Diet For Cirrhosis

Video: Diet For Cirrhosis

Video: Diet For Cirrhosis
Video: How to eat with cirrhosis of the liver | Ohio State Medical Center 2024, November
Diet For Cirrhosis
Diet For Cirrhosis
Anonim

Like people without cirrhosis, people with cirrhosis of the liver should limit their fat intake and eat as many fruits, vegetables and whole grains as possible. However, there are some dietary changes that are unique to people suffering from this disease. These include limiting salt, eating more protein and calories, and eliminating alcohol.

Cirrhosis occurs when damaged liver cells are replaced with connective tissue. As in this condition, the blood cannot flow normally through the liver, and this leads to a decrease in its functions. Cirrhosis can interfere with the body's absorption of nutrients and lead to malnutrition. It is important for people with cirrhosis to maintain a healthy weight. Their diet must follow some simple rules.

Salt restriction. Many people with cirrhosis tend to retain water. This is often expressed by swelling of the ankles, especially after walking. The swelling can move up and reach the abdomen. The high amount of sodium in the diet can make the situation worse because sodium encourages the body to retain water. This usually means limiting its intake to about 2000 mg per day or less.

Increase calories and protein. People with cirrhosis need more calories than a healthy person. They may lose their appetite and start vomiting, as a result of which they will lose weight. This in turn can lead to a deficiency of minerals, calcium, zinc and magnesium. It is recommended that they eat 6 to 8 times a day, increasing their calorie intake by about 500-700 calories.

Strict deprivation of alcohol. Alcohol is highly toxic to people with cirrhosis. For this, they must not drink alcohol. There is no evidence of a safe amount of alcohol in people with this disease.

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