Cirrhosis is a condition in which your liver experiences scarring due to disease or injury. As a result, your liver is unable to perform its functions including the production of protein, defense against infections, cleansing of the blood, storing energy and enabling proper digestion. According to the National Institutes of Health, cirrhosis can lead to bruising, bleeding, swelling in the body, high blood pressure, kidney failure and liver cancer. Certain foods in your diet may contribute to, or aggravate, cirrhosis.
Foods Rich In Sodium
An excess of salt in your diet can cause your body to hold on to fluid. This can contribute to, and worsen, swelling in your legs and abdomen, a common symptom of cirrhosis. Choose low-sodium foods to avoid these complications, notes MayoClinic.com. High sodium foods include table salt, commercial baked goods, chips, and processed and packaged foods. To reduce the sodium in your diet, you can flavor your food with herbs and spices instead of table salt. In addition, choose fresh, whole sources of vegetables and meats to avoid foods with added salt.
Foods And Beverages Containing Alcohol
One of the primary causes of cirrhosis in the United States is excessive intake of alcohol, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Avoid or eliminate alcoholic foods or beverages in your diet to prevent cirrhosis. This can also help treat cirrhosis and its symptoms.
Raw Shellfish
Avoid consuming raw shellfish if you suffer from cirrhosis, advises the UMMC. Raw shellfish may contain a strain of bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus. This bacteria can pose harm to those with cirrhosis. If you are unsure how well shellfish is cooked, avoid eating it.
