Cirrhosis : THE DIET SYSTEM

Cirrhosis : THE DIET SYSTEM

Cirrhosis one of the most common disease among the world population
Our trip in this disease is concerned about what the patient should do and should not do, how his life-style should be changed
Let us know first what he should avoid to limit cirrhosis progression and for better life

What to avoid

1-Alcohol must be completely avoided as alcohol itself cause cirrhosis in the healthy liver so it will destroy liver with cirrhosis very rapidly

2-Fat : we should restrict it but not to avoided completely

Why?

Restrict it as high fat diet may cause digestive problem as flatulence and offensive bulky stool so it is better to avoid animal fat

But not to completely avoided as body still need fat to remain healthy, this fat should be in the form of olive oil (the best), plant oil, fish oil, nuts , Omega-3 fatty acids, found in food such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed oil.

3-Salt intake should be decreased to about 1-2 gm daily and avoided in case of ascites as salt aggravate the accumulation of fluid in the form of ascites …….. But there is great problem counter the patient is that many food contain salts so we as doctors should give good flashlight in this problem ….. patient before buying canned food should read its composition as it may contain salts , Avoid fast food and packaged foods. , avoid monosodium glutamate (MSG, common in Chinese food) . canned soups

We will explain later how to replace the salt

4-Colored foods ( I mean foods with artificial colors ) should be avoided as we don’t want liver tired in the destruction of the artificial colors

5-Protein is necessary in repairing and maintaining your body tissue, especially your liver! Avoid meat protein but you can eat the chicken protein , but notice remove skin of chicken before cooking Plant protein is better as nuts, seeds, yogurt

6-Avoid usage of drugs without doctor consultation


Now let us know the good food

• Potassium salt can replace the normal table sodium salt
• The white portion of boiled egg
• Daily glass of skimmed milk
• Organic fruit, vegetables
• Plant protein nuts, seeds, yogurt
• olive oil (the best), plant oil, fish oil, nuts , Omega-3 fatty acids, found in food such as salmon,walnuts, and flaxseed oil
• Honey as it raise immunity very good

Written by
DR/ Hytham Hassan