By: Roaa Almusleh

The Dietary Regimen for Liver Patients

Diet plays a fundamental role in maintaining liver health; therefore, liver patients need to follow a balanced diet, taking into consideration how each food category affects the liver. Scientifically proven foods have benefits in improving liver enzymes and protecting against fat accumulation.

Doctors advise liver patients to follow a dietary regimen only under medical supervision to assess liver function effectiveness. The diet should be balanced and rich in nutrients that meet the body’s needs without harming liver health. In this article, we discuss information about the best dietary regimen and recommended foods for liver patients.

Foods Recommended for Liver Patients

The nature of the dietary regimen varies from one individual to another based on their health condition. Here is a general list of foods necessary for liver patients to consume:

– Increase consumption of high-fiber vegetables and fruits, such as:

  – Berries

  – Grapes

  – Avocado

  – Banana

  – Broccoli

  – Radish

  – Lemon

  – Garlic

– Consume whole grains and legumes like beans and soy, as they reduce triglycerides and blood glucose levels, protecting the liver.

– Drink 6-8 cups of fluids daily.

– Rely on carbohydrates as the primary source to meet the body’s caloric needs, especially in the evening to support the liver during the night.

– Drink coffee, as it reduces abnormal liver enzymes and liver fibrosis.

– Consume leafy greens like spinach.

– Eat fish, an important source rich in Omega-3 that reduces liver fat.

– Include oats, nuts, and sunflower seeds.

– Introduce foods containing unsaturated fats into the diet to lower cholesterol levels in the body.

– Moderately consume protein-rich foods like dairy and beans to maintain liver health, as they play a vital role in tissue regeneration and preventing fat accumulation.

– Consume olive oil or olives, rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins for liver health.

Common Liver Diseases and Dietary Recommendations

Dietary advice for liver fibrosis patients:

Doctors advise liver fibrosis patients to avoid salt and seek necessary consultation before consuming protein-rich foods.

Dietary advice for fatty liver disease patients:

The primary problem in this disease lies in the accumulation of fat within liver cells. Doctors recommend patients with fatty liver disease to limit high-calorie foods and increase fiber intake.

Dietary advice for hemochromatosis patients:

Iron accumulates in the liver with this disease. Therefore, it is necessary to follow the following recommendations:

– Avoid iron-rich foods.

– Avoid using iron utensils for cooking.

– Avoid taking iron supplements.

– Avoid eating raw shellfish.

Dietary advice for Hepatitis C patients:

Doctors advise patients to reduce iron-rich food intake or use iron utensils and reduce consumption of salty foods.

Dietary advice for Wilson’s disease patients:

Wilson’s disease affects the liver due to copper accumulation in the body. Patients are recommended to follow these guidelines:

– Limit consumption of nuts and chocolates.

– Limit consumption of shellfish and mushrooms.

– Avoid using copper utensils.

Foods to Avoid for Liver Patients

Liver patients should refrain from consuming certain foods regardless of the circumstances. Here are the most important ones:

– Red meats like beef and cold cuts due to their high saturated fat content.

– Any food made from refined white flour, such as rice and pasta, as they cause blood sugar levels to rise.

– Avoid fried foods and fast food.

– Avoid sugars, sodas, and processed fruit juices.

– Alcohol, as it is one of the leading causes of fatty liver disease.

– Limit salt intake, as it causes fluid retention and liver swelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What foods can I consume as an alternative carbohydrate source?

You can replace simple carbohydrate sources with complex carbohydrate-rich foods like whole grains and fresh vegetables.

What herb cleanses the liver of toxins?

Several herbs help detoxify the liver, including dandelion root, ginger, turmeric, and milk thistle.

References:

1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-foods-for-your-liver
2. https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/living-with-a-liver-condition/diet-and-liver-disease/
3. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002441.htm#:~:text=Eat%20fruits%20and%20vegetables%20and,Limiting%20your%20salt%20intake.
4. https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/living-with-a-liver-condition/diet-and-liver-disease/a-well-balanced-diet/
5. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323915
6. https://www.healthline.com/health/fatty-liver-diet#_noHeaderPrefixedContent
7. https://www.ckbhospital.com/specialities/gastroenterology/liver-disease-diet/
8. https://liverfoundation.org/health-and-wellness/healthy-lifestyle/liver-disease-diets/
9. https://www.healthline.com/health/fatty-liver-diet#foods-to-avoid
10. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/foods-for-a-healthy-liver/
11. https://healthfully.com/278961-sodium-and-liver-damage.html
12. https://nutratea.co.uk/which-herbs-are-best-for-your-liver/