Cirrhosis Diet and eggs.

[puddy68]

Hi Everyone. I have a quick question. I realise eggs are a very good protein source, and that we're supposed to eat a lot of protein with cirrhosis [I'm not sure why though - I'm still relatively new to this]. I've read some sites that say to limit eggs to 3 to 4 a week as they put a lot of stress on the liver to metabolise/digest.....just wondering if this is correct? I'm vegetarian and just starting to research good protein snacks to have throughout the day. Thank you so much.

[Lavender-Pearl]

Hi Puddy68,

My husband was never told not to eat eggs as they are a good source of protein. With cirrhosis your liver is not working properly so it struggles to process protein which is why you need to eat more little and often. I know it sounds confusing but your body needs protein to function and if it cannot get enough throughout the day and night, it will convert and use your muscle tissue. This is why it is so important to eat little and often and to make sure you have a high protein/carb snack before going to bed. Your body needs power 24/7, so while you sleep is when it is most likely to convert your muscle as during the day you can snack to keep it going. If in doubt speak to a dietitian but I am sure you are ok to eat eggs.

Hope this helps best wishes x

[Nerico in reply to Lavender-Pearl]

I can relate to this. I was very pissed off when I found out my liver had eaten my upper arms and shoulders.

[Breakfastbabe]

My husband's GP told him to have 4 eggs a day if he was struggling with the diet. He has 2 for breakfast now and his last lot of tests were looking a lot better. I guess everyone is different though.

[Onesmallstep1969 in reply to Breakfastbabe]

Really helpful. Which tests got better after he ate eggs?

[Breakfastbabe in reply to Onesmallstep1969]

All his liver results except Albumin although I think that was more due to sobriety than eggs.

[AyrshireK]

In 2014 when my hubby was initially assessed and listed for transplant he was put on a high protein and high carb diet. His weight rose from a malnourished 8 1/2 stone to 11 stone and he rebuilt muscle - sufficiently enough for it to contribute to a health improvement so significant that he was deemed too well for transplant and he was subsequently delisted. He ate 2 eggs each day at lunch and often others throughout a given week - all very much with the approval of his liver specialist dietician.

Katie