How to eat a reasonable diet for patients with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy?

Mondo Health Updated on 2024-01-31

Cirrhosis is a serious liver disease characterized by the replacement of normal liver cells with fibrous tissue, resulting in impaired liver function. Hepatic encephalopathy is a common complication of cirrhosis and presents with cognitive dysfunction, behavioral abnormalities, and neurological symptoms. For patients with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy, reasonable dietary management is an important means to prevent the deterioration of the disease. This article will detail how to manage a reasonable diet in patients with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy.

First of all, we need to understand the dietary principles of patients with cirrhosis of the liver and hepatic encephalopathy. The diet of these patients should be low in protein, high in calories, high in vitamins and moderate in minerals. This is because a high-protein diet increases the burden on the liver, while a low-protein diet can reduce the burden on the liver while providing enough calories and nutrients to maintain body functions. In addition, patients need to supplement with adequate vitamins and minerals to maintain good health.

Next, let's take a look at specific dietary recommendations for patients with cirrhosis of the liver and hepatic encephalopathy.

1.Protein: Patients should choose high-quality proteins, such as fish, chicken breast, protein, etc., and avoid high-protein foods such as red meat and offal. The daily protein intake should be adjusted according to the patient's liver function and physical condition, and is generally controlled at 06-1.0 g kg body weight.

2.Calories: Patients need to consume enough calories to maintain physical function. Daily caloric intake should be adjusted based on the patient's weight, height, age, and activity level. In general, the daily caloric intake should be 25-35 kcal kg body weight.

3.Carbohydrates: Patients should choose easily digestible carbohydrates such as rice, noodles, potatoes, etc., and avoid high-fiber grains and vegetables. The daily carbohydrate intake should be 50 -60 of the total calories.

4.Fats: Patients should choose healthy fats, such as olive oil, fish oil, etc., and avoid saturated fats and trans fats. Daily fat intake should be 20 -30 of the total calories.

5.Vitamins and minerals: Patients should consume adequate vitamins and minerals through food or supplements, especially vitamin B12, folic acid, calcium, and magnesium.

In addition to the above dietary recommendations, patients with cirrhosis hepatic encephalopathy also need to pay attention to the following:

1.Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can put a strain on the liver and lead to worsening of the condition. Therefore, patients should abstain from alcohol completely.

2.Avoid foods high in salt: Too much salt can put a strain on the liver, leading to edema and high blood pressure. Therefore, patients should control their salt intake.

3.Avoid foods high in potassium: Too much potassium can lead to an increase in potassium concentration in the blood, affecting heart function. Therefore, patients should control their potassium intake.

In general, the dietary management of patients with cirrhosis hepatic encephalopathy should be based on the principles of low protein, high calorie, high vitamin and appropriate minerals, while avoiding excessive intake of alcohol, salt and potassium. With proper dietary management, patients can improve their condition and improve their quality of life.

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