PBC and red meats

[mamma261]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone has any experience with red meats if not eating them helps condition?

[gwillistexas]

I’m not 100% sure, but I’ve read that red meat is harder on the liver. If we eat it, which I do, use the leanest you can find. I try to buy 97% lean. Not giving up spaghetti, lol!

[mamma261 in reply to gwillistexas]

LOL same here I buy lean , and like you not giving up pasta lol

[gwillistexas in reply to mamma261]

I’m making burgers tonight & it’s not lean but who wants a dry 🍔😀. I’ll cheat on this one🤗

[butterflyEi]

Red meat is, as I understand it, harder for the liver to process especially when cirrhotic. I only eat red meat occasionally and these days out of choice less and less as I often feel uncomfortable after eating it. I prefer chicken to steak and have recently discovered the joys of a bean burger. My husband makes a delicious variety one which I particularly like is made with little black beans.

Overall it seems that a well balanced diet rich in vegetables avoiding salt, sugar, fizzy drinks such as cola and processed foods helps overall. We need protein to keep us from feeling hungry and protein can also be found in nuts and seeds, eggs, fish etc.

hope this is helpful to you

best wishes

[Pamela4475 in reply to butterflyEi]

I love black bean burgers ❤️❤️

[dollydaydreams]

I had a steak last sat night like i do every Saturday without any problem and i go for one with fat on as the flavour is mostly in the fat so it flavours it while it's cooking, i have eaten it grilled, fried and braised

[mtrafter]

When first diagnosed 10yrs ago my Dr suggested I go vegan but to eat fish so as to give my liver the best chance. I managed it for 3yrs but it was hard going made a quality of life decision and now enjoy a vegetarian diet, occassionally have a very small steak or chicken. I do have problems digesting red meat.

[IAmTheGlue]

I cannot eat meat. My liver is in early cirrhosis I've been told. I have such a hard time believing that, but anyway... That's what the doctors say. I can no longer tolerate meat, dairy or eggs for whatever reason. I wonder if it is the hormones in meat that my liver can't process like before.

Dairy products and eggs make me itch all over. I can even tell if I've had them accidentally by the itching that night. 🤔

[Ottley3 in reply to IAmTheGlue]

I’ve been wondering how you are doing. So sorry about the early cirrhosis, maybe you didnt post about it or i have just missed your update. I hope you are comfortable and happy with the treatment you are getting and that your family is doing well.

[IAmTheGlue in reply to Ottley3]

Thank you. I don't think I did an update. I was in a bad place, mentally, with all of this. I'm seeing a therapist and feeling more optimistic these days. It's been hard but it is what it is and I'm thankful for the care I'm able to receive and that all of this fell into place. I'm still scared but one day at a time, right? 🙂

My family is doing well, adjusting to moving and all. Thanks for asking about me. ❤️

[Pamela4475]

All I know if my doctor told me to try and limit or eliminate red meat.... chicken fish or turkey ok ....don’t know why though but since doing it my numbers are good

[Ottley3]

I’m avoiding red meat but its because of ocaliva related cholesterol increase, not my liver. I’m bouncing between the Mediterranean diet and an antiinflammatory diet. I feel great but unfortunately my numbers are on the rise. Agree with above that certain things make me feel itchy after i eat them like dairy.

[EileenUSA]

As I understand it, diet heavy in fried food/foods high in saturated fats is hard on liver and can increase inflammation/scarring process. I don't eat red meat or fried food and tend towards more of a vegetarian diet --- I lost @18 pounds (belly fat) after my PBC dx. I cut out the potato chips and frozen yogurt and other "snacking" at night.. Shutting off my sugar addiction was hard I will not lie. I've also cut out 90% pasta, bread carbs- gluten..

BUT on the other hand I have one glass of white wine every 2 weeks or so at dinner out with friends... Now, There are some who would not "approve" of my choice to do this- but at age 66, I am making informed quality of life decisions that are specific to me and my disease status. So I understand someone who decides to have the occasional hamburger and fries for example..

This disease is a lot to wrap head around and I believe we each have to make our own peace with our choices (diet wise), medication, doctor choices, supplements etc.

Hugs and love to all..

Eileen

[IAmTheGlue in reply to EileenUSA]

" I am making informed quality of life decisions that are specific to me and my disease status. " Good way to put it. I'm seriously writing that down because it is such as great statement.