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Diet - liver disease

Definition

A person with liver disease must eat a special diet. This diet is protects the liver from working too hard and helps it to function as well as possible.

Function

Proteins normally help the body with tissue repair. They also prevent fatty buildup and damage to the liver cells. In people with severely damaged livers, these proteins are not properly processed. Waste products that are poisonous to the body may build up and affect the brain. In this case, protein may be restricted.

Increasing carbohydrates in the diet helps reserve enough glycogen. The body stores carbohydrate in the form of glycogen. Carbohydrates should be the major source of calories for people with liver disease.

Low blood count, nerve problems, and nutritional deficiencies may be treated with drugs and vitamin supplementation.

Fluid buildup and swelling in the liver may be worsened by salt intake because salt holds on to water in the body. Most people with liver disease will need to restrict sodium.

Food Sources

The liver is involved in the metabolism of all foods. Metabolism is the conversion of food into energy. Changing the diet by increasing or decreasing proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, sodium (salt), and fluids may aid the liver in working more efficiently.

Side Effects

Because liver disease can affect the absorption of all types of food, this diet may cause weight loss, loss of appetite, and vitamin deficiency. A long period of protein restriction can cause deficiencies of certain amino acids.

Recommendations

The dietary recommendations may vary somewhat depending on how well a person's liver is working. It is very important to be under the care of a doctor. Malnutrition can lead to serious problems. In general, recommendations include:

• Large amounts of carbohydrate foods. Carbohydrates should be the major source of calories in this diet.
• Moderate intake of fat, as prescribed by the health care provider. The increased carbohydrate and fat help in preserving the protein in the body and preventing protein breakdown.
• About 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight. A 70-kilogram man (154 pounds) needs 70 grams. This does not include the protein from starches and vegetables. A person with a severely damaged liver may be on protein restriction. This person may be limited to small quantities of special nutritional supplements.
• Vitamin supplements, especially B-complex.
• Sodium restriction if fluid retention is present.

SAMPLE MENU

• Breakfast
  • 1 orange
  • Cooked oatmeal, with milk and sugar
  • 1 slice of whole-wheat toast
  • 2 teaspoons of margarine
  • Strawberry jam
  • Coffee or tea
• Lunch
  • 4 ounces of cooked lean fish, poultry, or meat
  • A starch item (such as potatoes)
  • A cooked vegetable
  • Salad
  • 2 slices of whole-grain bread
  • 2 teaspoons of margarine
  • 1 tablespoon of jelly
  • Fresh fruit
  • Milk
• Midafternoon snack
  • Milk with graham crackers
• Dinner
  • 4 ounces of cooked fish, poultry, or meat
  • Starch item (such as potatoes)
  • A cooked vegetable
  • Salad
  • 2 whole-grain rolls
  • 2 tablespoons of margarine
  • Fresh fruit or dessert
  • 8 ounces of milk
• Evening snack
  • Glass of milk or piece of fruit

Usually, there are no cautions against specific foods. However, many people are unable to tolerate strongly-flavored vegetables, high-fat foods, fried foods, chocolate, nuts, and foods that have a lot of seasoning.

If you have questions about your diet or your symptoms, contact your doctor.

Review Date:8/6/2007
Reviewed By:Cynthia Dennison Haines, MD, family physician specializing in nutrition, fitness, and preventive health, St. John's Mercy Medical Center, St. Louis, MO, and Assistant Clinical Professor, St. Louis University's School of Medicine, Department of Community and Family Medicine.

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