The liver performs many functions for the body. It processes food and drugs from the digestive tract, creates proteins for the immune system, blood clotting and other functions, stores nutrients such as vitamins and sugars, helps control levels of nutrients in the blood and regulates hormones. Cirrhosis of the liver occurs when the functional liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue. Common causes include viral hepatitis and alcoholism. When the functions of the liver fail, a special diet is needed to help compensate. Consult your physician before starting a diet, and for the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Carbohydrates
Ingested food enters the bloodstream through the intestinal tract, which delivers the nutrients to the liver. The main sugar used by the body from the breakdown of carbohydrates is called glucose. Glucose levels are kept even in the blood to keep a constant supply available to the cells, so that they can make energy. The liver can link glucose molecules together and store them as glycogen. When the levels of glucose drop in the blood, as from waiting too long between meals, the liver releases glucose from the glycogen. In liver cirrhosis, the loss of liver cells interferes with this process and causes an increased requirement for carbohydrates.
Fats
A moderate fat intake can help provide calories. Calories are a measure of how much energy is found in food. Fat contains the highest number of calories per weight, at 9 calories per gram, compared to 4 calories per gram for carbohydrates and protein. Increased from fat help to prevent the body from breaking down protein stored in the body, as in the muscles, for energy.
Sodium and Fluids
Like other nutrients, it is important to discuss sodium intake with a health care practitioner. In liver cirrhosis, the body tends to swell with fluid. The fluid that is normally inside blood vessels leaks out into the tissues. Since sodium in the diet encourages fluid retention, increased sodium can make fluid retention worse. This can manifest as increased swelling in the feet, ankles, legs and other parts of the body, as well as shortness of breath if the fluid gets into the lungs. In addition, excess sodium can increase the blood pressure and put strain on the heart. Additionally, if you are retaining fluid, you may need to limit your daily fluid intake. This includes not only liquids, but fluids that melt into liquids such as ice pops.
Protein
A standard diet for cirrhosis of the liver includes about 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight, not including the protein from vegetables and starch. If the liver cirrhosis progresses to liver failure, or confusion from liver damage occurs, you may then have to limit protein. Adequate protein in the diet is important to provide enough for body functions and prevent protein breakdown. Too much protein with liver cirrhosis overcomes the ability of the liver to break it down. The result is the buildup of ammonia, which can cause confusion, called hepatic encephalopathy.
Vitamins
Vitamin supplements can be very useful because the liver normally stores vitamins. An adequate intake is important to replace the vitamins that would normally be stored by the liver.
References
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Anthony S Fauci, et al.; 17th Ed 2008
- "Physiology"; Linda S.Costanzo; 4th Ed 2008
- "Nutrition Concepts and Controversies"; Frances Sizer, et al.; 11th Ed 2007
