End-stage liver disease is also known as cirrhosis and is the irreversible scarring of the liver. Progressive liver damage and scarring is mainly caused by factors such as long-term alcohol abuse and chronic liver infections. The liver is a vital organ that is important for metabolism, storing iron and glucose, producing bile, manufacturing clotting factors and detoxifying drugs and harmful toxins. A scarred liver cannot perform these functions. Patients with cirrhosis should eat certain foods.
Proteins
Protein-rich foods are important for helping the body repair worn out tissue. Patients with end-stage liver disease should restrict their protein intakes. Proteins are not properly processed in patients with end-stage liver disease, which causes waste products of protein metabolism to build up and affect the brain. Restricting protein intake helps decrease the amounts of toxic waste products in the blood. Foods high in protein include meats, eggs, dairy, nuts and legumes. You dietitian can determine how much protein you should consume each day.
Sodium
Patients with end-stage liver disease have excess fluid build-up in the abdomen, ankles and lower legs. Excess sodium intake may worsen fluid build up because sodium causes fluid retention and increased swelling. Patients are advised to eat avoid sodium-rich foods such as bacon, sausages, bologna, ham, pickles, canned soup, vegetable broth and products containing monosodium glutamate.
Carbohydrates and Fats
Patients with end-stage liver disease require increased calories from carbohydrates to maintain a healthy weight. Increased carbohydrates intake helps preserve the protein in the body. Patients should eat several small meals throughout the day instead of large meals to provide the body with enough calories. Patients with end-stage liver disease should decrease their fat intakes because liver disease causes problems with the digestion and absorption of fat.
Symptoms of End-Stage Liver Disease
Patients with end-stage liver disease have a liver that is unable to perform its functions. Symptoms of end-stage liver disease develop gradually. Patients experience symptoms such as upper right hand-side abdominal pain, swollen abdomen, itching, yellowing of the skin and eyes, clay colored stool, dark urine, small spider-like veins, vomiting blood, weight loss, edema, impotence, enlarged spleen, easy bruising and bleeding, confusion, personality changes and coma.
