Hello everyone; I've just joined. Recently diagnosed with PBC. The doctor didn't talk to me much and I've been trying to find diet information for people with PBC - not too much out there. If anyone has any references they can share, I'd be grateful. Thanks
Enid
Hi Enid.
Welcome to the group, although sorry for the diagnosis. There's loads of info on here and the pbc foundation. Have you joined it yet? I would highly recommend joining, it's free and you get leaflets sent out.
Don't think there's a straight forward answer with diet. Some people on here have found benefits from going gluten free. I struggled changing mine as I was extremely bad for eating fast foods and chocolate. But I found diet info on the British liver trust site which suited me better.
Best wishes
Hi ewagstrom
Welcome to this merry band although sorry you have to be here. I do not think there is any particular diet which truly helps PBC but I do firmly believe giving up ready prepared foods even such items as ham or other processed meats and all fizzy drinks like cola. Certainly reducing salt and sugar intake is a help to the liver in general. Many will have been advised to give up alcohol, as I have been, but to my surprise the specialist said that small amounts of alcohol within the recommended 14 units are okay. I rarely drink nowadays but when I do it will be a good wine and the right circumstances such as today as there is a little celebration later with the family. I think there may even be a chocolate or two which will be a treat.
Last year I started making my own soups for lunch so I knew what was going into them but I do cheat with a low salt vegetarian stock cube. I have also reduced the amount of red meat in my diet and eat more vegetarian which is not only good for my waistline but for my purse as well. I have cut out/down bread which is easy at this time of year with all the lovely salad produce which is available and in season.
As you have just joined have your also joined the PBC Foundation. Their website which is free to join is full of useful information and in the members section there are back copies of the Bear Facts magazine which has articles from professionals. You can find them through the icon above.
best wishes
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I think diet is very important!, and I don't think doctors give enough advice on this. My digestion was appalling! I have tried various things (never been a processed food fan) and you can improve the way you feel. I would say do research (lots of good advice on here), then experiment yourself.
Things that have helped me - Four small meals a day. Eat at regular times, and not too late in the evening. I can't really drink booze anymore 😕, but do have the occasional small one. No processed foods, off meat (but never been much of a meat eater). Low salt/sugar. If you can face it, try cutting out (or just cut down) gluten for a while. See what it does for you. Overnight oats, are great, and I have them in a breakfast smoothie. Real coffee (yum). Probiotics, drinks and in tablet form. Vitamin supplements B6 B12, D and E. I checked my with GP and she said those will do no harm. I find they do help as I have taken them, then stopped them, and noticed a big difference in how I felt. I never take my URSO on an empty stomach!
Food is a very personal thing and you will find what works for you and fits in with your lifestyle. Good luck with it all 😘
I've looked into diet so many times, yet to find a diet solely for PBC.
There seems to be recommendations for the liver in general, but I even found that confusing when it came down to PBC. There are lots of past posts on here you may find helpful to read.
What I do now is to follow a healthy diet with plenty of fresh vegetables fruit and I try to stay within the reccomended amounts of fats, carbs, protein. What is important to me is making sure it's neutrient dense and making sure I have plenty of variety to get the vitamins, minerals and amino acids the body needs to function well.
I've never been someone who ate a lot of processed meals, but when it came to cake, biscuits, sweets and chocolate well I was hooked and was never giving up my chocolate.
But... I cut them all out about two months ago as a trial, now the blood sugar spikes have now gone. I feel so much better iam sure they contributed to the fatigue. So once I've lost a few more pounds sweets chocolate and desert will be a once a week treat...
On my first visit I was told to eat foods rich in Omega 3 . I take an Omega 3 capsule daily as I wasn't keen on the flax seed he advised me to eat, other than that I eat what I want that doesn't cause me any discomfort .
Hi there
I don't know what others do but I changed my diet and do not drink alcohol
I stick to low fat diet
I have also swapped my dairy products to very small amounts of goats cheese and drink unsweetened milk on cereal and occasionally have goats milk in tea
Lots of nourishing blood foods
Kale , spinach and other dark green veg
I do try to get most of my vitamins from a vegetable source and don't go for the seeet fruits
I do eat meat in moderation but have increased my fish dishes
Also exercising is important as some of treatment may cause bones to b more susceptible to osteoporosis . I do not like the gym but walk every day with a buddy ..
I don't make a big thing of diet , I made the changes and just get on with life
It's like brushing my teeth, just part of everyday routine ..
you'll be just fine .. there are lots of us out here .
My motto
Change the things you can
Be responsible for optimising your health as far as you can and be your own best advocate
By that I mean , use your time with your consultant to talk about your agenda and meds etc and get the most out of your clinic appointments
All the best , just get out there and boogie !
Look forward
PBC diagnosis 
PBC and progression
PBC
PBC itch relief
