Ascites due to cirrhosis is the final stage of liver cirrhosis. To enhance the effectiveness of cirrhosis treatment, patients need to pay attention to the types of foods that should not be eaten and to a reasonable nutrition plan to improve liver function.
1. What should patients with ascites due to cirrhosis eat?
Specifically, people with cirrhosis should eat the following types of food:
1.1 Foods rich in protein
These foods are essential for individuals with cirrhosis. On average, an adult should consume 1g of protein per day. It is advisable to choose plant-based protein sources such as grains, nuts, and dairy instead of animal-based protein sources.
1.2 Foods rich in vitamins
People with cirrhosis need to supplement vitamins and essential minerals for the body. Among these, fruits and vegetables are the best sources of vitamins and minerals that help strengthen and restore liver function.
1.3 Fiber-rich foods
Fiber is essential for enhancing liver detoxification function, while also helping the liver eliminate toxins from the body and balance necessary nutrients. However, patients should also be aware to consume the right amount of fiber as advised by their doctor and not to eat too much fiber to limit liver activity.
1.4 Foods rich in Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene, abundant in carrots, has a strong antioxidant effect. This substance helps protect the liver against liver diseases and removes free radicals from the body.
1.5 Foods rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Sardines, salmon, mackerel, and tuna are foods that are very rich in omega-3. These foods are good for the digestive system, thereby limiting liver activity. This is also one of the substances that doctors recommend should be supplemented more in the daily diet of people with cirrhosis.
Most people with progressive liver disease should eat many small meals each day, especially when experiencing loss of appetite and eating less. Patients can have 6-8 small meals per day and one light meal containing low protein and carbohydrates (complex sugars) such as rice, noodles, vermicelli, potatoes… before going to sleep. It is important not to skip meals for more than 7-8 hours.
2. What should patients with ascitic cirrhosis avoid eating?
2.1 Absolutely avoid alcohol
If a patient with cirrhosis consumes alcohol, all treatment efforts will be in vain; in fact, alcohol consumption can lead to extremely dangerous complications for the body.
2.2 Avoid spicy, hot foods, and fast food
These types of food often contain chemicals that can affect the liver to some extent. Therefore, patients should steer clear of these types of foods.
2.3 Limit fried and greasy foods
Foods high in fat, chicken, lamb, and difficult-to-digest items should be avoided as they cause the liver to work harder. Additionally, these hard-to-digest foods can generate heat, leading to liver inflammation. This poses challenges in the recovery of the damaged liver.
2.4 Should not consume salty foods
People with end-stage cirrhosis, especially those with ascites and signs of edema or abdominal distension, should limit water intake and eat bland foods to reduce sodium absorption in the body.
