What Is The Cirrhosis Diet?
According to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study in 2017, the estimated number of people with compensated cirrhosis (asymptomatic stage) was 112 million globally, corresponding to a global prevalence of 1,395 cases of cirrhosis per 100,000 people (1). But what is cirrhosis? Cirrhosis is a condition characterized by liver scarring and damage. This occurs due to excess alcohol intake, certain drugs, hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hemochromatosis, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and certain autoimmune or genetic conditions, like Wilson disease, Budd-Chiari syndrome, and chronic right-sided heart failure (2). However, you can manage this condition with proper dietary intake along with the recommended medication and treatment options suggested by your doctor. A special diet designed to support people with cirrhosis of the liver emphasizes low sodium and high protein intake to reduce fluid retention and prevent complications (3). But how does this diet plan work to manage fluid retention? Take a deeper look at how the cirrhosis diet works to support liver health and manage the condition effectively.
How Does The Cirrhosis Diet Work?
Limiting sodium intake and consuming the recommended amounts of protein are important elements of this dietary program. Sodium helps maintain the balance of fluids in the body as it binds to water. So, eating high-sodium foods may cause fluid retention. Restricting the intake of sodium to less than 2,000 mg per day is critical since cirrhosis frequently causes fluid retention and swelling (5). In addition, maintaining a healthy weight is equally important when you have this condition to prevent malnutrition and conserve lean body mass. This is because, according to research, 50-90% of people with cirrhosis have malnutrition (6). In general, the recommended protein intake on this diet ranges from 1.0 to 1.5 g/kg dry body weight (7). Adding protein to every meal may help increase overall protein intake and help prevent muscle loss (8). Following the liver cirrhosis diet also limits the intake of highly processed foods and trans fats that negatively impact liver function and its ability to produce bile (liquid needed for digestion of fats). Also, you will need to avoid alcohol as its consumption may cause liver damage or even failure in this condition (9). Note: People with cirrhosis are at risk of nutritional deficiencies. While they can consider taking nutrient supplements, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to determine how much protein or other essential nutrients are needed. This is how the cirrhosis diet works. Now let’s delve into the benefits it offers to help individuals manage this liver condition.
Benefits Of The Cirrhosis Diet
The primary function of the liver cirrhosis diet is to minimize stress on the liver and support its functions. Here are the many ways it benefits the liver and your health:
May Minimize Fluid Retention And Ascites
Limiting the amount of salt (sodium) you consume may help maintain a healthy balance of sodium in your body, and prevent fluid retention and formation of Ascitesi A medical condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal area, which is often related to liver disease. (fluid retention in spaces within your abdomen) (10).
May Prevent Malnutrition
Cirrhosis may cause Malnutritioni A condition that occurs when the body does not receive the right amount of nutrients to perform bodily functions. , leading to extreme weight loss and thinning of muscle mass. It is important to consume enough calories to combat this issue (11). The cirrhosis diet helps you consume enough calories to prevent malnutrition from setting in.
May Prevent Nutritional Deficiencies
Liver cirrhosis often results in zinc and vitamin A deficiencies (10 11 ). A well-balanced cirrhosis diet may help maintain proper nutrition and prevent the problems associated with such deficiencies.
May Protect Against Steatorrhea
Cirrhosis often causes Steatorrheai The excretion of abnormal quantities of oily, smelly stools that are difficult to flush. , i.e., increased fat excretion through the stools. Limiting the consumption of unhealthy fats, particularly saturated and trans fats, may help prevent or manage steatorrhea (12).
May Treat Constipation
Constipation is a typical problem for people with cirrhosis. It may be managed with the cirrhosis diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are known to be high in dietary fiber (13). Following the cirrhosis diet is all about knowing which foods to eat and which to avoid. Scroll down to learn more.
