The liver is the largest organ in your body and functions to break down substances into functional products used in the body. After use, the products are excreted into the bile or blood. Substances in bile are excreted in the stool and those in the blood are excreted in urine. Liver disease hampers this process, causing serious health problems that require close monitoring of protein intake but not necessarily a reduction of protein.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is scarring of liver tissue, altering the flow of bile and blood, and affecting liver function. Alcohol is the primary cause, but chronic infections and cystic fibrosis may also be factors. The damage from cirrhosis is irreparable, but appropriate therapy halts progression. Nutritional requirements include high-quality dietary protein intake to repair lost muscle mass as a result of malnutrition, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver, it may be acute or chronic, and has a variety of causes, including viruses, alcohol, poisonous mushrooms and medications. The symptoms include loss of appetite with weight loss, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and distention. A high-calorie diet to combat weight loss, with no specific reduction in protein intake, is usually advised, notes MedlinePlus.
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Hepatic encephalopathy indicates the liver is unable to neutralize and remove toxins and affects the brain. Symptoms include confusion, fatigue, slurred speech and coma. Treatment, directed at removing ammonia, a toxin in the bowel, uses a laxative, called lactulose and dietary protein restriction, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. Antibiotics, such as neomycin and rifaximin which only act in the bowel, help remove bacteria that produce ammonia from protein digestion.
Liver Failure
Liver failure, a possible consequence of the progression of liver disease, may require a liver transplant. Conditions that may precipitate failure include infections, gastrointestinal bleeding, constipation, dietary changes and alcohol consumption. The interim therapy consists of managing elevated ammonia levels, controlling and monitoring protein intake, improving nutrition and muscle mass, and avoiding medications processed in the liver until a donor is available.
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