet in Liver Cirrhosis

 

Liver is the largest internal organ of body that performs a number of important functions. It is situated in the right side of the belly. Cirrhosis of liver indicates liver damage. Whenever liver gets damages, it tried to repair itself and there is formation of scar tissues. As condition progresses, there are more scars tissues and condition becomes life threatening. Scar tissues blocks the blood flow in liver and automatically slows down the process of nutrients and productions of proteins. All this leads to accumulation of toxins only. If it is diagnosed timely and person follows precautions, further damage can be prevented. Liver cirrhosis is the one among main leading causes of death across the world.

 

Let’s discuss what Causes liver cirrhosis –

  • Fatty liver that’s goes untreated along with overweight and obesity
  • Viral hepatitis such as hepatitis A, B, C etc.
  • Excess consumption of alcohol
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Liver poor functions
  • Blockage of bile duct or poorly formed bile duct
  • Accumulation of copper in liver
  • Accumulation of iron in liver that’s called – Hemochromatosis
  • Poor digestive system
  • Some medications such as methotrexate

 

Following are the Symptoms of liver cirrhosis –

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Poor digestive system
  • Loss of appetite
  • Yellowish discoloration of skin and eyes
  • Accumulation of fluid in abdomen (ascites)
  • Swelling in leg
  • Mental confusion
  • Weight loss
  • Bleed and bruise easily

 

Here are Diagnostic Tests to rule out cirrhosis of liver

Physical examination – Your doctor can palpate you liver. In cirrhosis, it feels irregular and bumpy.

Blood tests – Liver and kidney functions can be rule out. In later stages of liver cirrhosis, kidney starts losing its normal functions.

Biopsy – If needed, your doctor can suggest to take out liver tissue to know liver condition.

Other imaging tests – Such as CT scan, Ultrasound or MRI.

 

Diet in Liver Cirrhosis

Diet in Liver Cirrhosis

 

First of all would like to mention that if cirrhosis of liver is due to excessive alcohol consumption, then person must stop taking it at any cost to prevent further damage.

Well, diet plays a very important role in the management of liver cirrhosis. Diet must be very healthy and balanced. There is loss of muscles and malnutrition so one must be very careful about diet.

Use salt in very less quantity. Salt causes retention of fluid in liver and body that results in ascites and leg swelling so prefer using herbs such as cumin (jeera), fennel (saunf), coriander (dhaniya), fenugreek (methi) for seasoning food. Totally avoid having meal in restaurants, non-veg or junk foods as they are very rich in sodium with high fat.

Prefer boiled food. Do not use oil or ghee for frying.  Olive oil can be used if required.

Soak vegetables overnight in filtered water and wash them properly in the morning before cooking.

Limit the protein intake as that will decrease the buildup of toxins in liver. Use lean protein such as legumes, fish or poultry. I gram of protein per kg of body weight is ideally recommended.

Increase carbohydrate intake. It should be the major part of your diet plan.

Vegetables which are advised in liver cirrhosis are all sort of gourds such as bottle gourd, ridge gourd, round gourd, bitter gourd, ash gourd and pumpkin. Other which can be taken include spinach, carrots, beets dandelion greens, chicory, kale, lettuce etc.

Fruits like apple, pear, avocadoes, lemon, apricot, berries with some other are allowed.

Other food products which can be taken are, flax seeds, oats, olive oil, brown rice, brown bread, buck wheat, green tea or some other herbal tea, low fat milk and its products.

Fasting is also advised if patient can stand with it. Fresh fruit juices throughout the day like 3 to 4 glasses helps to reduce the toxins load of liver and body as well.

Make a habit of drinking lukewarm water mixed with lemon juice and honey both in the quantity of 1 tsp. each, early in the morning empty stomach.

Food stuffs which should not be consumed are, alcohol, butter, white flour and its products, cakes and pastries, processed sugar, chocolates, sweets, bacon, pies, soda, high fat milk and its products, red meat, raw sea foods, smoked and canned fish or other packed food products.

 

Being a very important organ, care must be taken of liver so that entire body can perform its normal functions. Diet in Liver Cirrhosis is very much important in the other hand so follow it to lead a normal life!

 

Disclaimer:- 

For specific treatment, always consult an Ayurveda expert!
This article is not a substitute to the standard Medical Diagnosis or personalized Ayurvedic Treatment!
It is intended only for Information!

For experts consultation please write us at care@blessayurveda.com

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