Diet in patients with liver disease should be high carbohydrate, low protein and moderate fat diet with extra amounts of vitamins and minerals

Proteins normally help the body with tissue repair. They prevent fatty build up and damage to the liver cells.

Carbohydrates: Increase intake of carbohydrates in diet helps to reserve enough glycogen. The body stores carbohydrates in the form of glycogen. It should be the source of calories for people with liver disease.

Fluid buildup and swelling in the liver may be worsened by salt intake because salt holds on to the water in the body. Most people with liver disease should restrict the salt intake.

In general the dietary recommendations for the persons with liver disease are:

Large amounts of carbohydrate foods. Carbohydrates should b the main source of calories in the diet. Carbohydrates are found in bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, cereals, fruit and sweets.

Moderate intake of fat. The increased carbohydrate and the fat help in preserving the protein in the body and preventing protein breakdown. Fats are present in butter, cheese, oil, animal fat and hidden sources like biscuits, pastries, crisps, cakes.

About 1gm of protein/kg body weight is the recommended intake of protein. This does not include the protein from starches and vegetables. A person with severe damaged liver may be on protein restriction. Proteins come from food like meat, fish, eggs, nuts, pulses and dairy products.

The type of diet in lever disease should include:

Limited amount of protein: A damaged liver cannot process the protein well. This causes build up of ammonia in the blood stream.

More carbohydrates. Carbohydrate is the body’s energy supply. A healthy liver makes glycogen from carbohydrate. The glycogen is then broken down when the body needs energy. A damaged liver will not be able to do this. Hence more carbohydrates are required.

Moderate amount of fat. Fat provides calories, essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins.

Limited amount of fluids and sodium. Liver damage can cause high blood pressure in the major vein of the liver leading to ascites, a fluid accumulation in abdominal cavity. Limiting fluids and sodium can prevent this.

Extra amounts of vitamins and minerals. A damaged liver has difficulty in storing many vitamins and minerals.