Cirrhosis dietary help please - British Liver Trust

British Liver Trust

36,541 members17,979 posts

Cirrhosis dietary help please

Wellbefore profile image
21 Replies

Hi all

Only my second post on here I got diagnosed with cirrhosis on 30th July I’ve not had a drink since April when my bloods came back with high ATL doctor repeated twice but went higher each time she then sent me for a ultrasound scan and came back with echo texture of known cirrhosis which I was shocked with as I didn’t think I was drinking a lot to cause this kind of damage

The doctor gave me the news over the phone and told me to be careful what I put into my body now she referred me to a liver specialist but only getting a telephone consultant on 22nd October

Ive avoided mr google and taken a look at the advice on the liver trust site what I was wondering what dietary needs I should follow as don’t know what stage the cirrhosis is at I’ve not got any bad symptoms other than discomfort just below my ribs feels like when I was pregnant and baby’s foot or in one time the head was pushing against my rib cage also at times I’ve got no appetite or could eat the content of the fridge

Any tips and advice regarding diet would be a big help please

Written by
Wellbefore profile image
Wellbefore
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
21 Replies

Hi. Sorry to read you have cirrhosis. Have a look at kavee137s post immediately before yours. There are 10 replies there which l am sure will be helpful to you too.Best wishes

Laura

Wellbefore profile image
Wellbefore in reply to

Thanks laura53923 Will take a look 😊

in reply to Wellbefore

Actually it's 4 replies but hope it helps. Also take a look on the livertrust website re diet. In the main ... no added salt or sugar, avoid processed food. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and veg and protein in white meat and fish to help your muscles remain strong along with daily exercise. You will probably also be prescribed protein shakes. Your liver doesn't need online or over the counter suppliments.

All the best to you.

Laura

Wellbefore profile image
Wellbefore in reply to

Thanks Laura Feel in a bit of limbo at the moment as only spoke to gp on the phone

I’m trying to eat well more fish veg fruit and dairy

Not sure if I can get more help with gp and wouldn’t know what to ask I’ve looked at all the advice on liver trust site but with not knowing at what stage my liver is at confused as to which diet to follow and October seems a long way off and only getting a telephone consultation with the specialist

Will follow the no salt no sugar and no processed foods for now and see how that goes again thank you for your help

in reply to Wellbefore

If you CAN get to speak to your doc or even a receptionist. Tell them you would like to see a liver specialist dietician asap as you have been diagnosed with cirrhosis and that you understand the correct diet is essential. L x

Wellbefore profile image
Wellbefore in reply to

Thanks again Laura will call the doctor today and see what they say 😊

in reply to Wellbefore

🤞Keep us posted 🤞

There is a link to the trusts dietry info but for some reason l can never upload it. I expect someone .... probably katie will send it to you at some point x

Hi Wellbefore and welcome to this forum. If you would like to chat to one of us on our nurse led helpline, we are open Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm on 0800 652 7330. I'll attach some links which may be useful. In terms of diet, we cannot offer you tailored advice but as Laura has suggested, ask for a referral to a dietician at your specialist appointment.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Warmest wishes

Trust10

in reply to

Thankyou !

Wellbefore profile image
Wellbefore in reply to

Thank you Laura Called the doctors receptionist told me to call for a telephone consultation appointment in the morning at 8 am so will hopefully get something started soon

I’ve taken a look at the links trust10 sent and will keep checking back to make sure I’m following the advice

Thank again

in reply to Wellbefore

Well done and good luck.You're welcome 😃

deanw41 profile image
deanw41

I would just use your common sense. Find a balance that suits you. I have cirrhosis and I eat cake,Angel Delight,trifle,Dairy Milk Fruit and Nut,Biscoff cheesecake. I like jam mixed with Philadelphia(tastes like cheesecake),eaten with a spoon. I like malteaser spread from the jar. I like eating in the night aswell. The other night was 3 fruit scones with Lurpack butter. I work out a lot,I’m not over weight and my diet is full of fruit and vegetables. I was decompensated last year with ascites,I was never told low salt,I’ve always put salt on my food. I’m now compensated because.....I stopped the BOOZE!!!! Best of luck you and most importantly,enjoy your one and only life,just don’t drink!!