Foods To Include In The Liver Cirrhosis Diet
The liver cirrhosis diet may help reduce further liver damage and improve your overall health. Here are some food groups to include in this diet:
Protein: Lean cuts of meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products Healthy Fats: Nuts (cashews, almonds, walnuts), seeds (chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds), olive oil, avocados Fruits: Apples, bananas, citrus fruits, pears, melons, berries Vegetables: Leafy greens, tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, cucumber, bell peppers Whole Grains: Brown rice, oats, quinoa Legumes: Chickpeas, lentils, beans Herbs And Spices: Dill, thyme, parsley, black pepper, cumin Beverages: Water, coffee, tea
Not all food groups are suitable for people with scarring on the liver. The following section lists the foods to avoid in this diet plan.
Foods To Avoid In The Liver Cirrhosis Diet
High-Sodium Foods: Canned soups, salty snacks, soy sauce Processed Foods: Fast food, packaged snacks Unhealthy Fats: Margarine, canned vegetables, fried foods Sugary Beverages: Syrups, sports drinks, fruit punch Alcohol: Wine, beer, cocktails Undercooked Foods: Eggs, meat, poultry fish Processed Meat: Bacon, hot dogs, sausage
Now that you have a fair idea of which foods to eat and avoid, scroll down to check out a sample diet plan you can follow.
Cirrhosis Diet Sample Diet Plan
Day 1
Breakfast: Sliced strawberries (½ cup), 2 scrambled eggs and oatmeal or whole grain toast Mid-Meal: 1 bowl fruit salad Lunch: 1 cup chicken curry with ½ cup rice and vegetables Evening: 1 cup cucumber slices with hummus Dinner: Steamed broccoli (1 cup), baked salmon (4 oz.), and sweet potato
Day 2
Breakfast: 1 cup skim milk, 2 multigrain toasted bread, and 2 boiled eggs Mid-Meal: Handful of nuts Lunch: 2 cups mixed greens salad and grilled chicken breast (3-4 oz), olive oil and vinegar and ½ cup quinoa Evening: Handful of almonds or walnuts Dinner: ½ cup whole-grain pasta (cooked), baked chicken breast (3-4 oz), and 1 cup steamed vegetables
Day 3
Breakfast: 1 paneer sandwich, 1 cup soy bean salad Mid-Meal: ½ cup chopped pineapple Lunch: 1 cup mushroom curry, ½ cup rice, and vegetables Evening: Handful of edamame beans Dinner: Baked cold (4 oz.), 1 cup roasted Brussels sprouts and ½ cup mashed potatoes
Day 4
Breakfast: ½ cup oatmeal with a scoop of protein powder and eggs on the side Mid-Meal: Unflavored Greek yogurt (6 oz.) with berries Lunch: ½ cup quinoa (cooked), 1 cup chicken curry, ½ cup vegetable rice Evening: 1 cup carrot sticks with 2 tablespoons of hummus Dinner: Grilled tofu (4 oz.), 1 cup brown rice and vegetables
Day 5
Breakfast: 1 cup whole-grain cereal with a scoop of protein powder, ½ cup sliced strawberries Mid-Meal: 1 cup baby carrots with guacamole Lunch: 2 cups mixed greens salad with 1 tablespoon of lemon-tahini dressing with 4 oz. chicken or turkey and a few whole-grain crackers Evening: ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese with fruit Dinner: ½ cup steamed asparagus, baked chicken breast (3-4 oz.) and rice
Day 6
Breakfast: 1 cup skim milk and 1 whole grain chicken and avocado sandwich Mid-Meal: ½ cup berries Lunch: 1 cup stuffed capsicum, 1 cup beans with rice, 1 bowl of salad with balsamic vinaigrette Evening: Greek yogurt (6 oz.) with fruit Dinner: 1 cup mushroom curry, 1 cup brown rice and chicken
Day 7
Breakfast: 1 slice of whole-grain toast with avocado and 2 eggs Mid-Meal: 1 chopped apple with 1 tablespoon almond butter Lunch: 1 cup brown rice, 1 cup organic soy chaap, grilled chicken or tofu salad(85 g) Evening: 1 cup chia yogurt custard Dinner: 1 cup mixed vegetable curry, 1 cup rice and chicken
You can easily prepare some delicious dishes at home to manage your cirrhosis. Scroll down to learn some simple recipes.
