liver disease-Diet

The changes you will need to make will depend on how well your liver is working. Talk to your provider about the kind of diet that is best for you so that you get the right amount of nutrition.

General recommendations for people with severe liver disease include:

• Eat large amounts of carbohydrate foods. Carbohydrates should be the major source of calories in this diet.
• Eat a moderate intake of fat, as prescribed by the provider. The increased carbohydrates and fat help prevent protein breakdown in the liver.
• Have about 1.2 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. This means that a 154-pound (70-kilogram) man should eat 84 to 105 grams of protein per day. Look for non-meat protein sources such as beans, tofu, and dairy products when you can. Talk to your provider about your protein needs.
• Take vitamin supplements, especially B-complex vitamins.
• Many people with liver disease are deficient in vitamin D. Ask your provider if you should take vitamin D supplements.
• Limit the amount of sodium you eat to 2000 milligrams per day or less to reduce fluid retention.

SAMPLE MENU

Breakfast

• 1 orange
• Cooked oatmeal with milk and sugar
• 1 slice of whole-wheat toast
• Strawberry jam
• Coffee or tea

Mid-morning snack

• 4 to 8 ounces (240 milliliters) of milk or piece of fruit

Lunch

• 4 ounces (110 grams) of cooked lean fish, poultry, or meat
• A starch item (such as potatoes)
• A cooked vegetable
• Salad
• 2 slices of whole-grain bread
• 1 tablespoon (20 grams) of jelly
• Fresh fruit
• 8 ounces of milk

Mid-afternoon snack

• 4 to 8 ounces of milk with graham crackers

Dinner

• 4 ounces (110 grams) of cooked fish, poultry, or meat
• Starch item (such as potatoes)
• A cooked vegetable
• Salad
• 2 whole-grain rolls
• Fresh fruit or dessert
• 8 ounces of milk

Evening snack

• 4 to 8 ounces of milk or piece of fruit

Most of the time, you do not have to avoid specific foods.

Talk to your provider if you have questions about your diet or symptoms.