Protein shakes?

[ktan49]

Does anyone know if it's safe to drink protein drinks / powder? Really struggling with weakness at the moment so maybe taking something like this could help?

[AyrshireK]

You'd be better seeing a specialist dietician and getting prescribed something like the Ensure Supplements or Fortisip that others mention as a means of upping your protein intake. Do you like eggs? Eggs are fantastic protein and easily digestible - hubby has 2 every lunch time and over time he rebuilt muscle mass and grip strength (all of which a specialist dietician can measure and monitor).

Katie

[ktan49 in reply to AyrshireK]

I got another appointment with my consultant on the 23rd so will definitely ask to be referred to dietitian. I Currently eat about 4 eggs a day, love them but I feel so hungry ALL the time no matter how much I eat.. weird.

Thanks for your reply Katie, appreciate it.

[AyrshireK in reply to ktan49]

Are you eating plenty of carbs as well as protein?

It's good that your appetite is still healthy. I do hope they get to grips with what is going on with your situation.

Katie

[ktan49 in reply to AyrshireK]

Yeah lots of both. Homemade vegetable soups, chicken, whole grain pasta, fruit and veg. Avoiding the processed stuff. Body tremor getting worse.. feel it more at night but I guess the shakes is down to HE. Yeah my appetite was bad when it all started, same with nausea but both have improved since 3 months ago. The days are flying by.. and I can't remember any of it... mind is like a blank slate.

Bones and muscles hurt like hell can't even cross my legs without being in pain.. so I bought a high strength calcium vit D supplement.. might help who knows.

Thanks again for reply.. it's nice to talk to people about it.. very worrying time.

[alfredthegreat]

Hi Ktan49. I was told that whey protein had health benefits for people suffering from liver damage. It's very difficult sometimes for someone with a poor appetite to get enough protein. I used to have it in milk as a milk shake with a dollop of ice cream in it as an extra to food pre transplant and post transplant. I also had and still have an Asda greek yogurt that is 16gm of protein per pot. I put in some powdered Stevia sweetener (also now being said to be good for the liver) and some sliced strawberries or raspberries or slices of tinned or fresh pineapple. It's very nice. All the best. Alf

[ktan49 in reply to alfredthegreat]

Thanks Alfred.. much appreciated buddy.

[alfredthegreat]

Also, if you have a Home Bargains store near you they sell a a vanilla whey powder at roughly half the price for a 1kg packet than most other retail stores. Alf

[Hidden]

Hi

Those drinks are a good idea. I was wondering whether to try complan as my appetite has gone down cos it hurts when I eat. I'm like you hurting everywhere but I also have fibromyalgia which doesn't help plus other things which I'm sure you all have . Take care Lynne

[Pishi123]

Yes I can highly recommend the milkshakes like banana and strawberry. It helped me alot when I went through chemo and was the only drink which boosted my energy levels. Hope this helps and would like to hear how you get on. Best wishes Angela

[punky030610]

I drink a protein shake every day. However, it took me a while to find a protein powder that wouldn't tear up my stomach. I use Biotrust and PEscience protein powders and the flavors are amazing! My doctor has been trying to up my protein intake for a long while but the powders bothered me so bad in the past, and I just cannot get enough from food. You will also want to make sure you are monitoring how much daily protein you're having as too much protein can cause constipation. I would totally recommend seeing a nutritionist/dietician for starters though. Great luck!

[janesneddon69]

I would advise you to speak to the dietician before you start any protein shakes as we were told that some of them can actually harm the liver especially if you have ESLD.

[Suzie111]

My husbands consultant put him on Whey Protein shakes twice a day. He was told to make them up with almond milk. This was a few months ago when he had no appetite and his muscles were wasting away. He also has to have a slow release Carbohydrate snack before bed: porridge or something similar and a drink of milk.

[Garyvh]

I saw my dietician last month, and we discussed this very thing!

She said that 'in theory' protein powders could be good, she couldn't actively recommend their use as there are so many brands all containing different added ingredients, some of which could actually over tax an already poorly liver.

What she did (enthusiastically) recommend was skimmed milk powder, as it is high in protein, has no added ingredients, and is easy to add to your diet. She even suggested adding it to plain milk to fortify it.

Drinks like ensure and fortisip are good, but I'd say that unless you are literally wasting away and/or have no appetite for solid foods, avoid them as they do contain a LOT of calories and could cause too much weight gain.

Either way, proceed with well informed caution.

G

[readie56]

Hi

I totally rely on complain, frebusin and Fortisip to get my 3000 cals a day.

The dietatian can write to your GP and get him to prescribe them for you

Best wishes

John

[Schaunzer in reply to readie56]

Hi

My dietician also recommend skimmed milk powder. I add it into a banana milk shake.

[readie56 in reply to Schaunzer]

That's new to me.

I can't absorb food easily and my weight loss has run alarm bells with the Transplant people.

Hence the high calorie drinks.

Best wishes

John

[Tovikid]

Meritene are very good and available at supermarkets.

[Pishi123]

Yes I meant to say take ensure milkshakes on prescription as someone else mentioned.

[Hidden]

Hi,

If you have a liver condition, there are some special considerations you may need to make in your diet to stay nutritionally well and to help to manage your condition. Some of these are specific to certain liver diseases, others relate to how advanced your liver disease is. We therefore always suggest that people should discuss their specific dietary needs with their own doctors in the first instance.

Your liver specialist may also be able to refer you on to a hospital registered dietitian for more specific guidance and advice.

Warm wishes

Trust1