Liver and Digestion

[FlippinOut]

How has your liver disease affected your digestive system? My digestion has been unpredictable for years, sometimes constipation and sometimes diarrhea (sorry TMI). Dr always said it was IBS since nothing was seen on colonoscopies etc. I’m wondering if my digestive issues have been from my liver all these years since now being diagnosed with cirrhosis. Anyone else have problems with this either before or after liver diagnosis?

[Greengal314]

I had all kinds of digestive issues. Reflux, indigestion, constipation/loose stools before I knew I had liver disease.

I have turned everything around (stopped drinking, nutrient focused diet, more exercise) and my digestion has continuously improved.

I’m at the point now where my digestive system is better than ever. Also, I noticed just recently that my skin has become smooth and radiant, especially my face. It is so incredibly good and bizarre! It’s like magic 😊

I’m still thinking that the avocado and kefir yogurt are helping. I eat one or the other every day.

[FlippinOut in reply to Greengal314]

Glad to hear things have improved for you. I just started taking probiotics. The first day on it I got rid of a lot of gas so I think it helps. Still trying to figure out the diet and what causes problems. Fat is definitely a killer for me.

[Greengal314 in reply to FlippinOut]

Oh are you taking a pill? I’m just eating kefir yogurt and avocados. 😂

The liver damage causes leaky gut (causing digestive issues). I’ve been reading about it.

The pre and probiotics help the gut heal with adding more diverse bacteria and reducing inflammation. If digestion is improved, you can eat and absorb the vitamins, etc… better, which help the liver heal. They go hand in hand

[FlippinOut in reply to Greengal314]

Thanks for the tip about avocado. I’ll add that to my diet. I do also eat yogurt. I’m drinking pomegranate juice which I read is good for the liver. Do you take any supplements or apple cider vinegar?

[Greengal314 in reply to FlippinOut]

No supplements. Only avocado and drinkable kefir yogurt.

I am focusing on protein, dark greens, whole grains. and citrus. Foods high in protein, vitamin A, B, C, and K. I take vitamin c and b12.

The pomegranate is high in iron and vitamin c I believe. I was drinking the juice but it was getting expensive and I’m not convinced it was any more effective than other things I like better. So I am not anymore.

All I know is I am very thankful to be feeling so well.

[FlippinOut in reply to Greengal314]

I’ve also been taking Berberine because I have high cholesterol and pre diabetes and Berberine has been shown to improve both.

This is a long article but summarizes the role of Berberine in liver fibrosis in terms of its effects on lipid metabolism and intestinal flora.

frontiersin.org/articles/10...

You might find it interesting.

Anita

[FlippinOut]

Mine too! Do you find any particular foods cause more problems than others?

[Pie-eater]

yeah, suffered similar problems for years, much improved post transplant.

[Willow1950]

I also suffer from bowel problems , it’s not nice when you are going out and worrying about there being toilets available, I used to take Imodium but with my liver problems I am afraid it may make it worse, I also suffer from a lot of wind. ( which is an acutely embarrassing ) does anyone also suffer the same ? I have cirrhosis and liver cancer are there any meds that can help this ?

[Greengal314 in reply to Willow1950]

I took Pepto-bismol. It is short term relief and helps settle the system. I am not aware of issues regarding the liver. If anyone else is, please chime in. I checked the sodium - it’s fine. Lol

It helped. I only took it a few times sparingly as needed. They have it in chewable tablets and I used to carry one in my purse just incase. It used to be a real concern for me. I haven’t taken any in over a year.

I think it might not be ok to take if you have diabetes. Also, you can only take it for 2 days they say.

[Willow1950 in reply to Greengal314]

Thank you x

[Benwillfred]

I have had tummy problems for many years along with Cirrhosis and type 2 diabetes...terrible problems with urgency !!! My liver dietitian advised to change to lactose free milk and it has made a tremendous difference.....maybe worth a shot !! Good luck

[FlippinOut in reply to Benwillfred]

I will try this, thanks. My sister is diabetic and lactose intolerant. I’m wondering if this could be my problem too since I’m pre diabetic.

[Willow1950 in reply to Benwillfred]

Thank you x

[KazKat]

Wow guys, interesting comments!My bowels are all over the place too! I like the sound of pre/prebiotics. I'm gonna research it 😊

I really like this forum, people are so nice and many are SO knowledgeable, it beats reinventing the wheel as individuals. As a collective there is a mine of experience and information 😊 it's very comforting ❤️

[wurzle]

yes I have had recurring issues with constipation, bloating, trapped wind and abdominal pain. I take lactulose and bisacodyl if it gets too bad. Fatty and fried food makes worse as doed too much red meat in one sitting. I have started including pre/pro biotics in my diet (kefir yoghurt, sauerkraut, kimchi) and more soluble fibre which helps a lot. When I was still drinking I had terror diarrhoea bordering on incontinence before I ended up in hospital with acute liver failure. Thankfully that has resolved itself since I gave up drinking and improved my diet. x

[Greengal314]

here’s an article on a research study

frontiersin.org/articles/10...

