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Cirrhosis Diet

Similar to people without cirrhosis, people with cirrhosis should limit their intake of fats and eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other heart-healthy foods. However, some diet changes that are unique to a cirrhosis diet include limiting salt, eating more calories and protein, and eliminating alcohol. A few suggestions for limiting salt include reading food labels when shopping, avoiding salty foods and fast food restaurants, and going easy on meats (especially red meats).

 

An Overview of the Cirrhosis Diet

Cirrhosis occurs when damaged liver cells are replaced with scar tissue. Too much scarring prevents blood from flowing normally through the liver. This causes even more damage and loss of liver function. Cirrhosis can hinder the body's use of nutrients and can lead to malnutrition.

 
A diet for people who have cirrhosis should be similar to a diet for people without the condition. The ideal cirrhosis diet is a heart-healthy diet -- or one that is low in fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is also important that people with cirrhosis maintain a healthy weight. But there are a couple of other diet changes unique to people with cirrhosis. A few of these changes include:
 
  • Limiting salt
  • Eating more calories and protein
  • Eliminating alcohol.
     
If you have cirrhosis, you should make sure to talk with your healthcare provider about your particular situation. He or she is in the best position to give you recommendations. You also may want to have your healthcare provider refer you to a dietitian who specializes in the dietary needs of people with cirrhosis.
 
(Cirrhosis Diet Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD