Your liver neutralizes and eliminates toxins in your body, prevents infections and properly absorbs the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Cirrhosis, an irreversible disorder of the liver, progresses slowly. If you have cirrhosis, you can take steps to prevent further damage. Nutritionist Sandra Goldsmith says in "Body Positive Magazine" that certain nutritional and lifestyle practices can play a therapeutic role and help to both strengthen and support the liver of cirrhosis sufferers.
Avoid Toxic Substances
Because the liver is the primary detoxification organ and its function is severely compromised in cirrhosis sufferers, it is important to limit exposure to all things toxic. Alcohol is the most important substance to avoid. The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, or CSNN, says that environmental chemicals, tobacco, household cleaning products and over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol and Advil should also be avoided as much as possible. CSNN also recommends rubbing castor oil on your stomach and concentrating on your liver every night before bedtime. Castor oil, a folk remedy used for centuries, is thought to increase blood circulation and help to detoxify the organs that are nearest to where it is rubbed.
Eat Whole, Unprocessed Foods
Goldsmith recommends a whole-foods plant-based diet, which includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean sources of protein, all of which will help to reduce stress on the liver. Goldsmith says that you should avoid fried and greasy foods and instead concentrate on good fats such as those found in coldwater fish like tuna, salmon, sardines, trout and mackerel. She adds that avocados, legumes, nuts and seeds also contain healthy fats and other nutrients that are beneficial to liver regeneration.
Include Bitter and Chlorophyll-Rich Foods
CSNN recommends eating bitter foods such as lemons, limes, endive, romaine lettuce and dandelion greens because they help to support the liver and remove toxins. CSNN also recommends a daily dose of chlorophyll-rich foods such as wheat grass, barley grass, spirulina, blue-green algae and chlorella. These foods provide the same benefits as bitter foods but have the additional benefit of also working as powerful antioxidants in your body. Antioxidants are important for good health, and the University of Maryland says that they are particularly important for cirrhosis sufferers.
Drink Water and Apple Cider Vinegar
Goldsmith also recommends drinking at least 8 cups of water a day, and says that adequate water intake is essential for liver detoxification. CSNN suggests adding 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar to 4 cups of water and drinking it throughout the day, explaining that apple cider vinegar will alkalinize your body and also aid in detoxification.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cirrhosis
- "Pathology and Nutrition"; The Canadian School of Natural Nurition; 2008
- "Liver Dinner"; "Body Positive Magazine"; Sandra Goldsmith; September 2000
