Chronic liver disease and your diet

Role of your liver

• Removes toxins from your blood
• Stores nutrition from your food as glycogen (a source of energy)
• Helps with blood clots
• Produces hormones
• Removes bad things from your body and keeps you healthy.

What happens if you have chronic liver disease?

• Your liver cannot store and release glycogen.
• Your body breaks down fat and muscle to give you energy.
• You will lose muscle and body fat.

Tips to prevent muscle and weight loss from liver disease

• Eat high energy and high protein snacks between meals. Examples of high protein snacks are: yoghurt, cheese and biscuits, or a handful of nuts.
• Your doctor may prescribe supplement drinks to increase your protein.
• Add some protein to all of your meals. Examples of good protein options are: chicken, fish, beef, eggs, beans and milk. They should make up at least 1/4 of your plate.
• Have regular meals and snacks throughout the day. Eat breakfast when you wake up and a high protein snack before bed. 

Examples of good quality protein

 

Buy-ups choices for good liver health

Choose: Foods in the left column are high in energy and protein, they can help you to prevent muscle and fat loss.

Avoid: Foods in the right column are high in salt, eating less can reduce the amount of fluid that stays in your body.