Food Sources
The liver is involved in the metabolism of all foods. Metabolism is the conversion of food into energy.
Changing the diet by increasing or decreasing proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins may further affect the function of the diseased liver, especially its protein and vitamin production.
SAMPLE MENU:
Breakfast
1 orange
Cooked oatmeal with milk and sugar
1 slice of whole-wheat toast
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
1 tablespoon of jelly
Fresh fruit
Milk
Mid-afternoon 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
Fresh fruit or dessert
8 ounces of milk
Evening snack
Glass of milk or piece of fruit
Usually, there are no cautions against specific foods.
If you have questions about your diet or symptoms, contact your doctor.
The Benefits of Eating Fruit for Liver Problems
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The Benefits of Eating Fruit for Liver Problems Photo Credit fruit image by Leonie Pratt from Fotolia.com
Your liver is the largest organ in your body and does the complex work of breaking down foods and turning them into the fuel you need to function. A sick liver will affect all of your other organs, which may not get the nutrients they need. Fruits provide benefits to the liver and are preferred over foods such as fats and processed products.
Keep Cells Healthy
Fruits that contain antioxidants keep our cells healthy so they don't damage organs like our liver. These antioxidants protect our cells against substances called free radicals that we are exposed to throughout life. The University of Maryland Medical Center website says when you consume antioxidants in fruits such as cherries, blueberries and tomatoes you can help prevent liver problems that result from other illnesses such as Crohn's disease or other inflammatory bowel diseases.
Provide Nutrients
Two important functions of your liver are to process nutrients so your body will be able to absorb them to keep all your organs healthy, and to remove toxic substances. Fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals and are preferable to foods with little or no nutritional value and that are hard for the liver to process. Fruits with fiber help clean the liver and improve liver conditions you may already have.
Protect Against Cancer
Plant-based diets that include eating fruits help protect your body from cancer. Liver cancer is a devastating form and one of the hardest to treat. You can work fruits into every meal during the day and as snacks in between. According to the Cancer Cure Foundation, avocados are a fruit rich in the potent antioxidant glutathione that helps your body prevent cancer cells from growing. Citrus fruits are filled with monoterpenes that can remove cancer-causing carcinogens from your body.
Fight Malnutrition
Cirrhosis is the result of diseases or illnesses causing liver scarring, which can get bad enough to prevent the liver from functioning properly. MayoClinic.com says malnutrition is a complication of cirrhosis because when your liver is damaged, it cannot process nutrients effectively and your body won't absorb and use them. You can prevent malnutrition associated with cirrhosis by eating different kinds of fruits as part of your regular diet.
