Cirrhosis - Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle Changes

A healthy lifestyle is particularly important for people with cirrhosis.

Dietary Factors

Healthy Foods. Because important antioxidant vitamins are depleted in the cirrhotic liver, patients should maintain a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Coffee and Tea. Coffee appears to help lower the risk of cirrhosis, especially among heavy drinkers. A 2006 study indicated that people who drank 1 - 3 cups of coffee a day reduced their risk of alcoholic cirrhosis by 40%. Those who drank 4 or more cups reduced their risk by 80%. Researchers think that there is some ingredient in coffee (other than caffeine) that is responsible for this apparent protection. Studies on tea have been mixed. Some studies report that tea also lowers the risk of chronic liver disease, while others have found no effect.

Antioxidant Supplements. There is some preliminary laboratory evidence that various antioxidant supplements -- including vitamin E, selenium, and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) -- may help protect against liver damage and cirrhosis. Supplements, however, are not recommended for people with liver disease except with the advice of a doctor. Some vitamins, such as vitamins D and A, are metabolized in the liver and can be toxic.

Iron Restrictions. Elevated iron levels have been associated with cirrhosis from many causes. Patients should avoid iron-rich foods, such as red meats, liver, and iron-fortified cereals and should avoid cooking with iron-coated cookware and utensils.

Supplemental Nutritional Products. Supplemental nutritional beverages may be helpful, particularly for patients with both alcoholism and cirrhosis. In one study, patients with both alcoholism and cirrhosis drank Ensure every day as a supplement to their regular diet. After 6 months they showed significant improvement in many signs of overall health compared to those who did not consume the beverage.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine). Thiamine binds to iron and helps reduce iron load in the liver. One small study suggested it may be helpful for patients with chronic hepatitis B. It is not known if it has any benefit for cirrhosis. Pork is high in the vitamin, but more healthful sources include dried fortified cereals, oatmeal, corn, nuts, cauliflower, sunflower seeds and vitamin pills.