What is a liver disease diet?

Liver diseases, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, may change the way your body uses
nutrients from food. Some people with liver disease may not get enough nutrients
and lose weight. A liver disease diet provides the right amount of calories,
nutrients, and liquids you need to manage symptoms of liver disease. Your
dietitian will work with you to create a meal plan based on the type of liver disease
you have.

Nutrients should take:

It is important to eat a variety of foods from all the food groups each day to stay at
a healthy weight. You may not feel hungry, or you may feel full right away after
you eat. Eat 4 to 6 small meals throughout the day to make sure you eat enough
calories. Ask your dietitian how many calories and how much of the following
nutrients you should have each day:

 Protein: It is important to eat the right amount of protein when you have
liver disease. The following foods are good sources of protein. The amount
of protein (in grams) follows each food listed below.
o 3 ounces of meat, pork, turkey, chicken, or fish (21 grams)
o 1 cup of milk or yogurt (8 grams)
o 1 large egg (7 grams)
o 2 tablespoons of peanut butter (7 grams)
o ½ cup of tofu (7 grams)
o ¼ cup of cottage cheese (7 grams)
o 1 ounce of cheese (7 grams)
o ½ cup of cooked pinto, kidney, or navy beans (3 grams)
 Fat: Some people with liver disease have problems digesting and absorbing
fat. The fat that is not digested is eliminated in bowel movements. If you
have this health problem, you may need to eat less fat. Ask your healthcare
provider or dietitian for more information about a low-fat diet.
 Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are found in bread, pasta, rice, cereal, grains
(rice, oats), and starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn, peas). Liver disease may
cause blood sugar levels to be too high or too low in some people. You may
need to control the amount of carbohydrate you eat to help control your
blood sugar levels.
 Foods should limit or avoid
Ask your dietitian if you need to limit or avoid some foods. This will depend on
the type of liver disease and other health problems you have.

 Sodium: You may need to decrease the amount of sodium in your diet if
your body is retaining fluids. When you retain fluids, you will have swelling
in your body. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about a
low-sodium diet. Some foods that contain high amounts of sodium are:
o Table salt
o Bacon, sausage, and deli meats
o Canned vegetables and vegetable juice
o Frozen dinners and packaged snack foods, such as potato chips and
pretzels
o Soy, barbecue, and teriyaki sauces
o Soups
 Liquids: You may also have to drink fewer liquids if you have swelling.
Liquids include water, milk, juice, soda, and other beverages. Some foods
contain liquid, such as soup. Foods that are liquid at room temperature, such
as gelatin or popsicles, must also be counted as a liquid. Ask your dietitian
how much liquid you may drink each day.
 Alcohol: Avoid alcohol because it may make your liver disease worse. Talk
to your healthcare provider if you have questions about alcohol in your diet.