A liver transplant is a surgical procedure in which a diseased or damage liver is replaced with a healthy liver from a donor. Several conditions may warrant liver transplantation including cirrhosis, biliary atresia and liver cancer. A liver transplant typically takes about 12 hours, and requires hospital recovery for 1 to 2 weeks, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. There are typically few dietary restrictions after transplantation, but certain dietary choices may help you maintain optimal health after a liver transplant. Check with your doctor to determine the nutritional strategy that is right for your specific condition.
Essential Fatty Acids
After your transplant, you will need to take immunosuppressant drugs to prevent your immune system from attacking your new liver. Cyclosporine immunosuppressants, the most common anti-rejection drugs prescribed for liver transplant recipients, may elevate serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This may increase your risk of heart attack and coronary artery disease. Essential fatty acids, which are found in tuna, salmon, walnuts, tofu, avocados and mackerel, may help lower triglycerides and "bad" cholesterol, according to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing."
Vitamin D-Rich Foods
Vitamin D is necessary for the proper absorption of use of calcium, which your body uses to maintain strong bones and teeth. Liver disease commonly causes vitamin D deficiency, which can contribute to osteoporosis, or poor bone density. Transplant recipients may have increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Although your body manufactures vitamin D from sunlight exposure, you can boost levels of this vitamin by consuming milk, eggs, sardines, cheese and fortified cereals.
Lean Proteins
Protein breakdown commonly occurs after liver transplantation, increasing your need for this nutrient. Liver transplant recipients may need 1.5 to 2 g of protein per kilogram of body weight, particularly during recovery, according to a September 2006 article in "Liver Transplantation." This is about double the typical protein requirement, which is 0.8 g per kilogram of body weight, states the Vegetarian Resource Group. Lean proteins such as black beans, fish, white-meat chicken, tofu, lentils, chickpeas and turkey can help meet elevated protein requirements after your liver transplant.
Considerations
You should avoid foods containing listeria during the first few months after transplantation surgery. Listeria is a type of bacteria found in unpasteurized yogurt, raw eggs, mayonnaise, pate and cheese. This bacteria may be particularly dangerous while you are taking immunosuppressant medications. Avoid adding table salt to foods, and limit your intake of foods containing sodium. High blood pressure is a possible complication after a liver transplant. Consuming foods containing sodium may increase this risk. Talk to your physician before consuming alcohol after liver transplant surgery.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: What I Need to Know About Liver Transplantation
- "Liver Transplantation"; Nutrition for the Liver Transplant Patient; Antonio J. Sanchez et al.; September 2006
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C. et al.; 2010
- Addenbrooke's Hospital Transplant Unit: Diet and Nutrition After Liver Transplant
- American Society of Transplantation: Getting a New Liver; Marwan Abouljoud et al.; December 2006
- Vegetarian Resource Group: Protein in the Vegan Diet
