Diet: cirrhosis: AIH

[Missymeadow]

My liver doc has never said much about diet. I think I eat a healthy diet- included daily is kefir- any other suggestions? I believe it’s very important.

[AyrshireK]

It would depend on the stage of your cirrhosis, if you are asymptomatic and not loosing weight and muscle mass then normal, healthy, balanced diet is the way to go. However, in more advanced disease where weight is very obviously being lost and muscle mass deteriorating then there will be a need for more regular meals and snacks and actually less of the healthy stuff and more carbs and protein. The last stage cirrhosis diet is almost like weight watchers in reverse.

Next time you see your liver doctor ask to be referred to a dietician who can give you pointers.

The British Liver Trust has a page about diet and liver disease but it is very specific advice for each condition or staging of illness. britishlivertrust.org.uk/li...

With AIH you need to avoid foods which speak of boosting your immune system as the last thing your immune system needs is further boosting especially if you are on meds to reduce it (immunesuppressants).

If you arn't already a member there is an excellent Facebook page for AIH patients, run by AIH patients and supported by some of the top boffins in the field of AIH treatment and research. Many members on there have discussed their diet tips and diet plans they follow although there is no specific dietary advice for Auto Immune Hepatitis. facebook.com/groups/AIHorgUK/

Katie

[Missymeadow in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you- I will join up straightaway.

[jules45]

Hi, I'm in the same situation as my hepatologist èveŕ mentions food although I'm lucky to have a dietician who has identified I'm lacking protein and minerals so has put me on suppliments. Fight for a dietician, good luck

Best wishes, Julie

[Missymeadow in reply to jules45]

Thank you- I live a few hours from a specialist Dietician- so I’ll follow tips given by fellow patients-

[Hidden]

I am a member of the Facebook group and have attended a meeting where advice was given by a deititian regarding AIH specifically. There were some specific pointers given, but generally the message was, eat sensibly and normally, which is why generally the doctors and heps/ gastros don't give specific dietary advice. You can find the details in the Files section once you have joined the group. All the very best