Diet for Liver Patients and Nutrition For Cirrhosis

What is the preferred diet regime for liver cirrhosis with swelling of legs?

• Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other non prescription drugs as your already damaged liver would not be able to detoxify and eliminate these drugs.
• Your immunity to infections is generally low, so avoid the company of people who are sick or ill. Get yourself immunized for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, pneumococcal pneumonia and influenza.
• As Cirrhosis can cause unexplained weight loss that can lead to a number of nutritional deficiencies it is very important to include a healthy well-balanced diet daily. Focus on the intake of whole grains, cereals, whole pulses, beans, legumes, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, fruit juices and vegetable juices.
  
  
  Include small amount of proteins from low fat dairy products also. These foods are rich in antioxidants A, C and E that are generally low in case of people with cirrhosis. Your specialist may also prescribe a multivitamin and antioxidant supplement if required.
• Restrict the amount of salt in your diet. Sodium can cause the body cells to retain water and this can lead to swelling in the legs and abdomen. Besides salt, also avoid foods rich in sodium like canned soups, processed foods, cold cuts, soy sauce, catsup and mayonnaise. You can use lemon juice and other herbs to substitute salt in your diet.
• Avoid eating any fish or sea food unless it is thoroughly cooked. Uncooked shrimps, oysters and clams contain bacteria which are extremely toxic for people with cirrhosis of liver.