Cirrhosis is a condition where the liver is scarred due to chronic injury. The scar tissue replaces healthy tissue and slows or blocks the flow of blood through the liver. This scarring also impairs the liver's ability to control infections, remove bacteria and toxins from the blood, make protein that aids the blood in clotting, process nutrients, hormones and drugs, and produce the bile that absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins.
Importance of a Healthy Diet
A healthy, well-balanced diet is important for patients with cirrhosis because malnutrition is often a problem, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. The liver's most important function is converting food into stored energy; it also rids the body of toxins. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is an important part of cirrhosis treatment and should include plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are a good source of vitamins, minerals and fiber, and it is ideal to consume four to five servings a day, notes the Fruits and Veggies Matter website. Fruits are 100 percent cholesterol free and account for a person's large water consumption; it is much easier for the body to absorb the vitamins and minerals from fresh fruit. Because fruit and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals and fiber, it is best to get a wide variety of them. The best way being is to "think color," meaning to eat both in different colors, as this will give your body a wide range of valuable nutrients. Some examples might be green spinach, black beans, white onions, orange sweet potatoes, yellow corn, red watermelon and purple plums.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are an important source of many nutrients, such as dietary fiber, several B vitamins and minerals. Fiber is important for proper bowel function and lowers the risk of constipation and diverticulosis, notes MyPyramid.gov. Foods containing fiber provide the feeling of fullness with fewer calories; whole grains are a good source of dietary fiber, while refined or processed foods contain little fiber.
Dietary Restrictions
Cirrhosis patients should consult with their doctor before consuming proteins, sodium and shellfish. If the patient has a build-up of fluid in the abdomen or swelling in the feet, legs or back, high quality, dietary protein may be particularly important. However, too much protein can raise ammonia levels and trigger hepatic encephalopathy, which is a brain disorder caused by a build-up of toxins which can cause forgetfulness and mental confusion and may lead to a coma. If there is fluid retention, a patient's salt intake may need to be lowered, because salt encourages the body to retain water. Lowering the sodium is not just about passing on the salt shaker, it means having to pass on foods that are high in sodium, such as processed or prepared foods like canned meats, soups, crackers, cold cuts and certain vegetables. Use lemon juice and black pepper for taste instead of adding salt. Shellfish may carry a bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus, which can be dangerous for patients with cirrhosis. Avoid any shellfish if you are unsure of how well it has been cooked, states the University of Maryland Medical Center.
