Alcohol abuse and hepatitis C are the most common causes of cirrhosis in the United States. Cirrhosis is the final stage of liver disease and is characterized by severe scarring of the liver tissue. This tissue prevents blood from flowing through the liver, limiting the delivery of nutrients and oxygen. The diet for cirrhosis must provide adequate calories and protein to prevent malnutrition while limiting sodium and fluid intake to maintain fluid balance.
Adequate Calorie Intake
Cirrhosis increases your metabolic rate, requiring you to eat more calories to maintain your weight and nutritional status. Unfortunately, cirrhosis also affects your appetite and may make it difficult for you to meet your nutritional needs. The majority of your calories should come from carbohydrates because cirrhosis affects your ability to metabolize both protein and fat. Too much fat in the diet can also lead to steatorrhea, diarrhea caused by fat malabsorption. Choose high-calorie simple carbohydrates to help you meet your needs, such as sugar, syrup and jelly. Other high carbohydrate foods include breads, cereals, crackers, rice and pasta.
Balanced Protein Intake
Cirrhosis is also a highly catabolic disease, meaning it burns your muscle as a source of fuel. In order for you to maintain your lean body mass and prevent further muscle breakdown, you need to eat adequate amounts of protein. However, some people with cirrhosis also suffer from hepatic encephalopathy, which causes confusion and altered consciousness due to high levels of ammonia in the blood. Limiting protein intake can help prevent ammonia build-up and alleviate symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy. A doctor can help you determine your protein needs. Whether you need to limit your protein intake or increase your protein intake, choose high quality sources of protein such as eggs, poultry, lean red meat and fish to provide your body with all of the amino acids to preserve and rebuild muscle.
Prevent Fluid Retention
Fluid retention is common in people with cirrhosis, and the fluid gathers around the abdomen and causes a condition known as ascites. Ascites results from increased portal hypertension and low albumin levels. Portal hypertension is caused by the lack of blood flow through the liver, and albumin, a blood protein, is made in the liver. If you have ascites, you need to limit your fluid and sodium intake to prevent further fluid retention. Fluids are generally limited to 4 to 6 cups a day and sodium is restricted to 2 g a day. To quench your thirst and help increase your calorie intake, you can suck on hard candies. Limit your salt intake by omitting any added salt to your meals during cooking and at the table. It also helps to select foods that have less than 140 mg of sodium per serving.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cirrhosis
- California Pacific Medical Center: Cirrhosis of the Liver
- "Krauses Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy"; L.Kathleen Mahan, Sylvia Escott-Stump; 1996
