The dietary recommendations may vary somewhat depending on how well the person's liver is functioning. It is very important to be under the care of a health professional, otherwise malnutrition can lead to serious consequences. In general, recommendations include:
- high intake of carbohydrate foods. Carbohydrates should be the major source of calories in this diet.
- A moderate intake of fat (as prescribed by the health care provider). The increased carbohydrate and fat help in preserving the protein in the body and prevent excessive protein breakdown.
- approximately 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight. For a 70 kilogram man (154 pounds), 70 grams of protein translates into 8 ounces of cooked protein and two 8-ounce glasses of milk on a daily basis. This does not include the protein from starches and vegetables. People with a severely damaged liver may be on strict protein restriction, and may be limited to only minimal quantities of essential amino acids (obtained through special nutritional supplements).
- vitamin supplementation as medically recommended, especially B-complex.
- sodium restriction if fluid retention is present.
SAMPLE MENU
- breakfast
- 1 orange
- cooked oatmeal, with milk and sugar
- 1 slice of whole-wheat toast
- 2 teaspoons of margarine
- strawberry jam
- coffee or tea
- lunch
- 4 ounces of cooked lean fish, poultry, or meat
- a starch item (such as potatoes)
- a cooked vegetable
- salad
- 2 slices of whole-grain bread
- 2 teaspoons of margarine
- 1 tablespoon of jelly
- fresh fruit
- milk
- midafternoon snack
- milk with graham crackers
- dinner
- 4 ounces of cooked fish, poultry, or meat
- starch item (such as potatoes)
- a cooked vegetable
- salad
- 2 whole-grain rolls
- 2 tablespoons of margarine
- fresh fruit or dessert
- 8 ounces of milk
- evening snack
- high-protein milk (milk with non-fat dry milk added)
Usually, there are no cautions against specific foods. However, many people are unable to tolerate strongly flavored vegetables, high-fat foods, fried foods, chocolate, nuts, and foods that have a lot of seasoning. If you have questions about your diet or your symptoms contact your physician immediately.
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