Jeffrey Salazar
A well-rounded, nutritious diet is essential for liver health, especially for those with liver disease. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, certain dietary patterns emerge as beneficial for liver function. For instance, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, legumes, nuts, and whole grains is recommended. Additionally, limiting alcohol intake, managing weight, and reducing salt and saturated fat consumption are crucial aspects of a liver-friendly diet. Coffee consumption is also associated with a reduced risk of liver disease. However, individual needs may vary, and it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.
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What You'll Learn
A balanced diet is key
For those with liver disease, a well-rounded diet rich in fiber, lean or plant-based protein, and healthy fats is recommended. This includes consuming legumes, such as lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, and peas, which are not only nutritionally dense but also contain resistant starches that improve gut health. Additionally, nuts are associated with reduced inflammation, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress, while also lowering the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
To support liver health, it is advisable to limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol is a significant source of empty calories, which can lead to unhealthy weight gain and further damage the liver. Instead, focus on staying hydrated by drinking around 6-8 cups of fluid per day, unless fluid restrictions have been advised by a doctor. Decaffeinated tea and coffee, herbal teas, and milky drinks are good alternatives to caffeinated beverages, as the liver typically breaks down caffeine.
It is also important to be mindful of salt intake, as the liver plays a crucial role in regulating water and sodium balance in the body. Reducing salt in the diet can help manage fluid retention, which can cause swelling of the feet, ankles, and legs (oedema), as well as a build-up of fluid in the abdomen (ascites). Aim to consume no more than 2000 milligrams of sodium per day to minimize these complications.
In addition to dietary adjustments, regular exercise is an important component of a healthy lifestyle when managing liver disease. Exercise, combined with a balanced diet, can help support overall liver health and prevent further damage to the liver.
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Alcohol is a significant source of calories
Alcohol can worsen liver damage caused by chronic viral hepatitis, obesity-related liver disease, and haemochromatosis. It can also increase the risk of bone disease and may interfere with commonly prescribed medications. Therefore, limiting alcohol intake is an important lifestyle change to prevent further damage to the liver.
If you are living with cirrhosis, your body may struggle to store glycogen, a form of carbohydrate that the body needs to meet its energy demands. As a result, you may need to eat more frequently, perhaps every 2 to 3 hours, and include a snack before bedtime. This should be something high in starchy carbohydrates, such as cereal, porridge, rice pudding, or shortbread.
In addition to the negative impact of alcohol, it is worth noting that obesity and being overweight are also risk factors for liver disease. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common condition where excess fat is stored in the liver, and it is more likely to develop in those with unhealthy diets or who are overweight or obese. Therefore, gradual weight loss through a combination of calorie reduction, exercise, and healthy eating can help prevent and manage NAFLD.
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Coffee may prevent liver cancer
A well-balanced diet is essential to maintaining a healthy liver. This includes eating fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. In addition, limiting alcohol intake and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial, as obesity and alcohol consumption are risk factors for liver damage.
Coffee has been found to have hepatoprotective properties, meaning it may help prevent liver cancer and improve outcomes for those with chronic liver disease. The World Health Organization has reviewed more than 1,000 studies and confirmed that drinking moderate amounts of coffee regularly may reduce the risk of liver cancer. This reduced risk is estimated to be up to 40% compared to non-coffee drinkers.
Several studies have found an inverse relationship between coffee consumption and liver cancer, suggesting that drinking more coffee is associated with a lower risk of developing liver cancer. One study found that drinking more than three cups of coffee per day was linked to a decreased risk of liver cancer recurrence and improved survival after liver transplantation. Another study from Finland showed similar results, regardless of whether the coffee was boiled or filtered.
The protective effects of coffee also extend to other types of cancer. For example, a study from Italy and Switzerland found that drinking more than three cups of coffee per day was associated with a reduced risk of pharyngeal and esophageal cancer.
While the exact mechanism of coffee's protective effects is still being studied, it is clear that coffee consumption can be a simple lifestyle modification that may help reduce the risk of liver cancer and improve liver health.
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Avoid supplements
While supplements may be beneficial for liver health, it is important to exercise caution and consult a medical professional before taking any new medication or supplement. Many supplements are unregulated and can negatively affect liver health.
For instance, while garlic supplements have been shown to positively affect the metabolic profile of people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), they could change how your medications work or cause other health problems. Similarly, while turmeric supplements may reduce symptoms of NAFLD, they are not a substitute for standard treatment or lifestyle changes.
Some supplements may also interact with your medications. For example, while grape seed extract may provide antioxidants, some medications can interact with grapefruit, so it is important to check with a doctor before adding grapefruit or grapefruit juice to your diet.
In general, it is recommended to focus on maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, as well as exercise, to support overall liver health.
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Fortify your foods
If you are struggling to eat enough, your dietitian may recommend supplement drinks to have between meals. You can also buy Meritene or Complan milkshakes, smoothies and soups, which are a good source of protein and energy.
- Add grated cheese, butter or spread, cream to potatoes, soups, sauces, and vegetables.
- Add extra sugar or honey to breakfast cereals, milk puddings, and yogurts.
- To make enriched milk, add 4 tablespoons of milk powder (e.g. Marvel or supermarket own brand) to 1 pint of full-cream milk. Use this milk in drinks, to make sauces, and on cereals.
- If you have a poor appetite, aim to eat every 2 to 3 hours and include some starchy carbohydrates in all meals/snacks.
- It is important to have a bedtime snack containing 50g of carbohydrates, as it is a long time until breakfast.
- Have about 1.2 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. This means that a 154-pound (70-kilogram) man should eat 84 to 105 grams of protein per day. Look for non-meat protein sources such as beans, tofu, and dairy products.
- Take vitamin supplements, especially B-complex vitamins. Many people with liver disease are deficient in vitamin D. Ask your provider if you should take vitamin D supplements.
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Frequently asked questions
A liver disease diet should be well-rounded and nutritious, rich in fibre, lean or plant-based protein, and healthy fats. It should also include fruits and vegetables, which are important sources of vitamins, minerals and fibre. It is recommended to have regular meals and snacks containing starchy carbohydrates, ideally every 2-3 hours. It is also important to drink around 6-8 cups of fluid a day to prevent constipation and dehydration, unless a doctor has advised otherwise.
Alcohol should be avoided as it can worsen liver damage. It is also important to reduce salt intake to prevent fluid retention, which can cause swelling of the feet and legs (oedema) and a build-up of fluid in the abdomen (ascites). Foods high in added sugar, salt, refined carbohydrates and saturated fat should be limited.
Coffee has been found to be beneficial for liver health and may help to prevent liver cancer. A diet rich in nuts has been associated with reduced inflammation and a lower prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, soybeans and peas are nutritionally dense and can help improve gut health.
