Liver cirrhosis is a disease in which the liver works with great difficulty, can be caused by excessive consumption of alcohol, viral hepatitis or other diseases, the diet plays a fundamental role in this condition since people with severe cirrhosis have severe weight loss, mass loss, fluid accumulation and nutrient deficiency , causing malnutrition that could worsen and aggravate the disease.
Foods that must be ingested in the diet to treat cirrhosis of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat meats, as they are foods that provide essential nutrients and are easy to digest, not requiring much liver work for metabolization.
- The liver caused by cirrhosis could not be reversed if a liver transplant is performed.
- However.
- If diagnosed early and is caused by medications and diet.
- It may continue.
The diet for cirrhosis of the liver should ensure adequate nutrient intake, as it is important that the person eats between 5 and 6 meals a day, in small portions, especially if he has little appetite if he feels very fast.
The food should contain complex carbohydrates, “good” fats and proteins of high biological value. Initially it was thought that the diet should restrict minimum protein intake, however, current studies have shown that the impact of proteins on liver development encephalopathy is minimal, so they should be included in the diet.
It is important to include in the diet fruits, vegetables, cereals, preferably whole, such as: rice, pasta, bread and whole wheat, as well as fish, eggs, white meats, low in fat and low in salt and fat. , such as cottage, for example. The consumption of milk and its derivatives should be skim and, in the case of fats, can be consumed in small accepted portions of olive oil, avocado, seeds in general and nuts.
In addition, if the nutritionist deems it necessary, it could indicate supplementation with calcium, vitamin D or other nutrients, as well as the intake of a nutritional formula to increase the caloric intake consumed.
To control cirrhosis and prevent the liver from trying too hard to metabolize food, avoid:
Similarly, it is important to avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages, as this could damage the condition, however, in some people with cirrhosis of the liver there may be intolerance to certain authorized foods, which can cause discomfort or pain during ingestion, especially those that cause gas, and it is important to identify foods and foods to avoid, as they vary from one to another.
On the table, the suite changes a three-day menu for a person with hepatic cirrosa:
The songs included in the menu and the amount of fluids to drink vary depending on the severity of the disease, age and sex, so it is ideal to help a nutritionist perform a full assessment and develop a bespoke nutritional plan in addition to this, it is also important to remember that any medication should be taken under the direction and authorization of the treating physician.
To control the retention of fluids that normally occur in cirrhosis, as well as ascites, salt intake should be reduced, avoiding adding food and avoiding foods that contain it, such as chorizos, sausages, sausages, meat dice, salted snacks, fast food, English and soy sauce, any other type of sauce, salted cheeses, soups, canned, among others.
Alternatively, it is best to use natural herbs to season foods such as garlic, celeb, parsley, basil, coriander, pepper, oregano, among others, you should also talk to your nutritionist to know if you need to control your water intake, which depends on ascites, this may be necessary.
When liver cirrhosis is in an advanced stage, the diet is usually carried out in the hospital, since it is necessary to compensate for the nutritional deficit and carefully monitor metabolic changes, through periodic bleeding tests that evaluate the health of the person.
These individuals often have mineral deficiencies such as potassium, magnesium and phosphorus; as well as B-complex vitamins, including alcoholic cirrhosis, and; in case of steatorrhea, which are evacuations of liquids with fats, there are also deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K). They also tend to have sodium retention, loss of muscle mass and hypoalbuminemia.
For this reason, if the person tolerates the oral route, the diet should be protective of the liver and should be supplemented with vitamins and minerals; in cases where it does not tolerate the oral route, the diet should be administered by means of nutritional formulas via a nasogastric or nasogastric or nasoenteric or intravenous tube, allowing the nutritionist to control the best nutrients and the amount of fluids it receives, avoid forcing the liver, improve the nutritional status of the patient and increase the chances of survival.
These are usually nutritional formulas rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and low in aromatic amino acids (AAA). BCAA apparently prevents toxic substances from entering the brain, reducing the risk of worsening liver encephalopathy; They prevent muscle degradation and muscle mass. They can be used as an energy source for muscles, brain, heart and liver, when the body cannot use glucose or fat to generate energy.