If you’re living with liver cirrhosis, prioritize high protein foods and incorporate both plant- and animal-based protein sources into your diet. Limit or avoid alcohol and foods high in unhealthy fats or sodium.
Liver cirrhosis is a serious condition that can’t be cured or reversed.
Still, following a cirrhosis diet may prevent further damage to your liver, protect against complications, and improve your quality of life both now and in the long term.
This article covers the basics of a liver cirrhosis diet, including what it is, how it works, and whether it’s right for you.
Liver cirrhosis is a condition characterized by scarring of the liver. This can
Cirrhosis has several causes, including:
- liver disease
- hepatitis
- heart failure
- certain autoimmune disorders
- excessive alcohol consumption
- metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a condition linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes (MASLD is a newer term and acronym for the condition previously called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease)
If you’ve received this diagnosis, following a liver cirrhosis diet may help you get the nutrients you need, protect against further liver damage, and prevent long-term complications.
Keep in mind that nutritional recommendations vary depending on several factors. While this article covers some basic guidelines for a liver cirrhosis diet, it’s best to work with your doctor or dietitian to find a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
If you have liver cirrhosis, it’s important to get enough calories and high quality protein each day. This can help prevent malnutrition and preserve lean body mass; the part of your body that isn’t fat.
The
For reference, this means that a person who weighs 150 pounds (68 kg) should consume 2,400 to 2,700 calories and 68 to 102 grams of protein per day.
People with cirrhosis should prioritize high protein foods and incorporate both plant- and animal-based protein sources into their diet. Adding protein to every meal and snack
Still, more research is needed.
When following a liver cirrhosis diet, aim to limit any foods and drinks that are difficult for the liver to process. In particular, limit your intake of foods high in trans fats, including fried foods and processed snacks.
Cirrhosis can impact your liver’s ability to produce bile, which is needed for the digestion of fats. Still, unprocessed fat sources like nuts, salmon, and avocados are fine to enjoy in moderation.
You should also avoid alcohol, which
Because cirrhosis can impair your immune function, it’s also best to avoid raw or undercooked meat, eggs, and seafood. Otherwise, you run a
In some cases, your doctor may also advise that you limit your intake of sodium (salt) to prevent ascites. Ascites is a
Because cirrhosis can increase your protein needs and impact your liver’s ability to store carbohydrates, eating several small protein- and carb-rich meals and snacks throughout the day may also be beneficial.
Lastly, certain vitamins or minerals may help manage your condition, since people with cirrhosis may be at a higher risk of deficiencies in nutrients, such as zinc, vitamin D, vitamin K, and B vitamins.
For specific supplement recommendations that suit your health and needs, speak with your doctor.
Although exact dietary recommendations vary depending on your health and needs, there are some general guidelines on which foods to eat and avoid when following a liver cirrhosis diet.
Foods to eat
A well-rounded liver cirrhosis diet should consist mostly of nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes.
Here are a few examples of foods to prioritize on a liver cirrhosis diet:
- Fruits: apples, oranges, berries, pears, peaches, plums
- Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, tomatoes, peas, potatoes
- Protein foods: eggs, dairy products, seafood, lean cuts of meat and poultry
- Legumes: beans, lentils, chickpeas
- Nuts: walnuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios, macadamias
- Seeds: pumpkin seeds, flaxseed, chia seeds, hemp seeds
- Whole grains: quinoa, oats, brown rice, buckwheat
- Heart-healthy fats: olive oil, avocados, avocado oil, salmon, nuts, seeds
- Beverages: water, coffee, tea
- Herbs and spices: black pepper, cumin, dill, parsley, thyme
Foods to avoid
A liver cirrhosis diet should limit alcohol and foods high in unhealthy fats or sodium.
Here are some foods to avoid on a liver cirrhosis diet:
- Highly processed foods: fast food, convenience meals, canned soups, packaged snacks
- Unhealthy fats: margarine, vegetable shortening, fried foods
- Salty snacks: chips, crackers, pretzels, microwave popcorn
- Processed meats: hot dogs, sausage, deli meats, bacon, beef jerky
- High sodium condiments: soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, steak sauce, spaghetti sauce
- Undercooked foods: raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs, fish, oysters, or mussels
- Alcohol: wine, beer, spirits, cocktails
Although cirrhosis is not reversible, modifying your diet can help prevent complications.
Limiting your intake of salty foods may promote sodium balance and prevent fluid retention and ascites.
Further, moderating your intake of unhealthy fats can protect against steatorrhea, or excess fat in the stool, which
It’s important to focus on getting enough calories and consuming a variety of foods. This helps prevent malnutrition, which is a common complication of cirrhosis.
Not only can malnutrition increase the incidence and severity of cirrhosis symptoms, but it can also impair immune function, decrease muscle mass, slow wound healing, and reduce your quality of life.
Lastly, it’s important to get enough protein. Aim to consume plenty of high quality protein sources throughout the day, including
Depending on what your current diet looks like, transitioning to a liver cirrhosis diet may be somewhat difficult.
For example, it can mean cutting down on foods and drinks you often eat and enjoy, such as packaged snacks, alcohol, or fast food. The restrictions can make dining at restaurants or eating in social situations more challenging.
It may feel disheartening that because liver scarring can’t be reversed, you may need to follow the diet long-term to prevent further damage.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor or a dietitian to learn how to put together a diet that you’re not just able to stick to long-term but also excited about.
It’s important to work closely with a healthcare professional because liver cirrhosis is a complicated condition that may be accompanied by other conditions or complications. Together, you can ensure your diet plan meets your body’s needs.
While a diet plan based on the details above can be a good starting point for those with liver problems, it’s important to also work with a healthcare professional. They can help determine whether a liver cirrhosis diet is right for you.
They may recommend combining certain dietary changes with other treatments, such as prescription medications, certain medical procedures, or lifestyle changes like exercise or quitting smoking.
Additionally, they may advise you to take certain supplements to protect against nutritional deficiencies caused by cirrhosis and malabsorption.
Liver cirrhosis is a serious issue that causes irreversible scarring of the liver.
Making changes to your diet may be an effective way to protect against complications and prevent the disease from progressing.
Be sure to work with a healthcare professional to find a course of treatment and diet plan tailored to your needs.