If you have cirrhosis or advanced liver disease, dietary adjustments are essential for your well-being. Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial, and you may require specific guidance to ensure an adequate intake of energy (calories), protein, and limited salt to prevent malnourishment and muscle loss.
Approximately 2 in 10 individuals with compensated cirrhosis face malnutrition, which increases to more than 5 in 10 for those with decompensate cirrhosis.
Eat Regularly:
People with cirrhosis often adopt a “little and often” eating pattern, consuming small meals every 2 to 3 hours, including a bedtime snack. Opt for starchy carbohydrates like cereal, porridge, rice pudding, or shortbread for your bedtime snack.
Increase Calorie and Protein Intake:
As cirrhosis progresses, the liver’s ability to store glycogen decreases, necessitating a higher energy and protein intake. Sources of protein can include beans, nuts, dairy products, fish, and lean meats. If you are underweight or malnourished, consider high-protein supplements recommended by your dietitian and prescribed by your doctor.
Snacking for Energy and Protein:
Snack options to boost energy and protein levels can include teacakes with butter, crackers with butter and cheese, breakfast cereal with full-cream milk, and more.
Weight Management:
If you are overweight, focus on reducing fat and carbohydrate intake while keeping protein intake high and increasing physical activity to maintain muscle mass.
Protein for Hepatic Encephalopathy:
People with hepatic encephalopathy should also increase their protein intake and spread it throughout the day, prioritizing vegetable sources over dairy or meat. Dairy sources like eggs and cheese are better tolerated than red meat.
Reduce Salt Intake:
Cirrhosis can lead to fluid retention, causing swelling and discomfort. Manage fluid retention through diuretics and a low-salt diet, but consult a dietitian for advice. Avoid salty foods, smoked fish, and fish tinned in brine, and check food labels for high salt content.
Flavor Without Salt:
Use alternatives like ground pepper, vinegar, herbs, and spices to season your food without salt.
Managing High Blood Sugar:
Blood sugar control can be challenging with cirrhosis. People with fluctuating glucose levels should receive regular monitoring from a specialist diabetes team. The liver plays a significant role in blood sugar regulation, and those with cirrhosis may develop high blood sugar. A diet high in starchy carbohydrates (whole grains), low in red meat, and with more monounsaturated fats than saturated fats is recommended.
By following these dietary recommendations and consulting with our healthcare professionals, you can better manage your cirrhosis and maintain your overall health.