Food For People With Cirrhosis

What foods people with cirrhosis of the liver should eat depends on what stage of the disease they are in. Since there is no cure for the disease, it is a priority to make long-term goals that people can adhere to for years.

Cirrhosis of the liver is the end result of chronic liver damage. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, there are 5.5 million people in the United States who suffer from it. Believe it or not, this condition causes approx. 26,000 deaths a year.

Cirrhosis – What is it?

Cirrhosis of the liver is a chronic condition in which cells die in certain areas of the liver, resulting in fibrosis (a kind of scar). Thus, the liver tissue is replaced by nodules, which leads to a change in the structure and functionality of the organ.

According to several studies, one of the main causes of this pathology is high consumption of alcohol. In addition, there are gallstones, chronic hepatitis B or C and other liver diseases. It is very important to learn about the different causes as, for example, alcoholics do not get the same diet as other patients.

Stages of the disease

There are two basic stages in this state. The first stage is known as cirrhosis with compensation. Then advanced cirrhosis or cirrhosis occurs with decompensation, which is when cell destruction has been present for a long time and it is no longer possible to treat.

The diet should be extremely strict in the latter phase, as this is where the following symptoms occur:

• Jaundice. This is yellow color of skin and mucous membranes due to an elevated level of bilirubin.
• Ascites. This is the accumulation of fluid in the stomach due to changes in the internal pressure of the blood vessels.
• Liver encephalopathy. This is a condition in which toxic substances enter the brain, leading to mental confusion.
• Bleeding in the digestive system.

Widespread malnutrition

Malnutrition is a very common sign in patients with this condition. Several studies suggest that up to 25% of people with cirrhosis with compensation and 80% of patients with cirrhosis with decompensation are malnourished. In general, there is a loss of muscle mass (to a greater extent in men) and adipose tissue.

In alcoholics, malnutrition is even more frequent. This is both due to the harmful effects of liver disease and the lack of variation of food due to bad habits with addiction.

Food for people with cirrhosis

In general, patients are diagnosed with cirrhosis when the disease has already progressed. Therefore, the most important goal in terms of diet is to make sure to get the necessary nutrients. In addition, people with this disease should always follow an anti-hepatotoxic diet.

Thus, the study Nutritional Care for Patients With Liver Cirrhoses shows that those who have cirrhosis with compensation and are stable, usually have fairly normal needs. Therefore, the diet should cover all food groups and be low in fat.

According to the Spanish Society of Digestive Pathology, the following should be included:

• White and red meat (it is important to prioritize low-fat options).
• Fish.
• Egg.
• Fruit and vegetables.
• Cereal.
• Crude oils (in moderation).
• Nuts (in limited quantities).
• Frog.
• Skimmed milk products.

Each case must go through thorough evaluation. Research in this field shows that protein intake should cover 1 to 1.5 grams per. kg weight to avoid deficiencies. Specialists also suggest five  light meals during the day.

In addition, all toxic substances (including alcohol of course) must be completely removed from the diet. When it is alcohol abuse that is the cause of this pathology, the progression is actually slowed down by eliminating it and the prognosis gets remarkably better.

Diet when there are clear symptoms of the disease

The above complications are seen in cirrhosis with decompensation. When that time comes, the amount of food that people with cirrhosis of the liver are allowed to eat is reduced. According to an article published in the magazine Farmacia Profesional, the diet must meet the needs of the individual. It is important to consider the following:

• Limitation of fluid intake to 1.2 liters per day.
• Limitation of sodium intake as it promotes accumulation of fluids and worsens ascites.
• Reduction of protein intake so as not to overload the liver, which is mainly the tissue responsible for metabolizing them.

Protein restriction can be from 0.5 grams per. kg in patients with encephalopathy. Then the amount can be increased gradually until one reaches a normal level. If the patient decides to take this measure, no matter how small, it is necessary to take supplements with branched-chain amino acids to avoid further damage.

One can also consider introducing vitamin complexes – vitamins B and K are particularly important. The first prevents the development of neuropathies, and the second reduces bleeding episodes caused by coagulation inhibition.

Possibility of liver transplantation

Patients with advanced disease may consider liver transplantation as a treatment option. However, it is important to keep in mind that the operation involves major risks and that it is not the final solution given how intense the post-treatment is.

Those who reach this stage must also take medication to prevent their body from rejecting the new organ. Nevertheless, these drugs have side effects, many of which affect the liver.

Foods for people with cirrhosis – Things to keep in mind

Whether the cirrhosis is stable or unstable, the activity of the liver is always deficient, causing toxic substances to accumulate in the body. Therefore, it is important to follow the diet closely to avoid any kind of complications.

The ideal would be to go for a check-up with a doctor and nutritionist to have one’s general condition evaluated and the most appropriate diet indicated. It will also be necessary to make use of medication, as the complexity of the disorder means that there is no single approach.