Cirrhosis Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Diet

In cirrhosis, a chronic progressive disease, normal liver cells are replaced by scar tissue. Prolonged, heavy alcohol use is the most common cause, but cirrhosis may also result from hepatitis, inflammation or blockage of the bile ducts, inherited conditions, or a reaction to a drug or environmental toxin. About 27,000 deaths per year are caused by cirrhosis in the United States.

Symptoms of cirrhosis include weight loss, nausea, vomiting, impotence, jaundice, and swelling of the legs. People with cirrhosis often have distinctive abdominal swelling, known as ascites. The liver damage is irreversible, but the progress of cirrhosis can be arrested and the complications treated with diet and other measures.

Nutrition Connection
-Don’t drink alcohol. Avoiding alcohol is essential to prevent further liver damage. Avoid sodium. High amounts can cause your body to retain water, which can worsen swelling.
-Eat a healthy diet. Nutritional deficiencies are common so cover all the bases of balanced diet. Fruits and vegetables can supply essential vitamins and nutrients, especially vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system. Seek whole grains and healthy sources of carbohydrates, such as fortified and enriched whole wheat cereals or breads, for energy.
-Eat small meals or snacks. To combat appetite loss, small, frequent meals may be better than three large ones.
-Eat lean sources of protein. The recommended daily intake of protein for those with cirrhosis is 0.54 g per lb (1.2 g per kg) of body weight. This is more than the amount that is recommended for healthy people. Some evidence supports the use of vegetable protein foods such as soy, peas, and legumes, especially for people who develop mental confusion, a condition called hepatic encephalopathy.
-Have healthy fats. Moderate amounts of mono-and polyunsaturated fats (oily fish, olive oil, safflower oil) provide needed calories without overburdening the liver.
-Drink lots of water. People with cirrhosis should drink about four to six glasses of water and other clear liquids a day, especially if they’re dealing with ascites.
-Look into supplements. Because malnutrition is common in those with cirrhosis, a doctor may be able to help fill in your nutritional gaps with supplements.

Beyond the Diet
Treatment of the underlying causes of cirrhosis may be essential to stopping liver damage. These points offer a basic guide:
-Address addiction. A treatment program for alcohol addiction may be necessary for those with cirrhosis.
-Get on medication. Those who have hepatitis B or C need medications, such as antiviral therapy that’s a combination of interferon and ribavirin to prevent further damage to the liver.
-Exercise. Obesity is becoming a common cause of cirrhosis, either as the sole cause or in combination with alcohol abuse, hepatitis C, or both.