Cirrhosis - Lifestyle Changes

Highlights	Complications	Encephalopathy
Introduction	Diagnosis	Ascites
Causes	Treatment	Bleeding Episodes
Risk Factors	Lifestyle Changes	Resources
Symptoms	Abdominal Infections	References

Lifestyle Changes

A healthy lifestyle is particularly important for people with cirrhosis.

Dietary Factors

Healthy Foods. Because important antioxidant vitamins are depleted in the cirrhotic liver, cirrhosis patients should maintain a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

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Antioxidant Supplements. There is some preliminary laboratory evidence that various antioxidant supplements including vitamin E, selenium, and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) may help protect against liver damage and cirrhosis. Supplements, however, are not recommended for people with liver disease except with the advice of a physician. Some vitamins, such as vitamins D and A, are metabolized in the liver and can be toxic.

Iron Restrictions. Elevated iron levels have been associated with cirrhosis from many causes. Patients should avoid iron-rich foods, such as red meats, liver, and iron-fortified cereals and should avoid cooking with iron-coated cookware and utensils.

Supplemental Nutritional Products. Supplemental nutritional beverages may be helpful, particularly for patients with both alcoholism and cirrhosis. In one study, patients with both alcoholism and cirrhosis drank Ensure every day as a supplement to their regular diet. After six months they showed significant improvement in many signs of overall health compared to those who didn't consume the beverage.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine). Thiamine binds to iron and helps reduce iron load in the liver. One small study suggested it may be helpful for patients with chronic hepatitis B. It is not known if it has any benefit for cirrhosis. Pork is high in the vitamin, but more healthful sources include dried fortified cereals, oatmeal, corn, nuts, cauliflower, sunflower seeds and vitamin pills.

Like most vitamins, vitamin B1 may be obtained in the recommended amount with a well-balanced diet, including some enriched or fortified foods.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Some research suggests that supplements of omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil and evening primrose oil) may help protect the diseased liver.

Click the icon to see an image of omega-3 fatty acids.

Protein and Soy. High-quality dietary protein may be especially helpful for patients with ascites and for repairing muscle mass, but excessive protein loads may trigger encephalopathy. Protein solutions have been devised that provide beneficial amino acids without including those that increase this risk. There is no limit on vegetable proteins, such as those from soy.