Liver failure and cirrhosis are closely related -- chronic liver failure is one of the many causes of cirrhosis. Although you cannot reverse the damage of cirrhosis, the food you eat can slow the progression of this disease, preventing further damage from occurring. While the dietary changes you must make may be difficult at first, they may prolong your life.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is responsible for 27,000 deaths in the United States each year, making it the 12th leading cause of death as of 2011, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Scar tissue, due to chronic liver disease, replaces healthy tissue. This disables your liver's ability to control infection, produce proteins to regulate blood clotting, process nutrients and drugs, remove toxins from your blood and produce bile to help absorb fat. Additionally, your liver cannot make healthy cells when its own become damaged; this is necessary for a liver to function at a healthy level.
Symptoms of Cirrhosis
As the University of Maryland Medical Center explains, you may not have any symptoms of cirrhosis, or you may experience complete liver failure. Common symptoms include fatigue or feeling weak, a loss of appetite or weight-loss, yellowing of the eyes or skin, fluid retention which causes bloating in your abdomen, swelling in your feet or legs, mental confusion due to toxin buildup, vomiting blood and itching all over your body.
The Role of the Nutritionist
Consulting with a nutritionist is important, as she can determine exactly how much of each food group you need according to your personal situation. Eating too many carbohydrates, or too much protein, can be detrimental to your health. The goal is to slow the progression of your disease, not expedite it. Regular visits allows her to monitor your progress and make adjustments to your eating plan. She may also consult with your doctor to devise the most effective care plan for you.
The Diet
Limiting the amount of protein you consume is essential; your liver, in its damaged state, cannot process this food group well, which can result to a buildup of ammonia. This is a toxin your liver is unable to remove. Healthy sources of this group include 3 oz. of meat, poultry or fish, one large egg, one-half cup of tofu, 1-oz. of cheese or 2 tbsp. of peanut butter. Although carbohydrates are a good energy source, your liver cannot break them down for you to receive this energy. Your nutritionist will determine how much you can handle. Liver disease can cause a rise or decline in your blood sugar levels; therefore you should eat some type of carb with each meal to control your blood sugar levels, according to Drugs.com. Calories play an important role in maintaining a healthy weight and keeping your liver working to the best of its ability. Your nutritionist will determine how many calories you need. Eating five or six small meals through the day helps you meet your goal even if you lack the appetite. You may need to limit the amount of fluids you consume if your legs are swollen or abdomen is bloated. These include milk, water, juices and soup.
