The term liver disease encompasses many conditions ranging from hepatitis, caused by a virus, to cirrhosis of the liver, usually caused by alcohol consumption. But most liver diseases have one feature in common: the liver doesn't function as well as it should, according to MedlinePlus. If your physician has diagnosed you with liver disease, you may need to follow a special diet to improve your liver function.
Symptoms/Causes
Many people with chronic liver disease have no symptoms to warn them there's a problem, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Your physician can identify liver disease through blood tests that show abnormal liver function. It's not always clear why your liver fails to function properly, but in many cases diabetes and obesity are to blame.
Diet Basics
The food you consume affects how well your liver works, and so your physician likely will emphasize the importance of a healthy diet to improve your liver function, according to Ohio State University Medical Center. You may need to limit your protein and salt consumption while increasing your carbohydrate consumption in order to help your liver function at its best.
Protein
Your liver helps your body process protein, and if it's not operating properly you risk having toxic waste products from protein digestion build up, potentially affecting your brain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Your physician will tell you exactly how much protein you can have each day to avoid stressing your liver. You should spread out your protein consumption throughout the day, because that will help your liver process it more easily. Replace protein in your diet with carbohydrates, such as breads.
Salt and Fluids
Some people with liver disease retain water in their hands or feet, according to the Ohio State University Medical Center. If water retention poses a problem for you, your physician likely will recommend reducing the amount of salt you consume. You may also need to drink fewer beverages in order to avoid retaining water. You always should avoid alcohol, since it tends to stress the liver and reduce your liver function.
Considerations
Liver disease sometimes causes nutritional deficiencies, which your physician can identify through blood tests, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you have nutritional deficiencies, your physician will discuss them with you, and you may need to take nutritional supplements in order to restore proper nutrient levels in addition to eating a healthy diet.