Wellbefore profile image
Wellbefore in reply to deanw41

Some of them sound very tasty but I’ve never had a sweet tooth I wish I could get more exercise but have 3 herniated disc’s in my neck and difficulty walking any distance because of the pain I’m under a spinal surgeon and having a ct guided nerve block injection next week to try to ease the pain hopefully will work so I can get around a bit more would love to get back to the gym as I know I will feel better

I think not know much about my diagnosis other than what the doctor told my which to be honest was not a lot so roll on October when I get to talk to the specialist and hopefully learn more about this

Charlie-legs profile image
Charlie-legs in reply to deanw41

I'm reading this post at 4 , something AM......I must complain because of your graphic description of such snacks. It's very cruel 🤣 I'm starving 😭🤣 oh what a feast that would be. Getting up for an apple 🍎 is not quite the same.NO BOOZE RULES 🙂🤠🐈‍⬛🦎😜

deanw41 profile image
deanw41 in reply to Charlie-legs

Haha!! Good morning!! Well I got up about the same time and had some Greek yogurt and strawberries. I’ve actually cut my sugar intake right down!! What a difference!!

Charlie-legs profile image
Charlie-legs in reply to deanw41

We have a new pharmacist here and he said to cut down on chocolate etc 🤣🤣🤣🤣😜 Does it make a Huuoowwwggggee difference? 🐼 NOoooooo

deanw41 profile image
deanw41 in reply to Charlie-legs

Well I have started doing clean Keto. It’s restricts your carbohydrates. It’s with a Mediterranean twist. All fruit and veg etc, avoiding processed foods etc. Now I was eating cake in the night ,family size chocolate bars in the supermarket car park like wild dog frothing at the mouth!! My sugar cravings have mostly gone. I’ve lost stubborn tummy fat that wouldn’t budge. It’s definitely working for me. It’s the Blood sugar diet that is medically recommended for diabetics. My friend got diagnosed and I got interested in how this works. I don’t eat high fat,I only eat chicken breasts. I don’t eat bacon, sausages or processed meats. Now everyone has an opinion, an interpretation of science, statistics etc. I’ve decided that in life you listen to everything,research,ask questions and so on. But no one else is you and I’m doing what works for me and that also includes my recovery program. I was told do AA it’s the only way. Well news flash it’s not,I follow science not fairy tales and I’m 16 months sober yesterday without the fellowship. Get thirsty for knowledge, empower YOURSELF and life you best life!!!!

Charlie-legs profile image
Charlie-legs in reply to deanw41

Thanks for that. It will be 2 years for me in December. I threw my toy's out of my pram after 18 months and had a G&T but poured most away, l just turned into a teenager having a strop. How dare they control me 😜😭. I'm so sick of hearing about alcohol because it was MY CHOICE to stop and I did it with out meds for craving. I'm a stubborn old woman that loves chocolate and laughter 🌻

deanw41 profile image
deanw41 in reply to Charlie-legs

Haha, yes that Rebellious side rearing it ugly head!! Self-sabotage at its finest!! Yeah I used to say fuck the world I can drink if I want but ultimately I fucked myself!🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️. But hey ho where are still here telling our stories which I feel is very important. Connection to our fellow human beings!! I love my dog more though..🥰🐶🐾🥰

Charlie-legs profile image
Charlie-legs in reply to deanw41

I've 2 cats and 2 dogs 🐈‍⬛🐶🐯🐕We would like to have a small holding and a zoo!!

You may also like...

Help for partners of cirrhosis patients

No one else knows he has cirrhosis so i've no one to talk to. Any advice/comments etc very welcome

Cirrhosis Family Member Queries please

diagnosed with alcohol linked Cirrhosis last year and advised at the time any further alcohol could...

AMERICAN W/CIRRHOSIS GOING CRAZY PLEASE HELP!?

Boston and as everyone else am suffering with liver cirrhosis as well as a enlarged spleen and low...

Cirrhosis Help

diagnosed cirrhosis. I had a fibroscan in June and this returned a score of 13. I didn’t drink...

New diagnosis for cirrhosis/enlarged liver

specialist my doctor told me to be careful what I put in my body with no further advice I don’t...