Diet - liver disease

Definition

Some people with liver disease must eat a special diet. This diet helps the liver function and protects it from working too hard.

Function

Proteins normally help the body repair tissue. They also prevent fatty buildup and damage to the liver cells.

In people with badly damaged livers, proteins are not properly processed. Waste products may build up and affect the brain.

Dietary changes for liver disease may involve:

Side Effects

Liver disease can affect the absorption of food and the production of proteins and vitamins. Therefore, your diet may influence your weight, appetite, and the amounts of vitamins in your body. DO NOT limit protein too much, because it can result in a lack of certain amino acids.

Recommendations

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:

SAMPLE MENU

Breakfast

Mid-morning snack

Lunch

Mid-afternoon snack

Dinner

Evening snack

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.

References

Dasarathy S. Nutrition and the liver. In: Sanyal AJ, Boyter TD, Lindor KD, Terrault NA, eds. Zakim and Boyer's Hepatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 55.

European Association for Study of the Liver. EASL clinical practice guidelines on nutrition in chronic liver disease. J Hepatol. 2019:70(1):172-193. PMID: 30144956 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30144956/.

Högenauer C, Hammer HF. Maldigestion and malabsorption. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 104.

US Department of Veterans Affairs. Eating tips for people with cirrhosis. www.hepatitis.va.gov/cirrhosis/patient/diet.asp#top. Updated December 6, 2019. Accessed May 30, 2023.


Review Date: 5/2/2023
Reviewed By: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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