The liver is the central site for filtration, detoxification and excretion of food and aids in the utilization of most nutrients. Everything ingested has an effect on the liver, especially if the liver is damaged. Variations in stages of liver disease, types such as alcoholic liver disease versus cirrhosis, and personal medical history factor into dietary requirements. FDA regulations mandate that nutritional information appear on food labels, making it easier to make good food choices to heal a damaged liver and improve detoxification functions.
Carbohydrates
A diet rich in high-fiber complex carbohydrates, such as whole-grain breads, cereals, rice and pasta, may improve liver function. The liver breaks down carbohydrate into glucose, a form of sugar used to make energy. Not enough carbohydrate related to protein and fat intake may force the liver to use protein as an energy source. This puts undue stress on the liver because it is harder to convert protein into energy than carbohydrates.
Protein and Fat
A healthy diet for an unstable liver should comprise protein derived primarily from vegetable sources rather than fat-containing meat. High-fiber vegetable protein may benefit diabetics with cirrhosis and people with fatty liver disease by reducing sugar levels and lowering cholesterol. As little as 1 tbsp. of polyunsaturated fat, contained in cold pressed oils, can provide all of the essential fatty acids to fulfill the body's needs for a day. Eliminate saturated fats and hydrogenated oils, and eat avocados, beans, nuts and seeds containing healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
Beverages
Drinking eight to 12 glasses of water per day helps detoxify the liver. Caffeine in coffee, tea, cola and chocolate does not directly harm the liver and, in moderation, can suppress the fatigue associated with liver disease. Cirrhosis causes slow metabolism of caffeine, so people with cirrhosis should limit caffeine to one cup of coffee or tea per day. Daily consumption of more than four drinks of alcohol increases the risk and hastens the development of cirrhosis, according to a 2001 study by Thomas R. Riley III, M.D., M.S., and Ahsan M. Bhatti, M.D., published in the journal "American Family Physician." Abstinence may reverse some symptoms of chronic liver disease.
Vitamins
Mega-vitamin supplements taken in excess, especially vitamins A and D, can potentially stress and damage a diseased liver, which must filter and metabolize vitamins. In fact, according to Hepatitis Foundation International, excess vitamin A is very toxic to the liver. Consider eliminating foods fortified with these vitamins, such as breakfast cereals. Vitamin C, found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, and vitamin E in nuts, eggs and sweet potatoes, contain anti-oxidants that may help reverse liver damage. B-vitamins in whole grains, rice and soybeans also aid in liver detoxification.
Minerals
Chronic liver disease is associated with increased risk for osteoporosis, according to LiverDisease.com, so it's important to eat calcium-rich foods, such as leafy dark green vegetables, dairy products and canned sardines and salmon. Limit your intake of sodium, which can aggravate advanced liver disease and may lead to abdominal accumulation of fluid. Too much iron, although necessary for hemoglobin formation and brain development, is dangerous because excesses stored in the liver can cause toxicity contributing to cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.
References
- British Liver Trust: Fighting Liver Disease: Food for Energy
- "American Family Physician"; Preventive Strategies in Chronic Liver Disease: Part I. Alcohol, Vaccines, Toxic Medications and Supplements, Diet and Exercise: Preventive Strategies: Abstinence from Alcohol; T. Riley, A. Bhatti; Nov. 1, 2001
- Hepatitis Foundation International: Caring for Your Liver: Diet and Your Liver: Watch Vitamins A and D
- LiverDisease.com: Calcium, Sodium, Iron and Liver Disease/Hepatitis