[Greengal314]

That is terrible. I’m so sorry. When I had issues I was afraid to eat too much fiber, because my digestive system was already messed up. I ate things that are simple to digest (e.g., potatoes). Not the best thing in the world but I didn’t know what else to do. It took some time for it to heal to where I am now and can eat anything without hesitation.

Kinda like after you’ve had a bad stomach bug. But it is tricky if you are watching sodium and sugar. Thankfully I’m not even pre-diabetic. Even with that, I wasn’t sure what to eat for a while there.

I hope it gets better soon for you.

[Alibaba80]

Yes I have severe digestive issues caused by my liver disease...sometimes I'm constipated, sometimes diarrhoea but I also get stomach ache and bowel cramps. I also have awful gas/ wind, its very uncomfortable and embarrassing...Generally every single day

[Alibaba80]

Me too. Do they give you anything for it?

[Greengal314 in reply to Alibaba80]

I recommend a food journal. Keep track of what foods are or not safe to eat, and then build on that. Everything you eat each day.

Once it has healed some, start introducing other foods that are slightly more complex to digest.

[Alibaba80 in reply to Greengal314]

Thank you. Unfortunately I am very very thin and malnourished as I'm so unwell and I can barely eat. I mainly eat porridge and some fruit and a little cheese and sponge cake in the afternoon for calories. It is extremely hard

[Greengal314 in reply to Alibaba80]

Oh I’m so sorry. Do you supplement with a protein drink, like Ensure or Boost?

[Alibaba80 in reply to Greengal314]

I try to when I can, but after I drink them I feel very ill. I think my liver finds them very hard to process

[wp69]

Before I was admitted to hospital I was very hit or miss , then when the gallbladder issues came about my bowel movements were horrendous , pale floaters , text book stools as the consultant described it , then I contracted Norovirus when I was on the ward and was moved to an isolation cubicle , now looking back I don't know if this was a blessing in disguise , as I was totally flushed out and I mean totally , spent a week in isolation and things started improving slowly , now after 2 weeks home eating healthily and staying hydrated I can only say that im regular as clockwork and am passing what I can only describe from images googled as very healthy normal colour stools , I take a probiotic every morning , don't know if this is of any benefit to my digestive system , if anything slightly constipated otherwise very pleased with my workings ,hope this helps.

[FlippinOut in reply to wp69]

Thanks. I just started taking probiotics and it seems to be helping.

[Shoe2]

I have had digestive issues since January this year. Bloated, gassy, reflux, pale floaty stools, pain centre of chest probably from gas coming up. Also shortness of breath upper right quadrant pain. Fatigue. Fuggy head. Seen GP and a gastro consultant had many bloods all normal but low B12 (poor absorption). Ultrasound, CT and upper endoscopy and they all all normal ! Now got a lump above naval and feels like raised veins on either side. Has anyone else had digestive issues for ages and scans not shown any fibrosis or cirrhosis and the later been diagnosed with cirrhosis. I am going out of my mind wondering what is wrong with me. I eat well balanced and cook from scratch whole grains veg and not too much red meat. But was drinking fairly heavily and regularly until Jan this year. Now stopped for 7 months. Sorry for ramble. Trying to figure out if liver disease is still my most likely cause just not showing up on bloods or scans ?!? Thanks

[Milser]

I found out about my liver issues due to stomach issues I always had the diarrhoea and so went for ultrasound to check bowel etc and they found fatty liver and it all started from then really

[FlippinOut in reply to Milser]

Have you changed your diet or found anything that helps? I’m still not sure what to eat.

[BritishLiverTrust8 Moderator British Liver Trust in reply to FlippinOut]

Dear FlippinOut

Here is the link to information on Diet and cirrhosis on our website, which you may find useful britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

You might also need to change the food you eat depending on:

the type of liver disease you have

the stage of the damage to your liver - people living with cirrhosis have special dietary needs

any eating difficulties you experience such as loss of appetite or feeling sick (nausea)

If you have already been given dietary advice you should not make changes without first talking to your consultant or dietitian. If you haven’t seen a dietitian, or you have specific questions about your diet, you can ask your doctor to refer you.

Best wishes

British Liver Trust

[FlippinOut in reply to BritishLiverTrust8]

Thank you, my doctor has only told me to lose 15 lbs. I have lost 8 so far and will have additional tests in October to see how things look.

[Milser]

I have changed slightly but not enough. Grapefruit is good for the liver. I’m just trying to reduce the sugar good days and bad. When I get a bit of diarrhoea I have a banana and that seems to bind my stomach abit. What about some allergy tests?

[Greengal314 in reply to Milser]

I paid for a food intolerance (blood) test. Turns out it wasn’t food intolerances. Prob just my liver.

I’m not saying other people don’t have food intolerances.

It’s all went away. Thank god.