Lifestyle Changes
A healthy lifestyle is particularly important for people with cirrhosis.
Dietary Factors
Healthy Foods. Because important antioxidant vitamins are depleted in the cirrhotic liver, cirrhosis patients should maintain a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
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Antioxidant Supplements. There is some preliminary laboratory evidence that various antioxidant supplements including vitamin E, selenium, and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) may help protect against liver damage and cirrhosis. Supplements, however, are not recommended for people with liver disease except with the advice of a physician. Some vitamins, such as vitamins D and A, are metabolized in the liver and can be toxic.
Iron Restrictions. Elevated iron levels have been associated with cirrhosis from many causes. Patients should avoid iron-rich foods, such as red meats, liver, and iron-fortified cereals and should avoid cooking with iron-coated cookware and utensils.
Supplemental Nutritional Products. Supplemental nutritional beverages may be helpful, particularly for patients with both alcoholism and cirrhosis. In one study, patients with both alcoholism and cirrhosis drank Ensure every day as a supplement to their regular diet. After six months they showed significant improvement in many signs of overall health compared to those who didn't consume the beverage.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine). Thiamine binds to iron and helps reduce iron load in the liver. One small study suggested it may be helpful for patients with chronic hepatitis B. It is not known if it has any benefit for cirrhosis. Pork is high in the vitamin, but more healthful sources include dried fortified cereals, oatmeal, corn, nuts, cauliflower, sunflower seeds and vitamin pills.
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| Like most vitamins, vitamin B1 may be obtained in the recommended amount with a well-balanced diet, including some enriched or fortified foods. |
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