Losing Muscle Mass? Age or Cirrhosis?

[Todohert]

My husband has cirrhosis but is compensated. We have been eating plant based and he has lost 45 pounds. Over the past year or two we have noticed that he is losing muscle mass. Could this be because he is 55 and this is what happens as you age or could it be from his liver? Is it possible to rebuild muscle with weights?

[one2one]

Well todohurt ,my muscle loss is a indirect cause of my liver problems in that I became very lethargic, not eating much because I felt nauseous, and unable to do my usual exercise.

Although I have improved dramatically since my change of diet, following mainly Mediterranean, I am successfully managing to do more. I’m out for an hour walking my dog now, managed to make a slow start in my garden.

And have discussed with my GP re starting to swim 🏊‍♂️ again which she feels will be really good. So that’s my next goal.

Basically at the age of 72 until this problem occurred I was walking 3-5 miles a day, swimming 3 times a week, and spend several hours a day in my garden.

So todohurt, small steps at a time, set yourself a daily goal. If I can do so can you. 👌. Best wishes x

[nash2 Partner]

Hi Todo

Most of us lose muscle as we age but it is also a problem with liver disease. It is important to get enough protein in the diet. I figure about 20% of calories as protein. Weight training is recommended as the best way to combat it.

Wayne