Liver cirrhosis, the end stage of liver disease, is characterized by liver scarring and dysfunction. According to New York Presbyterian Hospital, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis are responsible for approximately 27,000 American deaths every year, but most cases of cirrhosis can be avoided by reducing alcohol consumption. A proper diet may be a beneficial adjunct therapy in treating your liver cirrhosis, but check with your doctor beforehand.
Liver Cirrhosis
Although excessive alcohol consumption does not always lead to liver scarring, almost 25 percent of alcoholics will develop this health problem, notes the Henry Ford Health System. Among the most common signs and symptoms associated with liver cirrhosis are weight loss, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or discomfort, abdominal or leg swelling and jaundice or yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes. Hepatitis B and C, certain metabolic disorders and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are other possible causes of liver cirrhosis.
Diet for Cirrhosis
A helpful diet plan for liver cirrhosis includes increased protein consumption, notes Dr. Alan R. Gaby, a medical doctor and author of "The Natural Pharmacy." Liver cirrhosis is a condition that causes significant protein and calorie deficiency. Some people with liver cirrhosis should consider avoiding foods rich in copper, such as chocolate, shellfish and liver. You should also consider eliminating alcohol from your diet if you have been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. Because some people with this condition may be unable to tolerate even normal levels of protein, discuss appropriate protein intake with your physician or nutritionist first.
Nuts for Cirrhosis
Raw nuts, especially almonds, may be beneficial in treating your liver cirrhosis, states certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Almonds, according to nutritionist and biologist George Mateljan, author of "The World's Healthiest Foods," contain significant amounts of various nutrients, including manganese, vitamin E, magnesium, tryptophan, copper, riboflavin and phosphorus. In addition to promoting healthy liver function, almonds may be helpful for improving your overall digestive system health.
Considerations
Liver cirrhosis is a sign of serious underlying liver damage and should always be managed by a competent health-care provider. Possible complications associated with this condition include kidney failure, liver cancer and bleeding disorders. Although diet and nutrition play an important role in the treatment of your liver cirrhosis, nutritional therapy should never replace other, more conventional treatment methods recommended by your primary-care provider. Some foods used for this health purpose may not be backed by rigorous clinical research trials.
References
- New York Presbyterian Hospital; Liver Disease Statistics; Nov. 30, 2008
- Henry Ford Health System: Cirrhosis of the Liver
- "The Natural Pharmacy"; Alan R. Gaby, M.D.; 2006
- "The World's Healthiest Foods"; George Mateljan; 2007
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
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