DIETARY MANAGEMENT OF LIVER CIRRHOSIS

Cirrhosis is a serious condition where normal liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue (fibrosis). It tends to progress slowly and often does not cause symptoms in its early stages. The scarring tends to be a gradual process. The scar tissue affects the normal structure and regrowth of liver cells. Liver cells become damages and die as a scar tissue gradually develops. Therefore, the liver gradually loses its ability to function well. The scar tissue can also affect the blood flow through the liver which can cause back pressure in the blood vessels which bring blood to the liver. This back pressure is called portal hypertension. If hypertension becomes severe liver transplant may be the only option.

Difference between healthy and affected liver

CAUSES:
Liver cirrhosis can be caused by a number of conditions including long standing inflammation, poisonous and toxic substances, infection, heart diseases, chronic alcoholism, chronic hepatitis, fat build up in the liver and excessive drug intake.
This video below explains about symptoms of liver cirrhosis.

         



SYMPTOMS OF LIVER CIRRHOSIS
Are caused by two major factors; Gradual failure of the liver to carry out its normal function and distortion of the liver usual shape and size because of scarring.

The most common symptoms of cirrhosis are as follows:
Tiredness(fatigue), Weakness, Nausea, Loss of appetite leading to weight loss and loss of sex drive.

DIETARY MANAGEMENT OF THE LIVER CIRRHOSIS:
Do not drink alcohol, eat low sodium diet, use herbs for seasoning your food rather than salt, eat healthy diet, plant based diet that include varieties of fruits and veggies, choose lean protein such as legumes, poultry or chicken, avoid raw sea food.



REFERENCE:
For more information on dietary management of liver cirrhosis CLICK HERE