The liver helps to filter and detoxify the blood; store and release sugar and amino acids; make various hormones; regulate the cholesterol and fat levels; and synthesize proteins involved in immunity, blood clotting, fluid balance and other functions. Liver disease interferes with these functions. Dietary changes help to compensate for some of the lost functions and prevent symptoms from the decreased detoxification of blood. The diagnosis and treatment of disease should be undertaken with the consultation of a health-care professional. Not all of these dietary suggestions are meant for everyone. They will depend on the type and severity of the disease and symptoms.
Sodium
Liver disease can cause fluid disturbances in the body, such as the shifting of fluid from the blood vessels out into the tissues, causing swelling, oftentimes more pronounced in the legs or abdomen. Sodium causes the retention of fluid in the body and can therefore make fluid problems worse.
Fluid
The changes in fluid balance in the body may make it necessary to limit fluid intake as well. This may require keeping track of not only beverage intake, but also fluids found in foods such as gelatin.
Protein
Protein is important for many functions in the body. As such, it is usually not recommended to abstain from protein, but if liver function is significantly poor, protein will need to be limited in the diet or eaten in small amounts at a time. This is because in the process of digesting and using protein the body makes toxins such as ammonia. The liver is normally able to handle these, but they can build up in liver disease, causing symptoms such as lethargy, nausea, vomiting and confusion.
Fat
Fat intake may be increased slightly for some people with liver disease. This is because it provides a high number of calories and helps to prevent the body from breaking down too much protein.
Carbohydrates
A diet for liver disease is generally rich in carbohydrates. This is for at least two reasons. First, as with fats, carbohydrates supply needed calories that may help prevent protein breakdown and loss and subsequent malnutrition. Second, the liver normally stores carbohydrates for use if the blood sugar in the body drops. Without a well-functioning liver the carbohydrates are not available as a back-up supply. A carbohydrate rich diet helps to keep the blood sugar from dropping too low.
Vitamin Supplements
Vitamins are needed to help the body carry out chemical reactions, make DNA and use energy, among many other functions. You may need to supplement with vitamins that can normally be found in the liver. It is important to discuss this with a health-care professional. Some vitamins may need to be limited. High doses of vitamin A are damaging to the liver. Iron can also cause problems.
References
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 17th Ed."; Anthony S Fauci et al; 2008
- "Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 8th Ed."; Vinay Kumar et al; 2009
- "Nutrition Concepts and Controversies, 11th Ed."; Frances Sizer, Ellie Whitney; 2007
