Recommendations:

The dietary recommendations may vary somewhat depending on how well a person's liver is working. It is very important to be under the care of a doctor. Malnutrition can lead to serious problems. In general, recommendations include:

• Large amounts of carbohydrate foods. Carbohydrates should be the major source of calories in this diet.
• Moderate intake of fat, as prescribed by the health care provider. The increased carbohydrate and fat help in preserving the protein in the body and preventing protein breakdown.
• About 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight. A 70-kilogram man (154 pounds) needs 70 grams. This does not include the protein from starches and vegetables. A person with a severely damaged liver may be on protein restriction. This person may be limited to small quantities of special nutritional supplements.
• Vitamin supplements, especially B-complex.
• Sodium restriction if fluid retention is present.

SAMPLE MENU

• Breakfast
  • 1 orange
  • Cooked oatmeal, with milk and sugar
  • 1 slice of whole-wheat toast
  • 2 teaspoons of margarine
  • 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
  • 2 teaspoons of margarine
  • 1 tablespoon of jelly
  • Fresh fruit
  • Milk
• Midafternoon 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
  • 2 tablespoons of margarine
  • 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. However, many people are unable to tolerate strongly-flavored vegetables, high-fat foods, fried foods, chocolate, nuts, and foods that have a lot of seasoning.

If you have questions about your diet or your symptoms, contact your doctor.