The therapeutic diet allows you to restore the liver and prevent the development of such serious complications as such as cirrhosis and encephalopathy. Its observance is especially important for various diseases of the liver and gall bladder.
Key principles of proper nutrition for liver health
What is good for the liver in terms of nutrition? According to the classification of M.I. Pevzner, one of the best diets is table No. 5. Such nutrition allows you to maintain the basic functions of this organ and the biliary system.
In particular, a diet for the liver allows you to:
- Ensure the necessary level of metabolic processes in liver cells and hepatocytes.
- Restore the organ’s ability to process toxic substances.
- Prevent the risk of cirrhotic changes.
- Support normal bile formation.
What foods restore the liver and keep it healthy? An important place in the diet is occupied by foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. These foods include olive oil, nuts, green vegetables and fish.
Proper nutrition as the basis for recovery in liver diseases
Diet for liver disease not only helps reduce the load on the affected organ, but also promotes its recovery. The most important thing is to try to adhere to the following recommendations:
- Power mode. It is recommended to eat small portions, but often, preferably at least 5 times a day. This will help prevent overeating and relieve additional stress on the liver. The optimal weight of one serving is about 200 g.
- Temperature conditions of dishes. The optimal temperature of products intended for consumption should be 15-50 degrees.
- Cooking technologies. If you have liver disease, your diet should exclude fried, smoked and canned foods. The best cooking methods are boiling, steaming or stewing.
- Food structure. To reduce the load on the digestive system, products must be crushed to a homogeneous consistency.
Products for liver restoration should be included in the daily menu only after consultation with a hepatologist and gastroenterologist. This is due to the fact that organ pathologies often coexist with diseases of the stomach, pancreas and gall bladder.
Prohibited foods for liver problems
The diet for a diseased liver prohibits the consumption of rich bread, pastries with creams and puff pastry products. You should also exclude from your diet:
- Broths based on high-calorie meat or fish;
- Fatty meat products;
- Cream, whole milk, high-fat cottage cheese;
- Radish, white cabbage, radish;
- Chocolate, ice cream, sour fruits and berries;
- Carbonated drinks, coffee and strong tea;
- Hot seasonings (mustard, pepper, horseradish, as well as various ketchups and sauces).
You should also abstain from alcohol: even in small quantities, alcohol harms the liver.
