Supplements to treat cirrhosis

[Ljj1967]

Mum has cirrhosis what supplements can she take to treat this please does anyone know she has diabetes so am worried supplements may cause more damage I want to fix her. Can anyone help please

[AyrshireK]

Sadly supplements are not recommended as they have to be processed through the liver and are not regulated in the same way as conventional medicine. Some can potentially cause more harm than good.

Cirrhosis isn't really curable, you can reduce the impact of the symptoms and perhaps reduce some of the damage but you will never fix her. If you can reduce any further damage (i.e. dealing with the underlying cause to prevent the liver from sustaining more harm) then that would be a good plan. People can live long lives even with cirrhosis, some barely notice it's effects whilst others are more symptomatic.

Have a read at the British Liver Trust page on cirrhosis to learn more about it and also the page on living with liver disease which will provide useful information for looking after the liver going forward.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

If you know the cause of the cirrhosis then the BLT has guides regarding all the major liver conditions.

All the best, any questions just ask away.

Katie

[Ljj1967 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you Katie I thought as much. The cause is alcohol. She has stopped now though so hopefully she can live with this. She was given drinks with protein and vitamin d from a dietician and needs to eat little and often mainly protein so I’m trying to manage this for her the best I can but she has very little appetite. It’s heartbreaking. Thanks again

[AyrshireK in reply to Ljj1967]

The good thing (if there is such a beast) where alcohol is the cause, cessation can help the liver no end and it might repair to some degree - even when it has reached the cirrhosis stage. Yes eating little and often - protein and carbohydrates (very important for fuelling or else the liver will utilize muscle for fuel).

It's going to be all about looking out for and managing symptoms going forward.

Best wishes,

Katie

[Ljj1967 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you Katie was thinking of taking her for accupuncture could this help in your opinion

[AyrshireK in reply to Ljj1967]

Absolutely no idea. I had acupuncture on NHS as part of physio for a back/muscle problem and it was only a short term relief thing. I have no idea on the effect (either positive or negative) of it (if any) on liver issues.

Katie

[Ljj1967 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks again you’ve been very helpful I will enquire. Take care

[Kristian in reply to Ljj1967]

What you describe there in terms of appetite is really common with cirrhosis. However, eating little and often is the perfect solution.

Follow the dieticians advice and just keep doing that. Focus on the protein but also dont forget about the carbs. These are important too to help keep energy levels up and to ease the rate at which the body needs to take that energy from its stores in the muscles. In doing so, helping reduce muscle loss as a result. It's not about going mad on potatoes, lol, but biscuits, chocolates the like are useful additions throughout the day and especially before bed.

This is definitely worth speaking to the dietician about if this hasn't been mentioned already. It may not be appropriate for everyone but was the advice given to me from the dietician I saw.

[Ljj1967 in reply to Kristian]

Thank you so much