Cirrhosis: Causes, precautions and dietary management

Nov 26, 2024 at 8:37 AM

Cirrhosis is a chronic disease caused by long-term liver damage, which manifests as fibrosis and structural damage of liver tissue. The liver is one of the most important organs in the human body, and it undertakes multiple functions such as metabolism, detoxification, and protein synthesis. The occurrence of cirrhosis is usually due to the long-term effects of multiple factors, which cause continuous damage to liver cells and gradual scarring, eventually leading to liver failure. This article will introduce the main causes of cirrhosis, initial precautions, and dietary management strategies.

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1. Causes of cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is usually caused by fibrosis of liver tissue caused by chronic liver damage. The most common causes include:

Chronic hepatitis B or C: These two viral hepatitis are the main causes of cirrhosis. Long-term hepatitis infection will cause continuous damage to the liver and gradually develop into cirrhosis. Hepatitis C is particularly common worldwide.

Long-term alcoholism: Long-term excessive drinking is another major risk factor for cirrhosis. The toxic effect of alcohol on the liver will damage liver cells, cause inflammation and fibrosis of the liver, and eventually cause cirrhosis.

Fatty liver (NAFLD/NASH): Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are diseases associated with obesity, diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Long-term fat deposition can cause inflammation and fibrosis of the liver, and eventually develop into cirrhosis.

Hereditary diseases: Some hereditary diseases, such as hemochromatosis or Wilson’s disease, can cause excessive accumulation of iron or copper in the liver, damage the liver and eventually lead to cirrhosis.

Drug toxicity: Long-term use of certain drugs (such as anti-tuberculosis drugs, certain painkillers, etc.) may also damage the liver and induce cirrhosis.

2. Precautions for early cirrhosis

There may be no obvious symptoms in the early stage of cirrhosis, but it is still necessary to pay great attention and take appropriate preventive measures to slow the progression of the disease. The following are precautions for early cirrhosis:

Early screening and diagnosis: Regular physical examinations and liver function tests, especially for high-risk people with a history of hepatitis B, hepatitis C or long-term alcohol abuse. Ultrasound, CT scans and liver biopsy can help detect fibrosis changes in the liver at an early stage.

Avoid further liver damage: Control the activity of hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses, quit drinking, and avoid using drugs that are toxic to the liver.

Monitor liver function: Regularly monitor liver function indicators in the blood, such as AST, ALT, total bilirubin, etc. to assess the extent of liver damage.

Maintain a healthy weight: For people with fatty liver, weight loss can help slow the accumulation of liver fat and avoid worsening of the condition.

3. Dietary considerations for patients with cirrhosis

Dietary management is crucial for patients with cirrhosis. It not only helps improve the condition and reduce the burden on the liver, but also improves the quality of life. Here are some dietary recommendations:

Low-salt diet: One of the common complications of patients with cirrhosis is edema and ascites (peritoneal effusion). Excessive salt intake can aggravate the symptoms of edema and ascites. Therefore, it is recommended that patients with cirrhosis maintain a low-salt diet, and the daily salt intake should be controlled below 5 grams.

High-protein diet: The liver is the center of protein metabolism, and patients with cirrhosis often experience a decrease in protein synthesis capacity. An appropriate increase in high-quality protein intake (such as lean meat, fish, protein powder, etc.) can help enhance liver function and promote repair. However, for some patients with poor liver function, excessive protein intake may lead to amino acid accumulation, which needs to be adjusted under the guidance of a doctor.

Avoid high-fat foods: High-fat foods (such as fried foods, animal fats, etc.) will increase the burden on the liver, leading to fatty liver and fat deposition, so they should be avoided.

Foods rich in antioxidants: Patients with cirrhosis should increase antioxidant-rich foods, such as fresh vegetables, fruits (such as blueberries, oranges, apples), whole grains and nuts. Antioxidants can help reduce oxidative damage to the liver and reduce inflammatory responses.

Drink water in moderation: Maintaining adequate water intake is very important for the liver's detoxification and metabolic functions. However, if accompanied by symptoms of edema or ascites, patients should limit fluid intake to avoid excessive fluid accumulation.

Avoid alcohol and toxins: Patients with cirrhosis should completely avoid alcohol intake, because alcohol has a direct toxic effect on the liver and will accelerate the progression of cirrhosis. Any drugs or chemicals that may cause liver toxicity should also be avoided.

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4. Summary

Cirrhosis is a chronic disease caused by multiple factors, and early screening and intervention are essential. For patients with cirrhosis, controlling the cause, avoiding further liver damage, and implementing reasonable dietary management are key measures to slow down the disease and improve the quality of life. In terms of diet, special attention should be paid to low-salt, high-protein, and antioxidant-rich foods, while avoiding high-fat and alcohol intake. Under the guidance of doctors and nutritionists, personalized diet plans and lifestyle adjustments can effectively help patients with cirrhosis maintain healthy liver function and overall health.