Chylous ascites is a condition in which milk-like fluid high in triglycerides gathers in your abdominal cavity. It is usually caused by damage or obstruction to your lymphatic system. The most common causes include cirrhosis, trauma and infection. Because triglycerides make up a large portion of the fluid, diet plays an important role in managing chylous ascites. Your diet should be very low in fat, with adequate amounts of protein.
Diet Basics
The goal of diet in treating chylous ascites is to prevent further buildup of fluid, replace fluids and electrolytes and maintain adequate nutrition status. To prevent fluids from gathering in your abdominal cavity, you need to follow an almost fat-free diet. In addition, it is important that you get adequate amounts of fat-free protein to maintain lean body mass and support immune health, and replace the protein losses in the chylous fluid. To help meet calorie needs, you may also need to supplement your diet with medium-chain triglycerides, which are not metabolized the same way as the fat found in food. Because your diet is so low in fat, you may not adequately meet your fat-soluble vitamins, and may need additional supplementation.
Fruits and Vegetables
Most fruits and vegetables are fat-free and make a healthy choice on your fat-free diet. Fruits and vegetables are also a good source of potassium, an important electrolyte. Good choices include all fresh, frozen or canned fruits or vegetables, as well as juices. You should avoid fruit pie filling, olives, avocados, coconuts and any fruits or vegetables made with sauces that contain fat.
Grains
Grains provide calories, B-vitamins, iron and magnesium. Some grains contain a small amount of fat, so you need to read food labels and include items that are fat-free. Good choices include fat-free breads and cereals, rice cakes, pasta, rice, fat-free crackers, oatmeal and air-popped popcorn. You should avoid any grains made with sauces that contain fat.
Meat and Beans
Meat and beans are an important source of protein. Your can lose as much as 20 to 60 g of protein in your chylous fluid, making it very important that you get in adequate amounts. Your doctor can help you determine your daily protein needs. Good choices include fat-free luncheon meats or hot dogs, egg beaters, egg whites, beans, lentils, split peas and fat-free refried beans. You should avoid all meats, nuts, seeds and whole eggs.
Dairy Products
Dairy products are also a good source of protein and provide electrolytes. Good choices include skim milk, fat-free yogurt and fat-free cheese. Avoid low-fat or whole-fat dairy products or foods made with cream.
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