Cirrhosis is a chronic liver condition characterized by excessive scarring of the liver. When the liver experiences damage, it immediately begins to heal itself, which consists of replacing damaged tissue with scar tissue. If the amount of scar tissue is greater than the amount of healthy tissue, the liver can stop functioning properly.
Causes
One of the most common causes of cirrhosis is chronic alcohol abuse. Over time, exposure to alcohol leads to serious damage to your liver. Other causes of cirrhosis include chronic hepatitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, bile duct diseases, chronic exposure to toxins, infections and drug use. Inherited diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and hemochromatosis, also can lead to cirrhosis.
Alcohol
Regardless of whether your cirrhosis was caused by excessive intake of alcohol, it is important to avoid alcohol once cirrhosis develops. Alcohol intake can further damage the liver and lead to serious complications. If you have a drinking problem, it might be beneficial to enter a medical treatment facility that can help combat the addiction.
Importance of Balance
Many people with cirrhosis experience malnutrition because liver disease can decrease your body's ability to process and absorb important nutrients. It is important to make sure that you consume a balanced diet that is rich in plant foods. The majority of your diet should consist of fruits and vegetables, and you also should consume small amounts of lean protein, such as legumes and fish. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse notes that you should avoid raw shellfish because it can cause a serious infection.
Sodium
If you develop ascites, which is a swelling of the abdomen from fluid retention, it is important to avoid sodium. Sodium can trigger the retention of water, which can make ascites worse. Those with liver damage should aim to consume no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day. The most concentrated sources of sodium include canned and processed foods, so these foods should be avoided. You also should avoid adding salt to foods during cooking or before. Salt can be replaced with sodium-free spices or fresh herbs.
Other Treatment
While proper nutrition can help delay the progression of cirrhosis, medical treatment is often used to treat the symptoms of cirrhosis. Vaccinations to prevent hepatitis, pneumonia and influenza are often administered. Water pills, or diuretics, also might be given to help reduce the fluid retention caused by liver damage. Many people with cirrhosis also require blood pressure medications to reduce the pressure in the portal vein, the vessel that supplies blood to the liver. If cirrhosis progresses to liver failure, you might be a candidate for a liver transplant.
