Liver cirrhosis is a chronic wasting disease. Nutritional therapy has been proven to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis. So, how should liver cirrhosis patients eat? Professor Yang Hui, director of the Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, suggested that the following eight principles should be kept in mind-
1. Diverse recipes, soft and delicious and easy to digest
Patients with liver cirrhosis Digestive function is generally decreased, there will be loss of appetite. Therefore, the choice of food types can be based on one’s own preferences. If conditions permit, they should pay attention to the color, deliciousness, and fragrance. However, the cooking methods are generally steamed, boiled, stewed, and stewed. Avoid frying and frying cooking methods.
2. Ensure adequate calorie intake every day
Ensuring adequate calorie intake every day can reduce protein digestion, lighten the burden on the liver, and facilitate tissue protein synthesis. At the same time, sufficient carbohydrate intake can ensure that the liver can synthesize and store glycogen, and it is necessary to prevent toxins from damaging liver cells. Therefore, it is recommended to eat small and frequent meals, and avoid fasting for more than 3-4 hours during the day to ensure a continuous supply of energy, thereby reducing the burden and damage to the liver. It is especially recommended to add a meal before going to bed, choosing no less than 50 grams of carbohydrates, such as two square buns, or two fist-sized steamed buns, or half a bowl of noodles.
3. Rich intake of vitamins
Vitamin B plays an important physiological role in promoting digestion, protecting the liver and preventing fatty liver. Vitamin C can promote metabolism and has detoxification function. It is fat-soluble Vitamins A, D, and E have varying degrees of protective effect on the liver… Daily intake of sufficient fresh green leafy vegetables and fruits, such as spinach, tomato, various beans, mushrooms, kiwi, hawthorn, etc., to meet the body’s need.
Recommend a simple dish: boiled soybeans with tomatoes, not only can provide a variety of vitamins, but also high-quality vegetable protein, sweet and sour, appetizing and delicious, you may try it.
4. Adequate protein intake
A high-protein diet is of great significance for protecting liver cells and repairing damaged liver cells. However, those who have suffered from hepatic encephalopathy are recommended to control the daily protein intake at 1-1.5 g/kg according to body weight, and give priority to plant protein and dairy protein, such as various soy products, yogurt, cheese, egg custard Wait.
5. Intake appropriate amount of minerals and supplement zinc and magnesium appropriately
Patients with liver cirrhosis are deficient in zinc and magnesium, and it is recommended that patients should moderately supplement zinc and magnesium in their daily diet.
6. The fat should not be too much, animal oil is forbidden, and a small amount of vegetable oil can be used.
The synthesis and secretion of bile in the liver of patients with liver cirrhosis is reduced, making it difficult to digest and absorb fat. It is recommended to consume a small amount of vegetable oil every day. Avoid excessive intake of fat to induce fatty liver, prevent liver glycogen synthesis, and further damage liver function.
7. Salt intake should be appropriate
Hyponatremia is a risk factor for hepatic encephalopathy. It is recommended that the daily intake of sodium in patients with liver cirrhosis should not be less than 60 milliliters moles per liter, approximately equal to 3.5 grams of table salt. However, if patients with liver cirrhosis have ascites, the intake of sodium salt should be reduced. However, there is controversy about whether sodium should be long-term. However, the daily intake of sodium should not be less than 60 mmol/L per day, otherwise the appetite will be poor. Or reduce total energy and protein intake.
8. Alcohol prohibition
Most of the alcohol is metabolized in the liver, and alcohol can stimulate and damage liver cells. Therefore, patients with cirrhosis should refuse to drink alcohol whenever and wherever.
(All media reporter Weng Shuxian, correspondent Zhou Jing, He Ganqing, Xu Yongyi)