Keto diet with cirrhosis - good idea or bad?

[Winelover]

I have cirrhosis caused by excess alcohol consumption, now “dry” for past 3 years.

I am told my cirrhosis warrants an A on the Childs Pugh scale.

In an effort to reduce my weight further, so reducing my risk of developing type 2 diabetes, I have embarked upon the ketogenic diet.

Does anyone know enough about cirrhosis and the keto diet to advise if the combination is advisable?

[Laura009]

Absolutely not. It is too high in fat and believed to actually cause fatty liver leading to cirrhosis. You need low fat foods, no added sugar or salt. Fruit and veg, protein from fish and white meats to help build muscle mass which you lose with cirhosis and measured amounts of carbohydrates for energy. 6 small meals throughout the day and a snack before bed. Plus regular excercise. You should also be on prescribed protein shakes.

Best wishes

Laura

[Supportinghubby in reply to Laura009]

Hi Laura, interested in what you say about protein shakes. My husband is also child pugh A & has never been prescribed these. He does have protein in his diet & I buy things like skyer yoghurts which are low in fat & high in protein. Where did you hear this?

[Laura009 in reply to Supportinghubby]

Hi !

I am going by the diet my late husband's dietician gave him. It makes complete sense. As regards additional health issues always consult your specialist. But faddy diets are not the answer and doomed to fail.

L x

[Hidden in reply to Laura009]

Maybe not for us labelled Child A, mild cases. Consultant has no intention of getting a dietician or protein script, despite me having mentioned it. I just buy H&B Whey powder.

Having said that recent report claims the average person should get enough protein from a portion of chicken fillet, eggs etc. Any added protein supplement not needed is just flushed out of our system. 🤔

[Laura009 in reply to Hidden]

My husband was never give a score, it was " You have cirrhosis, give up drinking or you will die". As l said l can only go by the advice l was given re diet plus prescribed protein shakes. As regard child A I'm assuming you will receive sufficient protein within the advised diet to not require the shakes too...... oh god l hear another song coming ! 🙉

[Hidden in reply to Laura009]

Well, shake it up baby now

Twist and shout. 🕺🙄

[Laura009 in reply to Hidden]

*given* ..... slip of the finger 🙄

[ThreeSmiles in reply to Laura009]

Yum yum Fortisip 👍👍👍 I was prescribed four a day 😀. I even managed to keep getting them for a few months post TP. I loved loved them - the bottles were way too small though!

[Bootandall]

There is a popular Someone on here that had much success with the keto diet. She may be along shortly l hope. But yes, this is supposedly a great diet for losing weight. However, everyone is different, and when you have a chronic disease like cirrhosis, you will have other issues that need to be taken into consideration. Such as the need for carbs, l am not sure how to handle that, except to say that you must be very disciplined, well-prepared and mindful of these other needs (consult a dietician). For example, it is not a good idea to eat too many greasy lunch meats (bologna, salami) but cheese sticks are a healthy protein snack, as is Greek yogurt and hard boiled eggs. Good luck!

[Hidden]

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.

The specialist will then often refer you to a hospital registered dietitian for a specific diet plan. We would suggest to discuss your choice of diet with your liver team to ensure it is safe and will meet your nutritional requirements.

Best wishes.

[Winelover in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your advice. I will seek an NHS opinion when I next attend my annual appointment with the gastroenterology dept.

I am aware however that NHS employees are bound by dietary guidelines maintained by Public Health England and called “The Eatwell Guide”. This national guidance and its predecessors promoted a high carb / low fat diet. Well look where that has got us over 30 years.... steady and continuing upwards tends in obesity and diabetes and massive ingestion of statins to overcome high levels of LDL cholesterol. (Don’t get me going on that one!)

I merely seek objective, scientific and credible guidance that is up to date.