Red meat Advice

[jimbo1234]

Just been diagnosed with "early cirrhosis". Is the inclusion of steak and pork a no. Even if its just twice a week?

with thanks

[Hidden]

Fat is what you want to avoid. Lean meat is okay. Cut the fat off red meat & pork. Even with the visible fat trimmed off red meat contains a high percentage of fat so limit red meat to a couple of times per week and eat more fish & white meat. You probably don't need to avoid meat if you have early cirrhosis as long as you don't eat large portions & the meat you eat is lean.

People with advanced cirrhosis tend to be prone to muscle wastage so extra protein is often recommended to help the body maintain muscle mass & meat is a good source of protein. With people who have decompensated cirrhosis too much protein may contribute to encephalopathy but you don't have to worry about that. You don't need to be overly concerned with diet provided you aren't significantly overweight. If you are overweight then try to lose weight gradually. Meat can be helpful here because it satiates a person for longer.

The main thing with early cirrhosis is to avoid liver stressors like alcohol & non prescription medication.

[jimbo1234 in reply to Hidden]

thanks for that much appreciated

[Hidden]

Good morning jimbo1234,

There is a lot of varying dietary advice available.

May I suggest you discuss with your GP or liver specialist referral to a specialist dietitian?

I have included a link to the British Liver Trust information regarding diet and liver disease and also cirrhosis.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Best wishes,

Trust9

[Rachel299]

My advice is if there is anything you can possibly do to actually pause, reverse or delay this then do it. Unfortunately my dad is in liver failure because of a blood clot and other complications so he couldn't do a lot to help but cutting out meat did help pause for a while. He is now in end stage failure and honestly the things that happen to your body are horrendous, so if there is any way at all you could change anything that can help then do it now and try and save yourself from things getting to an irreversible point if you can. I wouldn't wish this cruel illness on anyone, you don't realise just how important your liver function is until it fails and the effects are truly awful. Take care x

[jimbo1234 in reply to Rachel299]

Thanks for that Rachel. Appreciated