Appetite

[FLDsa]

I was diagnosed with compansated Cirrhosis 7 months ago,no alcohol for 7 months now. My question is in Cirrhosis one appetite improve or not. I eat really good. Mostly vegetarian with chicken and fruits. Any advice going to help me in my journey.

[Vicars-wife]

I too have alcohol related compensated liver disease. I was told to eat 2500 calories per day, with a high protein content. It was reduced to 2000 3 years later, no one told me I could have less when my liver stabilised lol. The main and best source of protein in of course red meet, so for the fist 3/4 years I ate, beef, pork, duck and offal. I detest red meet and have cut it down significantly, but I know when I require it now because my body tells me. There are so many high protein options now from snack bars, yoghurt, drinks etc, so if you like those that's an option.

One thing I observed was I craved sugar. I was a wine drinker and it of course contains tons of sugar, I went too far and put on 6 stone. I am now on a sugar reduced diet lol.

You are doing amazing, 7 months alcohol free is fantastic 👏 I don't think people understand the difficulty becoming sober in a world in which alcohol is normalised? You could speak with a dietician but it sounds like you have a good idea of what your body needs.

Keep up the fantastic work, and let us know when you reach 8 months x

[ThreeSmiles]

Hi!

Could you please restate your question (and your comments?)…..Not sure what you’re after to be honest.

Miles

[AyrshireK]

Compensated cirrhosis and a good appetite are brilliant signs but you need to eat plenty protein, reduce salt intake and generally just eat healthily. Ideally you could ask to see a dietician to give you a gauge on your nutritional state just now and provide individualized advice for your stage of disease.

My hubby had a decent appetite for years but was still found to be malnourished and had lost significant muscle mass by the time his liver started to struggle and he progressed toward transplant assessment - he needed supplementary drinks, eventually even needing n/g feeding and towards the end and in the immediate period before his transplant he couldn't eat at all - lots of vomitting and Hepatic Encephalopathy meant he would chew food for ages but not be able to swallow it.

If you've got a good appetite then do make sure you are eating plenty protein and you need carbs too to fuel your body as a cirrhotic liver can't store and release energy reserves like a healthy liver does and in this case your liver will start to consume your own muscles (rather than burning fat).

The BLT has dietary advice for various liver conditions at:- britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Katie

[FLDsa]

Thanks everyone who replied. My GI doctor told me to eat 80 grams of protein per day. Little more than 1 teaspoon of salt but not two. As of now I don't have Ascites,No HE, grade 1 varices flattened with insufflation. My Bilirubin little high and INR also. Albumin at the lowest number of normal range. Terrible insomnia, muscle weakness. I don't know which direction I am heading in this liver journey. Trying my best what ever I could do as human.

[TheDutchguy]

Unfortunately I don't have any answers or advice. Just want to wish you all the best🍀