Liver Cirrhosis Diet Recipes
1. Chia Yogurt Custard
Ingredients
1½ cups of coconut milk ¼ teaspoon of ground green cardamom 4 tablespoons of coconut sugar 4 tablespoons of chia seeds 3 to 4 strawberries (sliced) 1 banana (peeled and sliced) 2 teaspoons of pine nuts
How To Prepare
2. Paneer Sandwich With Green Chutney
Ingredients For The Sandwich
4 slices of white or brown bread 1 cup of paneer (grated) 2 tablespoons of butter 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce 2 tablespoons of coriander (finely chopped) 2 tablespoons of capsicum (chopped) 2 tablespoons of corn (boiled) 2 tablespoons of carrot (grated) ¼ teaspoon of salt ¼ teaspoon of Kashmiri red chili powder ¼ teaspoon of cumin powder
Ingredients For The Green Chutney
1 cup of coriander leaves ½ cup of mint leaves ½ cup of water 2 tablespoons of gram dal (roasted) 3 cloves of garlic 3-inch piece of ginger 1 teaspoon of chat masala 3 green chilis ½ teaspoon of sugar ½ teaspoon of salt ½ teaspoon of cumin powder 1 tablespoon of lemon juice A pinch of asafoetida
How To Prepare
3. Mushroom Curry
Ingredients
500 g of chestnut mushrooms 50 g of unsalted butter 400 g of tomatoes (chopped) 4-6 tablespoons of sunflower oil 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds ¼ teaspoon of ground turmeric 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds 1 large onion ½ teaspoon of garam masala 1 teaspoon of ginger ½ teaspoon of Kashmiri chili powder 4 cloves of garlic 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt 1 teaspoon of caster sugar 2 tablespoons of coriander (chopped)
How To Prepare These dishes can be super delicious. But it is important to understand the precautions to consider for a safe and effective dietary approach to managing cirrhosis. Scroll down to know more.
Precautions To Consider Before You Start The Cirrhosis Diet
Monitor your fluid intake, as excessive fluid consumption may lead to fluid retention and related complications, such as ascites and edema. Overeating can put stress on your liver, so pay attention to portion control. Eating less but more frequently throughout the day can be beneficial to liver health. Completely eliminate the consumption of alcohol from your diet, as it may further damage the liver or worsen cirrhosis. Always read product labels and check the ingredient lists and their quantities. If you want to use any dietary supplements to curb nutrient deficiencies, consult your healthcare provider first to discuss your dietary needs. Are there any adverse effects of following the cirrhosis diet? Scroll down to find out the answer.
Side Effects Of The Cirrhosis Diet
Anecdotal evidence suggests that prolonged calcium restriction as a part of the cirrhosis diet may affect bone health. Following this diet can also be challenging because it requires monitoring the sodium and protein content of each food item. This dietary plan also makes food less appealing, as it restricts many items like fried foods and sugary drinks. In addition, restricting certain foods from your diet may lead to nutrient deficiencies. Hence, check with your healthcare professional or dietitian to ensure you get all the necessary nutrients through your diet or supplements. What drink is good for liver disease? The intake of coffee increases glutathione (antioxidant) levels in the body and may act against free radical damage and lower the risk of cirrhosis (14), (15). Is beetroot good for liver cirrhosis? The antioxidant activity of betaine (found in beetroot) may help promote liver health by preventing fatty deposits in the liver (16).
Illustration: Liver Cirrhosis Diet Plan: How To Follow Pros And Cons
Discover the dietary choices that can harm your liver when dealing with cirrhosis in this video. Stay informed, make healthier choices, and take charge of your liver cirrhosis journey.
