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Are There Any Preventive Measures To Be Taken To Reduce The Progression Of Liver Disease Significantly?
Question: Hi..My dad has been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. His direct bilirubin level is 1.3mg/dl, SGOT 63U/L (normal range 38), SGPT 48U/L, INR 1.64, platelets 60,000, creatinine 0.6mg/dl. It has been around this range for the past few months. He is maintaining a good diet and stopped alcohol completely. Can you advise what other care can be taken to prevent disease from progressing?
Brief Answer:
There are things to do...
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Unfortunately, cirrhosis cannot be reversed so it'll be ideal to focus on stopping progression and reducing the risk for complications. Reducing salt intake may help to avoid swollen legs and fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity. Eating regularly (2-3 snacks per day between meals) may help to avoid muscle wasting. Physical activity would also prevent it.
Avoiding other factors that may damage the liver like hepatotoxic drugs is essential. He should avoid dehydration.
His upper gastrointestinal system should be checked for engorged veins. In this case, endoscopic treatment (depending on the patient and extent of disease) and medications like Propranolol should be used.
I hope you'll find this helpful! Let me know if I can assist you further.
Kind regards!
There are things to do...
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Unfortunately, cirrhosis cannot be reversed so it'll be ideal to focus on stopping progression and reducing the risk for complications. Reducing salt intake may help to avoid swollen legs and fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity. Eating regularly (2-3 snacks per day between meals) may help to avoid muscle wasting. Physical activity would also prevent it.
Avoiding other factors that may damage the liver like hepatotoxic drugs is essential. He should avoid dehydration.
His upper gastrointestinal system should be checked for engorged veins. In this case, endoscopic treatment (depending on the patient and extent of disease) and medications like Propranolol should be used.
I hope you'll find this helpful! Let me know if I can assist you further.
Kind regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
I would like to know more about foods that will help and that should be avoided..are there specific vegetables, fruits etc. that help increase bilirubin and platelet count? How much of quantity should he eat per day and what all should be included in diet? Is there anything that will help improve his survial?
Brief Answer:
Not much to avoid, please read the complete answer...
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
One of the most important aspects of the diet is getting enough calories without overeating. Overnutrition may lead to weight gain and fatty liver which may worsen the liver's condition. Avoidance of unhealthy food is recommended as it provides many calories without useful nutrients and sometimes it may also cause harm because of the impaired liver metabolism, like omega-6 rich food. Such food includes corn oil, fatty meat, cookies, mayonnaise and other salad dressings, eggs, nuts, etc.
I've already talked about salt restriction, so I won't repeat anything now.
Omega-3 rich food is beneficial (seafood, particularly salmon and sardines, and whatever makes up the Mediterranean diet.
Protein intake should not be reduced. On the contrary protein intake should be kept high unless encepalopathy occurs. Regarding carbohydrates, they're useful but they should be eaten in moderation as they may promote obesity (and the associated risks). A late night snack is recommended to reduce muscular wasting as the liver's glucogen's stores become depleted very fast. This snack should provide at least 500-700 calories including protein content.
I can't say how many calories are appropriate your dad. He should be assessed by a dietitian and his doctor and be counseled accordingly. A detailed diet cannot be given either. The dietitian should do give him a detailed plan with different options according to his preferences.
Take care.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis, Internal Medicine Specialist
Not much to avoid, please read the complete answer...
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
One of the most important aspects of the diet is getting enough calories without overeating. Overnutrition may lead to weight gain and fatty liver which may worsen the liver's condition. Avoidance of unhealthy food is recommended as it provides many calories without useful nutrients and sometimes it may also cause harm because of the impaired liver metabolism, like omega-6 rich food. Such food includes corn oil, fatty meat, cookies, mayonnaise and other salad dressings, eggs, nuts, etc.
I've already talked about salt restriction, so I won't repeat anything now.
Omega-3 rich food is beneficial (seafood, particularly salmon and sardines, and whatever makes up the Mediterranean diet.
Protein intake should not be reduced. On the contrary protein intake should be kept high unless encepalopathy occurs. Regarding carbohydrates, they're useful but they should be eaten in moderation as they may promote obesity (and the associated risks). A late night snack is recommended to reduce muscular wasting as the liver's glucogen's stores become depleted very fast. This snack should provide at least 500-700 calories including protein content.
I can't say how many calories are appropriate your dad. He should be assessed by a dietitian and his doctor and be counseled accordingly. A detailed diet cannot be given either. The dietitian should do give him a detailed plan with different options according to his preferences.
Take care.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis, Internal Medicine Specialist
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Answered by
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