Protein is one of the integral parts and a strong foundation for a healthy body. Out of three macronutrients, protein helps in building as well as repairing muscles. Besides, it also helps in keeping you full for longer and aids in proper metabolism. This in turn help in effective weight loss.
Apart from all these things, if you are suffering from liver disease, then most doctors recommend taking a high protein diet. Owing to this, a new study found that a high protein diet even helps in controlling the risks of non-alcoholic fatty liver. It is one of the common liver diseases throughout the world.
One of the common reasons behind fatty liver is unhealthy choices in terms of food and lifestyle. In this condition, fat collects in the human liver causing liver cirrhosis. However, with a protein-rich diet, you can definitely bring changes to your condition. Besides, an increased intake of protein teamed with a low-fat diet is an effective fatty liver therapy.
Liver disease does not have only one stage. Once it advances, it can reach multiple stages. Here are some of the liver diseases and its diet that you must follow.
Type 1: Compensated cirrhosis
In this condition, your lever becomes severely scarred. However, due to the presence of enough healthy cells, your liver can perform the necessary actions perfectly. When suffering from compensated cirrhosis, it is necessary to follow a balanced diet.
Including the right amount of protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins and minerals are necessary. People suffering from compensated cirrhosis have to consume more energy as well as protein than others having the same weight.
Therefore, make sure to target protein and starch food with every meal, especially with your meals and snacks. For example, you can include 1-1.2g protein according to your body weight. Even if you are underweight, you have to boost your protein intake. Make sure to consume high-protein snacks between your meals.
Also, it is important to add supplements to your diet that help in reversing liver disease. Some of the common snacks that you can consume between your snacks include cereal, crackers, toast, fruits, etc.
Type 2: Decompensated cirrhosis
When suffering from decompensated cirrhosis, it is best to take advice from an expert dietician. In this case, you have to take a diet that is high in protein as well as energy since it helps in proper liver functioning.
For example, you can add fatty fish, some fat-free and sugar-free energy drinks that work as a supplement. Besides, it will help in removing any complications. Make sure to avoid yellow-tinted foods, especially the dishes prepared with turmeric.
Also, you should follow the dietary restrictions that your doctor recommends. For example, avoiding junk foods and fatty foods is one of the quintessential steps that you must take. Opt for coconut oil, flaxseed oil, and safflower oil for making dishes.
Since these oils do not have any harmful side effects, you might not get enough taste in your foods. Due to this reason, you can add other flavoring items like pepper and lemon juice. Both pepper and lemon juice helps in adding a tasty flavor to dishes.
Type 3: Fluid Retention
Fluid retention is one of the common problems that are common with liver diseases. People suffering from liver cirrhosis face often face fluid retention in the stomach area. As a result, you might see symptoms like swelling of feet and legs.
Although various drugs help in controlling fluid retention. But, it is necessary to keep in mind that a liver healthy diet is necessary to follow. Avoiding salt is important to control fluid retention. Similarly, you need to avoid foods that have high salt content.
Now, this does not mean that you will switch to a diet having low sodium content. Instead, you can take assistance from your dietician on the amount of salt you must consume. Besides, your taste buds are quite adjusting, which means once you start eating limited salt, it will accustom accordingly.
Ideally, if you suffer from fluid retention, then you have to limit your salt intake to 2.8g from 5.2g. Moreover, dieticians are experts and they can guide you on the right food that you must consume to avoid fluid retention.
Conclusion
Therefore, these are some of the things that you must keep in mind when it comes to diet for liver diseases. Besides, a balanced diet plays a vital role in treating a disease.