Cirrhosis is a degenerative disease of the liver, which causes chronic inflammation and damage. It is usually the result of chronic and long-term abuse and injury. Sometimes, the damage is so severe that the scar tissue developed throughout the liver can even block most of the liver's normal functions. These functions include the processing of nutrients and hormones, preventing infections, and regulating normal blood functions. It also produces bile, which is essential for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, like vitamin A , D or K. One of the most common side effects of cirrhosis is edema, or ascites, which is the chronic retention of water. A healthy, low-sodium diet can help in reducing the risk of edema and any complications that arise from it.
Complications Related to Edema
Edema, or excessive water retention, usually occurs in the lower extremities or the abdominal area. It can be quite disruptive, as it can result in severe abdominal pain and discomfort, and even cause difficulty breathing. Additionally, retention of water in the abdomen can result in bacterial peritonitis, which is a general infection of the fluid around the abdomen. Additionally, the excess water retention can cause hernias, which are not only painful, but might even require surgery.
Treating Edema
Most likely, your doctor will recommend that you take diuretic medication. However, a low-sodium diet, which limits your sodium intake to less than 2 g of sodium can also help. A registered dietitian, or RD, can help you learn about the sodium content of foods, and teach you how to read a nutrition facts label. Also, the RD can suggest salt substitutes so that your food can remain flavorful even if it is low in salt.
Other Treatments for Edema
Sometimes, the severity of the water retention is so great that a low-sodium diet is not enough. To prevent complications related to edema, your physician might recommend that you have parecentesis. Parecentesis is a procedure in which your physician removes the fluid in your abdominal area with a needle. Notwithstanding, though, a low-sodium diet can prevent the fluid buildup from recurring, so it is important that you do your best to follow it.
High Sodium Foods to Avoid
Sodium can be found in many food and food products. Canned foods, such as soups and vegetables, are notoriously high in sodium. Processed meats, such as sausages and other cured and pickled foods, are also very high in sodium. In general, processed snacks will have high sodium content. In general, the American Dietetic Association recommends that if the sodium content of a food is higher than 300 mg or sodium per serving, then it is a high-sodium food and should be avoided or limited to smaller portions.
