Bilirubin is a natural substance in your body and is a byproduct of old red blood cells. Your liver plays an important role in processing and removing these old blood cells. Certain conditions might overload or damage the liver, resulting in an inability to dispose of the red blood cells. When your liver can't handle this overload, bilirubin levels can build up, resulting in a condition known as jaundice. Good nutrition is essential in protecting a damaged liver.
Jaundice
High levels of bilirubin in your bloodstream can cause your skin and the whites of your eyes to take on a yellow hue. Elevated bilirubin levels are common in newborn babies, due to their immature livers. A variety of conditions can cause elevated levels of bilirubin in adults. The most common causes include cirrhosis, hepatitis, gallstones and pancreatic cancer. Excessive amounts of bilirubin might accumulate in the brain, causing a condition known as kernicterus. Although jaundice has numerous causes, and no one diet is suitable for every cause, consuming foods that enhance and protect the function of your liver might help.
Diet
Nutrients absorbed into your bloodstream pass on to your liver. A healthy liver filters and processes the nutrients, removing any toxins and poisons. A compromised liver might not be able to process protein properly. A diet that restricts protein might help protect against the buildup of waste products in your brain. MedlinePlus recommends that people with liver disease consume 0.45 g of protein per pound of body weight each day. The diet should also include moderate amounts of fat from nutritious sources, while carbohydrate-rich foods, such as whole grains, vegetables and fruit, should form the bulk of the diet.
Substances to Eliminate
While nutritious foods can protect your liver function, some substances you consume on a regular basis might cause further damage and increase the risk of high bilirubin levels in your bloodstream. Too much alcohol can cause scarring in liver cells, leading to permanent damage. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises that restricting salt in your diet, as well as eliminating the use of acetaminophen, or Tylenol, might prove beneficial.
Precautions
An elevation in bilirubin levels might indicate the presence of an underlying health condition that requires medical care. Avoid making extreme changes to your diet without first consulting your doctor, especially if you suffer from a serious illness, such as cirrhosis of the liver.
