Cirrhosis is scarring of liver tissue due to liver disease. The most common causes of cirrhosis are alcoholism and hepatitis C. Individuals with cirrhosis should eat a healthy diet to slow disease progression and promote healing. They may also need to make changes in their diet to prevent complications.
Alcohol
Moderate alcohol intake defined as one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men is OK but excess alcohol intake can lead to cirrhosis. According to the UMMC consuming 32 to 48 oz. of beer, 4 to 8 oz. of liquor or 16 to 32 oz. of wine a day over 10 to 15 years increases the risk of developing cirrhosis. The Mayo Clinic advises individuals with cirrhosis to avoid alcohol altogether to prevent further damage to the liver.
Malnutrition
Malnutrition and severe weight loss are common side effects of cirrhosis, according to the National Institutes of Health. Individuals with cirrhosis should eat a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean proteins to prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies and maintain overall health. Individuals who experience a loss of appetite may benefit from drinking nutritional supplements like Boost or Ensure. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs also recommends eating small, frequent meals throughout the day if regular meals are not tolerated.
Protein
Protein is important because it helps repair muscles and tissue. However, the UMMC notes that people with cirrhosis who eat too much protein may suffer from complications like high blood ammonia or hepatic encephalopathy, a condition characterized by mental confusion due to a buildup of toxins in the blood. Doctors can determine how much protein a person with cirrhosis needs. The VA also recommends eating less animal meat and getting more protein from vegetable and dairy sources like beans, lentils, soy, milk, eggs and yogurt.
Sodium
Cirrhosis can cause fluid to accumulate in the abdomen, a condition called ascites. As a result people are often told to restrict salt intake because sodium can cause water retention. The VA says cirrhotic patients should consume less than 2,000 mg of sodium a day. Individuals can reduce their sodium intake by avoiding salty foods like fast foods and foods that have been preserved, fermented or processed. They should also refrain from adding salt to food while cooking or at the table.
Herbs and Supplements
According to the UMMC supplements that may benefit cirrhosis include antioxidants, betaine, S-adenosylmethionine, or SAMe, and branched chain amino acids. Herbs that have been used to treat cirrhosis include bupleurum, licorice root, cordyceps and milk thistle. Herbs that should not be taken with cirrhosis because they damage the liver include kava kava, mistletoe, germander, European barberry, black cohash, chapparal, comfrey, pennyroyal, skullcap, ma huang and valerian, according to the UMMC and the Mayo Clinic. Herbs and supplements should not be taken without consulting a physician. Many herbs and supplements have not been proven safe or effective for cirrhosis and are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Additional Guidelines
The UMMC says raw shellfish is dangerous for cirrhosis because it contains the bacteria vibrio vulnificus. People who are overweight should lose weight because obesity increases the risk of cirrhosis. The healthiest way to lose weight is by limiting high calorie and high fat foods and engaging in 60 to 90 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week.
