A healthy diet promotes liver health and could alleviate jaundice symptoms. This includes staying away from certain foods and alcohol while consuming plenty of water and eating vegetables and lean protein.
Your liver eliminates toxins from the body and expels outdated or damaged blood cells. A byproduct known as bilirubin can accumulate and leak out of the liver into the bloodstream if this process is disturbed. Jaundice may result from this.
The foods and beverages you consume directly affect your liver.
Continue reading to find out how to strategically choose your foods and beverages to possibly reduce your risk for subsequent jaundice episodes and maintain the health of your liver.
What role does diet play in the treatment of jaundice?
The diet of the patient is crucial to the prevention and treatment of jaundice. During digestion, the fats in the intestine split. The liver’s production of bile aids in the breakdown of fats. Liver also processes toxins, medications, and the majority of nutrients that are digested. However, different substances and nutrients are metabolised and broken down in different ways, making some better for the liver than others.
Jaundice sufferers are frequently advised to consume foods and beverages that improve metabolism and digestion, shield the liver from further harm, and detoxify the liver.
Food regimen for Jaundice
Depending on the patient’s level of jaundice and any underlying medical conditions, different diet plans are recommended. Patients with jaundice should consume the following foods and beverages:
1. Hydration for Jaundice
Staying hydrated is one of the key strategies for recovering from jaundice. Water facilitates rapid digestion and aids in the liver and kidneys’ removal of toxins. At least 2 litres of water must be consumed each day. Water can have a bland taste to some people. They can remedy this situation by putting a teaspoon of fresh lemon, lime, or grape juice in the water. This contributes to an additional antioxidant dose.
2. Whole Fruits and vegetables reduce Jaundice risk
Because they contain fibre and potent antioxidants, fresh fruits and vegetables also prevent liver damage. Also beneficial for indigestion. They also have nutrients that are good for the liver. Among them are:
- Blueberries, grapes, and cranberries
- Lemons and limes are citrus fruits.
- Watermelon and papaya
- Pumpkin
- Yam and sweet potatoes
- Tomato
- Beetroot and carrot
- Garlic and ginger
- Brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and other cruciferous vegetables
- Avocado
- Greens like spinach and collards
The health benefits of eating whole fruits and vegetables are greatest. The patient must refrain from consuming foods like fruit juices and smoothies that are high in calories and low in fibre.
3. Tea and Coffee
Additionally, coffee and herbal teas contain significant amounts of antioxidants. They also aid in digestion. By slowing the progression, coffee is thought to reduce the risk of liver diseases, cancer, and fibrosis when consume it in moderation.
4. Whole grains, Legumes and Nuts
Whole grain foods contain significant amounts of nutrients that are good for the liver. After the patient consistently eats oats for 12 weeks, it is discovered that they are high in beta-glucan and help the liver function.
Vitamin E, phenolic acid, and antioxidants are all abundant in nuts and legumes. They are also a good source of fibre and healthy fats, which help the liver maintain normal function.
5. Healthy proteins
Lean proteins, such as tofu, legumes, and fish, are thought to put less strain on the liver than red meat does. Oily fish like salmon and mackerel contain omega-3 and zinc, which help the body’s metabolism of fatty acids, alcohols, carbohydrates, and proteins.
6. Milk thistle
In addition to being rich in antioxidants, milk thistle also contains silymarin. Damaged liver cells can heal with the help of silymarin. Take advantage of these benefits by adding milk thistle leaves to your salad, roasting its seeds as a lunchtime treat, or brewing fresh herbal tea. While milk thistle is generally safe, if a patient has any of the following conditions, they should speak with a doctor before taking it:
- Is pregnant
- Do you breastfeed?
- has a cancer that is hormone-specific
- Utilising prescription drugs
What foods should one avoid if they have jaundice?
Iron
Monitoring iron consumption is essential. Cirrhosis, or the scarring of the liver, can result from too much iron. The patient needs to determine how much iron he should be consuming if he wants to lessen liver issues. Ask your doctor how much protein you should eat, and go for lean meat alternatives like chicken and fish rather than beef.
Fat
To prevent fat buildup in the liver, avoid high-fat and fried foods. Unsaturated fats are thought to be easier for the liver to digest than saturated fats, which are found in foods like meat and dairy. Although consume healthy unsaturated fats like olive oil in moderation. Still, unsaturated fats contribute to fatty liver disease.
Depending on the condition of your liver and whether you should continue eating high-fat foods or stop entirely, a doctor or a dietitian may advise you to do so.
Sugar
All forms of processed sugar, including refined sugar, have the potential to increase liver fat deposition. Numerous processed foods that are high in sugar and fat increase the risk of harm. Always choose a piece of fruit or yoghurt that is low in sugar and fat. In addition to limiting sugar, artificial sweeteners are a great way to lessen the burden on the liver.
As your liver heals, it’s possible that you’ll need to restrict your intake of sugar. Depending on the cause of your jaundice and your health, a doctor or dietitian can offer specific recommendations.
Salt
Water retention and liver damage are side effects of a high-salt diet. Getting rid of canned and processed foods from the diet is an easy way to reduce sodium intake. Use herbs and spices like ginger and garlic to flavour the food instead of simply adding salt.
Your body may retain fluids for a longer period of time than usual as a result of dietary sodium. If you eat too much sodium, it might be more difficult for your liver to work properly.
Alcohol
Do not consume alcohol until the jaundice has completely subsided. It worsens liver damage. If drinking alcohol contributed to the jaundice, refrain from doing so even after you’ve recovered. If you require assistance to quit, tell your doctor.
What are some helpful hints for maintaining good health?
A great way to start and maintain a jaundice-fighting diet is by keeping a food journal. Write down everything you can eat, including what you can eat, how much you can eat, and when you can eat it. Additionally, one should be aware of how they feel after eating because some foods may make the symptoms worse.
Several general guidelines are:
- You can divide it into frequent smaller meals rather than three large ones.
- Drink water all day long.
- Avoid adding sugar to your coffee and tea.
- Use Low-fat milk or varieties in place of whole milk and cream.
- Exchange alcoholic beverages for calorie-free mocktails.
The bottom line
Jaundice is caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. How long it takes to leave your system will likely depend on its cause. Combining a healthy diet with treatments for jaundice that support liver health may help reduce symptoms.
Consult a dietitian or your doctor if you have any concerns about your diet for jaundice. They can offer you advice on what to include and exclude from your eating plan while ensuring that you are getting the daily nutrition requirements.
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