Tests for abnormal liver function provide indicators you have liver disease. Such tests may show that you have a low albumin level. Your liver creates albumin during the process of breaking down protein properly. Many health problems can cause liver disease such as scarring of the liver called cirrhosis, or hepatitis A, B and C. Other health problems include Wilson's disease, Reye syndrome, Delta agent D, autoimmune hepatitis and amebic liver abscess.
Fluid Retention
When you have liver disease, you retain water when you consume high amounts of salt. Avoid foods high in salt such as bacon, processed foods, canned foods, potato chips, sausage and deli meats to help stop water gain. Only take in approximately 1 to 2 g of sodium daily, recommends Gale Maleskey, a nutritional therapist, in her 1999 book, "Nature's Medicines: The Definitive Guide to health Supplements."
Restricting Protein
Restrict large amounts of protein from your diet, Drugs.com suggests. Your liver cannot break down protein effectively if you have liver disease, and protein toxins build up in your body. Your protein intake should equal about a gram per kilogram of your body weight. You will need some protein intake, but stick to a strict intake and monitor what you eat. Keeping a diary of what you eat can help you stay on track.
Carbohydrates
Your diet should consist mainly of carbohydrates, Maleskey reports. Carbs should be your main source of calories. Eating complex carbohydrates, such as fruit and whole wheat bread, will satisfy your hunger. Avoid eating fatty foods such as pastries and cake. Consuming an increased amount of carbohydrates will stop the breakdown of protein in your body.
Breakfast
Breakfast can consist of one slice of whole grain bread, jam and 2 tsp. of low-fat margarine, tea, and cooked cereal such as oatmeal. You may have an orange with your meal and have milk and sugar in your cereal.
Lunch and Midday Snack
At lunchtime, you can benefit from a potato, a salad with fresh vegetables such as lettuce and cucumber, and about 4 oz. of poultry, meat or fish, Maleskey suggests. You can add two slices of whole grain bread to your lunch. You can also include a piece of fruit and jam. Milk and two graham crackers offer a midday solution to combat hunger, adds nutritionist Laurel Dewey in her 1997 book "Amazing Herbal Remedies."
Dinner and Nighttime Snack
You can have four 4 oz. of lean fish, lean meat or poultry for dinner, Dewey notes. Adding a potato and a steamed vegetable and salad will provide needed nutrition. Two teaspoons of low-fat margarine, whole wheat grained bread and a glass of milk can top off the evening meal. Additionally, have a glass of milk and a piece of fruit before going to bed, Drugs.com recommends. This will suffice your hunger until morning.
References
- "Amazing Herbal Remedies"; Laurel Dewey; 1997
- "Nature's Medicines: The Definitive Guide to health Supplements"; Gale Maleskey, et al.;1999
- Drugs.com: Liver Disease Diet
- Health. New York Times: Diet - Liver Disease
- MedlinePlus; Diet - Liver Disease; April 23, 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Liver Function Tests; July 17, 2010
