CIRRHOSIS

 

 This is the term used to describe the end stages of liver disease where chronic inflammation of liver cells has caused an extensive build up of scar tissue in the liver.

 

A cirrhotic liver is hardened with scar tissue, which reduces its blood supply. There is not enough healthy liver tissue to perform the metabolic and detoxification processes that the liver must perform to keep the body healthy.

 

What causes it?

• Excessive alcohol
• Chronic hepatitis B and C infection
• Immune liver diseases such as auto-immune hepatitis
• Adverse reactions to some drugs and vascular disorders of the liver.

 

What are the symptoms?

Signs of advanced cirrhosis may include:
• Spider naevi - spider shaped capillaries on the skin
• Excessive bruising
• Jaundice (yellow discoloration of skin and eyes)
• Altered liver size
•Enlarged spleen
• Clubbing of the ends of the fingers
• Ascites (fluid build up in the abdomen)
• Swelling of the limbs with fluid (edema)
• A flapping tremor of the hands
• Mental confusion and disorientation

Diet

Generally speaking, the diet should include as many raw foods as possible.

Eliminate the salt used in cooking as well as ensure a high fiber intake. Broiled fish and organic poultry are good protein sources and would be much better than red meat.

 

Foods to be avoided are...

Processed foods, Soy sauce, pickled products, gravies, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, chocolate and refined (white) sugar and flour.

If the patient is in "liver failure" he/she should follow a low protein diet, which will produce less ammonia and should obtain proteins from legumes, nuts & grains & seeds & avoid all meats & fowl.