The liver is your body's detoxifying system, helping to separate the healthy parts of your foods from the toxins that can harm your body. When you have liver disease, your body's filtration system is affected. To compensate for changes this may cause to your health, your physician may recommend changing some aspects of your diet. The changes to your diet may include changes to your protein intake.
Significance
Proteins in your diet are broken into smaller components called amino acids. In the process of breaking down these proteins, waste products are released. Your liver typically filters these products. However, if your liver function is affected, the liver may be unable to remove all the toxins. This can result in buildup in your body that can especially affect your brain and cognitive functioning. This does not mean you should completely avoid protein, however. You need protein in your body to maintain healthy body tissue, especially muscle mass.
Intake
Your physician will work with you to determine the appropriate amount of protein in your daily diet. This amount will depend upon your level of liver functioning and your body weight. Most people with liver disease will eat about 1 g of protein per 1 kg of your body weight -- usually about half your weight in pounds. However, if your liver is severely damaged, this number may be smaller.
Sources
Protein sources in your diet can come from animal- and vegetable-based products. Portion sizes are important as the standard serving size for foods like red meats and chicken is between 3 and 4 oz. Choosing lean meats can help limit the amount of fat in your diet. A typical daily diet when you have liver disease include two 4 oz. servings of chicken, fish or red meat, notes MedlinePlus. Vegetable-based sources include beans, legumes, peanut butter and dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt.
Protein Types
Some patients with liver disease may find protein from animal-based sources may be more difficult to tolerate than plant or dairy sources. If you experience symptoms like body swelling or nausea after eating, your physician may recommend altering some of the protein sources in your diet. Another option is to consume protein shakes made from whey or soy proteins. You can blend one scoop of these powders with skim milk or water for a protein source that tends to be digested more easily. Because neglecting protein sources in your diet can have adverse consequences, it is important to find sources that make you feel good inside and out.
