Dietary Supportive Therapy for Cirrhotic Liver Diseases

For patients with cirrhosis, a balanced nutritional diet is very important as a supportive therapy. Patients with cirrhosis often show signs of malnutrition, and the main reasons are:
1. Poor appetite causes insufficient food intake
2. In the de-compensated stage, nutrients from food are poorly absorbed due to edema in the gastrointestinal system and the lack of digestive enzyme secretion
3. Due to the deterioration of liver functions, nutrients absorbed from the intestines are not well metabolized in the liver
4. The damaged liver requires more amounts of certain nutrients for regeneration and repair
5. The use of diuretic medication and aspiration of the ascites can cause the loss of protein
 
Correct dietary therapy can improve the metabolism of the liver and also meet the nutritional needs of the other organ systems. It can promote the regeneration and repairing of the liver structure and improve the detoxification functions of the liver. A good diet can also enhance the immune functions of the body, raise resistance to infections, and promote good nutrient storage, transport, and regulation in the liver.  The prevention of malnutrition related damage is very important and therefore, nutritional therapy is one of the most important treatment factors in cirrhosis.

What is the correct diet for patients with cirrhosis?
The following are some general guidelines:

1. Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates should make up about 40% of the diet. This amount can help protect the liver, enhance resistance to infections, and reduce protein catabolism. However, too much carbohydrate intake can cause weight gain and cause fatty deposits in the liver.

2. Protein: For a patient with no disorientation, no elevation of serum nitrogen, about 60 grams of protein per day should meet the daily requirement. Proteins absorbed through natural foods such as meat, fish, soy products, and eggs are the best. For patients that have problems with eating solid foods, protein can be taken as amino acids, albumin or serum infusion. When there are symptoms of encephalopathy, protein intake should be reduced to less than 20 grams per day.

3. Fats and oils: A cirrhotic liver cannot metabolize fats well, so low fat diet is important. Animal fats and fried foods should be avoided as much as possible. Olive oil is recommended for cooking.